There won’t be any fireworks on Canada Day this year, but that doesn’t mean communities across P.E.I. aren’t trying to add some pop and sizzle to the annual celebration.
Due to the public health restrictions, including physical distancing guidelines put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic, traditional activities have been cancelled this year and have been replaced by events like virtual online shows and backyard decorating contests.
“I think that the intention, as the birthplace of Confederation, it’s important for Charlottetown to recognize Canada Day and to (give) residents and, really, Islanders an opportunity to celebrate if they wish to do so," says Laurel Lea, tourism officer for the City of Charlottetown.
CHARLOTTETOWN
The capital city is inviting people to participate at home by tuning in online to professional video productions. People are also asked to wear red and white to show national pride by taking part in a special Canada Day photo mosaic and to join the home decorating contest for a chance to win prizes. More details are at Charlottetown.ca/CanadaDay.
“I think that the intention, as the birthplace of Confederation, it’s important for Charlottetown to recognize Canada Day and to (give) residents and, really, Islanders an opportunity to celebrate if they wish to do so."
The city will present Whoa, Canada! with Silly Robbie & Friends, hosted by children’s entertainer Silly Robbie. It will include musical performances by Michael Pendergast, a guided science experiment with Mad Science of the Maritimes, craft time with local artist and artist educator Jessica Sheppard and a baking segment with chef Ilona Daniel, as well as storytime with Mayor Philip Brown and mascot Charlie Town.
Furrow Studio is also teaming up with producer and music director Colin Buchanan for a show at 7:30 p.m. that will feature musical performances by Paper Lions, Irish Mythen, Kinley, Vince the Messenger, Tiffany Liu and the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors.
Daniel will also lead a series of culinary segments featuring chef Cordell Wells and culinary students Sasha Burkitt and Caleb Gallant. Together, they will whip up some of their Island favourites, including Acadian and Mi’kmaw dishes using local ingredients.
Following is a synopsis of what is taking place in other P.E.I. communities:
SUMMERSIDE
The city’s always popular civic ceremony will be posted live online for residents to enjoy for the first time in the event’s history. It will be broadcast live on YouTube at 1 p.m. and feature the awarding of the 2020 George Key Senior Citizen of the Year Award and the C. Ross Mackenzie Contribution to Canada Day Award.
The municipality is also asking residents to show their civic pride by taking part in the home decorating contest where residents are encouraged to decorate their homes for a chance to win some prizes.
The city’s community services department is also offering its first Great Canadian Scavenger Hunt, which encourages residents to get outside, be active and explore the city with a chance to win some prizes.
For more details on Canada Day in Summerside, click here.
KENSINGTON
Celebrations will take place virtually, beginning at 10 a.m., due to public health restrictions.
There will be a live feed on the town's Facebook page.
The ceremony will also be videographed and posted a day or two afterwards.
The ceremony will include presentations of the citizen and youth of the year awards, a colour party march and the singing of O Canada.
STRATFORD
The town is going ahead with its annual strawberries and ice cream event, but it’s going to look a little different.
This year, the summer treat will be passed out in a drive-thru set up at the Stratford Town Centre. The town has received approval from the province on this approach, which will include health and safety measures to ensure COVID-19 compliance.
Residents can receive their strawberries and ice cream, beginning at 2 p.m. until the supply runs out.
There will also be a Celebrate Stratford Motorcade to recognize the town’s first responders and essential workers. The motorcade leaves the Stratford Town Centre at noon, with the route including Stratford Road, Keppoch Road, Kinlock Road and Mason Road.
Town officials are asking residents to line the route, physically distanced, of course, with noisemakers and signs to thank those in the motorcade.
The town is also accepting RSVPs from Stratford businesses that provide essential services, such as food delivery, grocery stores, tow truck/car repair shops, etc. and any individual essential workers who would like to participate.
Residents are also encouraged to decorate their homes and vehicles.
The town will be making a virtual announcement of the volunteers of the year in the senior, adult and youth categories, and Mayor Steve Ogden will have a special Canada Day message.
CORNWALL
Residents are encouraged to decorate their homes and businesses and submit photos by email to [email protected] by June 29. Submissions will then be posted on the town’s social media sites for judging by the public. Voting will end at 11:59 p.m. on July 1.
Residents can also show off their creative abilities by joining a colouring contest. There will be two different Canadian pictures to choose from posted on the town’s social media sites on June 30. Print off and colour the picture. Once completed, take a picture of the masterpiece, include a name and phone number and email it to [email protected]. All entries will have a chance to win some prizes.
The town will also hold a scavenger hunt, where people can walk or cycle to various community locations. At each location, the participant will find a local or Canadian trivia question. Keep track of the answers. When finished, submit the answers by email to [email protected]. The list of locations will be released on July 1.
SOURIS
The town will be hosting a family scavenger hunt, with families asked to register by today.
It will take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Families will be asked to come up with a team name and work together to solve some riddles, find items on the list and learn more about the town.
Only one registration per family is required, and each team is permitted up to six players.
Each family must include at least one adult and one child.
Register by calling 902-687-2157 or emailing [email protected].
THREE RIVERS
Residents are encouraged to decorate their backyards, snap a photo and send it to [email protected] by July 2 to be entered into a draw for one of three family prize packs, which include a $25 gift certificate to What’s The Scoop and a $25 gift certificate to Brudenell Miniatures.
Cathleen MacKinnon with the town said they would like to see people tag their pictures on the town’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
The town will also be handing out cupcakes at three locations — the Montague waterfront, Cardigan Heritage Centre and the Kings Playhouse. Service will be drive-thru style from 10-11 a.m. on July 1 (supplies are limited).
“We are also going to have a video of some Canada Day memories in Three Rivers from years past and we’re going to have that up on the Facebook page,’’ MacKinnon said.
The Guardian reached out to communities not on this list. North Rustico indicated it had nothing planned, while there was no response from others.
