BONNYVILLE – The Town of Bonnyville is gearing up for its annual Canada Day festivities on July 1, which will include a Party in the Park with a live Performance from Charlie Major, Buck Horn Steel, and the Rivard Sister.
The Rolling Barrage, a motorcycle group that hosts a coast-to-coast tour to combat PTSD, will also be joining Bonnyville’s Canada Day celebrations again, bringing in a first responder challenge qualifier, where they will compete in a corn hole tournament.
Rolling Barrage event organizer Jamie Beaupre said the tournament will be judged by special guests from Boots on the Ground Alberta.
“[Those who] succeed at the [first-responder] challenge get a free dinner at the August 12th Luaupazuza, where they will compete in the grand finale to win the title! All I could say about August is it's old school backyard Olympics, which will not be combative, that physically demanding, and is designed to have fun and laughs,” said Beaupre.
Participants can be current or past members of the military, law enforcement, fire department, EMS, 911, Search and Rescue, front line nurses, mental health aids, and affiliates.
Additionally, The Rolling Barrage will be hosting a beer garden and a $15 barbecue steak dinner at 5 p.m. during the Party in the Park at Little Leap Park.
Doreen Kushnir, Canada Day event organizer for the Town of Bonnyville, said she’s most excited about the evening fireworks display that will happen at Little Leap Park at dusk, and also mentioned the fire eaters, sword swallowers, and Kehewin dancers they booked this year.
“We have lots of new vendors booked. There’s going to be a lot more things to do, and we anticipate a big crowd . . . It’s a great community event . . . I’m always surprised with how packed the park gets. It makes you feel good about all the hard work we put into it when so many people come out to enjoy it,” said Kushnir.
Registration is now open for those wanting to be in the Canada Day Parade which will make its way down Main Street in Bonnyville. Kushnir said the parade sees a lot of local businesses, organizations, and clubs participating.
“It's really open to anyone. We even have seniors from the Bonnylodge participating this year. The parade is always fun, every year,” said Kushnir.
Canada Day is going to see a full day of events, starting with a 8 a.m. pancake breakfast at Sobey’s, where local dignitaries will be flipping flack jacks for the community.
An opening ceremony will be held at the Bonnyville Museum at 1 p.m., with the parade down Main Street following at 3 p.m., and more entertainment and events happening throughout the evening.
In April, the Town of Bonnyville announced country music artist Charlie Major would be performing at a free concert at Little Leap Park.
Major was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2019. He has won three JUNO awards, and seven CCMA awards.
