A watermelon eating contest, dog show, lots of live entertainment, will be taking place in Pitt Meadows Spirit Square to celebrate Canada’s birthday.
The free family event will be running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting with a pancake breakfast courtesy of the Pitt Meadows Lions Club.
Breakfast runs until 10:30 a.m. and is $8 per adult and $4 for children 11 years and younger. Both cash and card will be accepted.
Canada Day events will begin at 9 a.m. in the square with a show and shine – which is in its seventh year – an Artisan Alley, and a Kids Zone.
The Kids Zone will include a bouncy castle, face painting, and soccer-inspired fun like a World Cup soccer shootout, human Foosball, and mini soccer games.
Those wanting to participate in the show and shine must fill out an application online. There is no application fee and each applicant will receive a free pancake breakfast.
From 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. there will be a dog show. Those who would like to participate can register their pups from 9 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. at a booth near the cenotaph on the day of the event.
“Dogs and owners will compete is a variety of categories that include best dressed, best trick, waggiest tail and sniffing. The contest is through Wag More Training. This years Youth Ambassadors will be judging the categories,” explained Tia O’Grady, spokesperson for the city.
Norden the Magician will be taking to the stage from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a dance performance by the Ridge Meadows Malayali Cultural Association.
Opening ceremonies will take place from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by the serving of cake for the special occasion.
Then children’s entertainer Peter G-G will take to the stage.
At 12:30 p.m. there will be a live music act by Almost Famous, and finally from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at watermelon eating contest.
Food vendors will be in the square from 11 a.m. until the end of the celebration.
In addition to all of the celebrations, there will be a place for reflection for residents to, “take a moment to confront the harsh truths of Canada’s colonialist history with Indigenous communities,” explained the city online.
A reflection rock will be located beside the Katzie First Nation flag in the square.
The city is hoping residents will, “embrace the discomfort and acknowledge these truths to forge a shared determination and an equitable future, built on understanding, respect and collective action.”
Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre will still be open on Canada Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., including the fitness centre, customer service, and washrooms.
However, the drive-through lane in front of the recreation centre and the south parking lot will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Canada Day event.
There will be limited parking available in the recreation centre underground lot and north lot.
Spirit Square is located at 11985 Harris Rd., Pitt Meadows.
For more information go to: https://www.pittmeadows.ca/our-community/events/special-events/canada-day-pitt-meadows.