There are a lot of opportunities to celebrate Canada Day in Langley, on Monday, July 1. It is Canada’s 146th birthday.
The biggest event is Langley’s Canada Day celebrations, at McLeod Athletic Park.
It’s the celebration everyone waits for all year — Canada Day at McLeod Park. Into its 17th year, organizers have shortened it into one action-packed day on Monday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., featuring everything from pony rides, a midway, mini-golf, laser tag, and amazing entertainment, both on stage and in the air. There’s a foam dance pit, aerial entertainment by The Circus Lab and trampoline demonstrations by Flip City. Fireworks are at 10:30 p.m.
Parking and access will be more challenging due to roadwork on 216 Street. There is good park access from 56 Avenue and 213A Street.
There is also a free Canada Day Party at the national historic site in Fort Langley.
The site is British Columbia’s birthplace. Admission is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will enjoy the festive, relaxing setting as they take in multicultural entertainment, heritage activities and balloon artistry.
For early birds, the day kicks off with a Fort Langley Lions’ Club pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m ($5/adult, $3/youth), followed by a citizenship ceremony at 10 a.m.
The official flag-raising ceremony and cake cutting is at 12 p.m.
Staff and volunteers will be dressed in period costumes. There will be opportunities to visit the farm animals, pan for gold and hear the bang of historic weapons at 11 a.m and 3 p.m.
There is also a free, fun, family event, which is jointly hosted by the Langley Centennial Museum and the BC Agricultural and Farm Museum, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday.
Located at 9135 King Street in Fort Langley, the Centennial Museum will host a variety of Canada Day events and activities, including crafts, face painting, food vendors, balloon artistry, a children’s Music Together program, and old fashioned games and races.
New this year is a guided historical walking tour through Fort Langley.
Inside the Centennial Museum, visitors can participate in a colouring contest, scavenger hunt, or watch a demonstration from local spinners and weavers. The celebration will also feature Langley Arts Council’s second annual “One Can Arts Festival,” where many local artists will be selling their art onsite. As well, the main stage will feature the Red Stone Alley Band and a fun-filled kids concert.
The event will be officially opened at 12 p.m. by Township Mayor Jack Froese.