Selkirk’s Canada Day celebration is the perfect mix of music, education, fun and fireworks, and it all gets started at noon on July 1 at the Waterfront.
The city’s annual summer party, presented by the City of Selkirk and Access Credit Union, is a free event that has something for everyone. Selkirk Record is the media sponsor.
Ellie Longbottom, Selkirk’s Culture Coordinator, says the day features a wide variety of activities and there’s no shortage of things to see, do, and experience.
“The city’s Canada Day is truly an event for the entire family. There are kids’ activities and entertainers, including the legendary Al Simmons, there’s bands performing classic rock, country and folk and of course the fireworks,” Longbottom said.
“The pool and splash pad will be open and there’s the storybook walk, which has quickly become a favourite.”
Activities for the whole family
United for Literacy’s Tales & Trails storybook walk features ‘Raven’s Ribbons’ by Cree and Trinidadian author Tasha Spillett, illustrated by Ojibwe fine artist Daniel Ramirez. The storybook walk will be located by the Selkirk Park Pool entrance.
The Kids Zone features Glitter Bug Glitter Tattoos, Kurrent Motion Hoop Jam, Bubble Barn, Mr. Squiggly and the City of Selkirk’s Block Party Trailer, loaded with games for everyone. Kids Zone runs from 4pm to 8pm.
The Makers Market, hosted by Bud and Bloom, runs from 4pm to 10pm and features 100% handmade goods.
Free live entertainment all evening long
Live entertainment gets underway in the late afternoon, starting at 4:15pm with The Broken Binders. The École Selkirk Junior High band performs a mix of classic and modern rock covers.
At 4:50pm, Darren Lavallee takes the stage. Known as the “Marvelous Métis,” the St. Ambroise performer brings more than 25 years of experience and an award-winning fiddle style rooted in his Métis heritage.
Hold on Surely takes to the Waterfront stage at 6pm, playing music from yesterday and today. At 7:15pm, Al Simmons takes over with his unique brand of entertainment. The Juno award winning Simmons has been putting smiles on the faces of kids and adults for more than 50 years, and his Selkirk performance is sure to entertain.
Mach 10 is up at 8:30pm and brings a mix of rock, country, and pop tunes. If the name sounds familiar it’s because you may have seen them during period breaks at Jets games, the band is known as the Winnipeg Jets house band.
Les Barn Boys close the show at 10pm with their mix of traditional folk and country. Their kitchen-party sound has been enjoyed at Festival du Voyageur, Fire and Water Music Fest and the Grey Cup Festival, as well as Manitoba Moose games.
The best fireworks in the Interlake
The fireworks start at 11pm. The Blue Bridge will be closed from 10:30pm to 11:30pm on Canada Day.
The city encourages everyone to learn more about our country and how we can all contribute to reconciliation on Canada Day, and any day. Visit the city’s Educational Resources page to explore our shared history.
Plan your trip to the Waterfront
Selkirk Transit will operate for free from 5pm until the fireworks wrap up. For those who want to take the bus home, it will be parked on Superior Avenue by the Legion.
If you’re driving to Canada Day please be aware accessible parking is located at the corner of Eveline Street and Superior Avenue. A valid accessible parking permit is required to use this lot. Access is available through the barricade at the corner of Eveline Street and Superior Avenue.
Walking or riding your bike on one of the city’s Active Transportation pathways is encouraged! You won’t have to look for a parking spot and your bike can be locked up securely at one of the many bike racks on Eveline Street or Manitoba Avenue.
For full event details, visit MySelkirk.ca/CanadaDay
