On Canada Day, families in Nanaimo can enjoy a variety of music and dance performances, children's games, and even a ship tour.
Free activities take place Tuesday, July 1, from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Maffeo Sutton Park. There will be mainstage entertainment at the Lions Pavilion, a cultural community stage with performances ranging from Celtic dancers to historical fencing, and a kids' and family zone.
Mainstage entertainment starting at 11 a.m. includes Unite the Beat, Barsby School of Rock, Mardi Gras Mambo, Turnpike and the Steadies.
On the community stage starting at noon, Acclaim Celtic Dancers will take the stage, followed by Vancouver Island Bhangra, Latin and ballroom dancers, Fiddelium, Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society, Flowers of Nanaimo Chinese Dancing, historical fencing and Vibe Dance Studio.
In the kids' zone, there will be games and face painting by the City of Nanaimo's Leaders in Training volunteers, a bouncy castle, photo booth, and community such as the Nanaimo Drowning Prevention Coalition.
At the other end of the Harbourfront Walkway, HMCS Nanaimo will be open for tours at the W.E. Mills Landing and Marina visiting vessel pier from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
While there will be food trucks, the city asks people to bring their own water bottles to fill and refill at a water station.
Parking will not be available at Maffeo Sutton Park on Canada Day, except for limited disability parking on-site. All on-site street meters are free of charge for two hours and complimentary shuttles are being provided by Regional District of Nanaimo Transit. Shuttle schedules and more information can be found at http://nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-events/canada-day-celebrations.
