Canada Day festivities have something for everyone in HRM
Posted Jun 29, 2018 02:48:08 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The HRM Canada Day festivities set for Sunday will cater to just about everyone this year.
From pancake breakfast to science experiments, face painting, Touch-A-Truck and a big concert capped by fireworks, it's sure to be huge.
“I'm really excited about our lineup this year. We have so many family elements, including our partnership with The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo,” said Billy Comer, Civic Events Coordinator with the city. “There are multiple programs at multiple venues from 8 a.m. to midnight, and it's going to be a blast.”
There will be meet and greets with the K9 Hi Flyers Dog Agility Team, as well as a performance of sky formations by the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, the Skyhawks.
“The Skyhawks should be a major highlight of the day, and the parachute team landing on the Halifax Commons will delight people,” he said.
With opening day ceremonies from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., people will get free admission to the Halifax Citadel. There will be Canada Day cake as well.
“It's the best time to get out of the house and explore, and to take a young child to the citadel for the first time could be amazing,” he said. “They could get a sense of history, and really see an amazing part of the city. And there's cake for them too.”
The annual free, all-ages concert at Alderney Landing starts at 5 p.m., and features Alfie, T. Thomason, Mo Kenney and Allan Rayman. Skratch Bastid will shore up the night DJ'ing some great tunes.
Rayman, a Juno-nominated artist whose made his name at Osheaga and other festivals, makes his Atlantic Canadian debut here.
“Rayman is one of those guys whose career is beginning to skyrocket,” said Comer. “He was at Field Trip in Toronto and was reviewed as one of the best performers there.”
Kenney, a fan-favourite in Nova Scotia, had a great year also.
“She's from here, and she's now becoming huge in Canada. She just won an ECMA and it's great to have her,” he said.
“Then Skratch Bastid will get the party started. It's also amazing to have young talent like Thomason and Alfie.”
T. Thomason says he is thankful for the chance to be in the Canada Day lineup.
“I've gone to a lot of concerts there, and my most memorable was Mother Mother,” he said.
“It's so nice Billy (Comer) thought of me, and this year he's really trying to showcase up-and-coming artists, and I'm happy about that.”
The 23-year-old is fresh off his win at Casino Nova Scotia’s 2018 Artist in Residence competition.
“It's just going to open a lot of doors in terms of the release of my next record,” said Thomason. “There's a light at the end of the tunnel and so many things can become a reality now.”
Thomason is pumped to play Canada Day, but also hopes Haligonians take some time for reflection.
“We need to remain thankful we're in Canada, and acknowledge the struggles of the Indigeneous people whose land we're on. We must consider negatives and positives of this country,” he said.
“I want everyone to have a great time and come hear some amazing music, but be mindful of the history of this great country.”
Comer is happy events in Halifax and Dartmouth will reach people all over HRM.
“Sometimes people say the ferry can make things difficult, but on Canada Day it's free, and there's no excuse,” he said.
“You can do a harbour cruise, see Dartmouth, and that's so important. We want to celebrate the urban core on both sides.”
Comer says Canada Day is huge right here in Halifax.
“It's a major celebration here. School just ended and people can pay attention to the event calendar,” he said.
“Rain or shine, people can celebrate together for their country. People of all walks of life can come together.”
Fireworks are set to go off at 10 p.m. and Comer says to be ready.
“The concert or the ferry terminal side is definitely the best spot,” he said. “Just make sure you bring a chair or blanket, find a spot if you're not at the concert, and get ready for it.”
For more information and a full schedule, you can head to Halifax's Canada Day website.
