National spirit will be on display at Spirit Square on July 1 as thousands are expected to gather in downtown Pitt Meadows for the annual Canada Day celebration.
The family-friendly festivities kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the Pitt Meadows Lions Club pancake breakfast, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for children, and is cash only. The pancake breakfast will continue until 10:30 a.m.
At 9 a.m., the entertainment begins with the fifth annual Show & Shine event, which will include a variety of vintage and custom vehicles for people to admire. Plus, everyone who enters the Show & Shine receives a free admission to the pancake breakfast.
There will also be an Artisan Alley with plenty of local vendors, as well as a kid's zone full of children's games and activities, both of which open to the public at 9 a.m.
Dog lovers will be sure to want to visit the dog show at 9:15 a.m., which is hosted by Rachel Fisher of WagMore Training. Taking place near the cenotaph, this show will have pups of all ages and sizes competing in a variety of events, with prizes given out for the best dressed, best trick, most charismatic, and waggiest tail.
Live entertainment will be available on the main stage throughout the day, with the full schedule consisting of:
• Norden the Magician (10 to 10:45 a.m.)
• Men's traditional powwow dance (10:45 to 11 a.m.)
• Opening ceremonies (11 to 11:30 a.m.)
• Miss Shauna (11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Peter G-G (12:45 to 1 p.m.)
• Almost Famous (1:15 to 2 p.m.)
Visitors will be able to grab a bite to eat at the various food trucks throughout Spirit Square, which includes Pizza Pizza, Lucente's Osteria, Bhojan, Lion's Club hotdog cart, and Sweet Tooth Creamery.
In an effort to encourage people to acknowledge every aspect of the country on Canada Day, the City of Pitt Meadows is promoting its landmark called A Place of Reflection, which is located next to the First Nation flag in Spirit Square and is a place for people to reflect on the dark colonialist history that was a core part of Canada's roots.
Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald is excited for people to come down to Spirit Square to partake in the festivities on Monday, July 1.
"Attendees can enjoy the Show & Shine, the watermelon eating contest, fantastic main stage entertainment, a dog show, and more," said Mayor MacDonald. "It’s sure to be a fun event for everyone."
The Canada Day celebration will wrap up at 2 p.m. and is free for all ages.
