Rejuvenating Canada Day in Liverpool

The latter festival begins July 2.

The Canada Day revitalization is the result of a dedicated group of volunteers who wanted to see Canada Day celebrations return to Liverpool. “It hasn’t happened in a long time,” says Maureen Howe, chair of the Canada Day Committee.

The committee started from scratch in February, but Howe has huge praises for what the committee has done in that short time. “I’m hoping it’s a sweet day.”

July 1 kicks off the minute it begins, with a Carillon of Bells from the churches of Liverpool. The suggestion came from one resident who remembered the churches did a carillon in 1967, during Canada’s centennial.

The committee consciously decided to make the day child focused, with lots of games and activities. “We’re trying to go back to the old fashioned days,” explained Howe.

A Lions Club-sponsored children’s street parade with the theme Story Book Characters begins 10 a.m. on Henry Hensey Drive, where children can dress up or decorate their bicycles. No motorized vehicles are included. Each child that participates in the parade will get a certificate. The Grand Marshal is IWK Health Centre Foundation’s 2009 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child and Liverpool resident, MacKenzie Colp.

After the flag raising ceremony at 10:45, children can gather in the park for a Teddy Bears Tea Party, followed by an afternoon of traditional games and other activities. Organizers are asking children to bring their Teddy Bears of course. They can also enjoy a puppet show, pretend hospital, games and art work. Ever wonder what 1,500 cupcakes, decorated like the Canadian flag, look like? Go to Privateer Park around 11 a.m. to find out.

The committee has partnered with the Royal Canadian Legion for the day as well, so there will be a break for the Garden Party at 1 p.m.

The music also starts at 1 p.m. Live bands will play in the Privateer tent until 10:45 p.m. that night.

Tickets for the Pig Roast in the evening at the fire hall are on sale now as well. Berwick butcher Meadow Vale Meat Market is doing the roast to feed the crowd. Tickets are $11 per person or $20 for two. The committee is asking people to bring a non-perishable item for donation to the food bank as well.

The day finishes off with a fireworks display at dusk, a spectacular display of red and white for Canada Day. The Privateer Days Commission also reminds people they will have their display at the end of their festivities.

Howe is hoping for a good turnout for the day, and that this is just the start for the rejuvenation of Canada Day in Liverpool.