While Westlock’s centennial has come and gone, there’s another milestone to celebrate, Canada’s 150th birthday. With July 1 quickly approaching, organizers of this year’s blowout have been hard at work.
The day will begins with a bang at 10:30 a.m. as two CF-18 Hornets soar over the town to kick off celebrations.
Eager partygoers will then have a few hours to prepare for the main events at the Rotary Spirit Centre at 2 p.m., starting with the traditional flag-raising ceremony.
The fun keeps on rolling with the Vrozhay Ukrainian Dance performance until 2:45 p.m. Then participants get a dash of wonder with a magic show from 2:45 until 3:15 p.m.
Charmaine Babiak of the Vrozhay Ukrainian Dance Club said that they have solos, duets, trios and routines that are practiced throughout the year prepared for audiences.
At 3:30 p.m. the first annual talent showcase begins, running until 6 p.m. The festivities are then passed back to the magician for a second showing until 6:30 p.m.
The celebration really heats up at 7 p.m. with musical performances from Soap Box Duo, Good Nature, and Our Good Wolf.
“I’m looking forward to the big fireworks show,” said mayor Ralph Leriger on the fireworks which will close out the day at 11 p.m.
Babiak said she was looking forward to Canada Day every year, and like the mayor, she was looking forward to the fireworks display.
“We take out the lawn chairs, kids and popcorn, making a big family night out of it,” she said.
Throughout the day participants can also enjoy bouncy castles, games, face-painting and free admission to the Westlock Celebration Market located in the curling rink. There will even be a barbecue and beer garden hosted by the Westlock Royal Canadian Legion.
When asked about the upcoming 150th birthday Leriger said, “it should be a good shaker. I’m looking forward to it.”
Leriger said he is always excited to see the sheer number of people that show up to the festivities.
“One of the things I’m impressed with is we certainly celebrate Canada Day more than when I was a kid,” he said.
