This year's Canada Day celebration in Abbotsford will feature a new site layout and expanded activities, the city has announced.
The event, produced in partnership with Tourism Abbotsford, kicks off with the annual parade down South Fraser Way starting at 11 a.m. with a "Lights, Camera, Canada Day!" theme.
Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to bring their favourite movie moments to life with props and costumes.
Following the parade, the festivities continue at Exhibition Park with a free family-friendly festival.
Attendees can enjoy a wide range of interactive activities such as hay rides, mini golf, a slide and sand zone, a sports zone, sensory-friendly spaces and more.
New and expanded activities include:
• a STEM zone featuring exhibits and activities from the Abbotsford International Airshow, Gearbots and the HR MacMillan Space Centre, as well as a hands-on building zone;
• wheelchair sports;
• an expanded AgriZone; and
• a handmade and homegrown marketplace showcasing local artisans and producers.
Live entertainment will take place throughout the day, along with a community showcase, a variety of food trucks, performances by local groups, and the Dogwood Pacesetters dog show.
The celebration concludes with a fireworks finale at dusk, weather permitting, sponsored by Fraser Valley Auto Mall. This year, the fireworks will launch from a new location within the ball diamonds.
The festival includes increased pedestrian access points on the east and west sides of the park.
Applications are now being accepted for parade entries and community showcase booths and can be done online at abbotsford.ca/canadaday.
The webpage will also have a complete schedule of the day’s events along with an activities map, entertainment schedule and more information as July 1 approaches.
