LAC LA BICHE – On July 1, people will be celebrating Canada’s 158th birthday, with events taking place from coast to coast, including some in the Lac La Biche area.
Once again, this year, the Lac La Biche Mission is hosting a day filled with fun activities.
According to Danielle Gauthier, operations supervisor for the Lac La Biche Mission, the events start off with a traditional pancake breakfast, followed by a mass inside the 102-year-old Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church (Our Lady of Victory) located on the historical site.
“We will then have our opening ceremonies and land acknowledgement, followed by Live entertainment all day long featuring local and various artists from Alberta,” Gauthier said, explaining that these acts include the Plamondon-based group Girlz with Guitars, fiddle player Dominic Plamondon, jigger Savannah Blyan-Hamelin, and Indigenous singer Phyllis Sinclair.
Those who attend this year’s Canada Day events at the Mission will be able to go on afternoon tours of the church as well as the historic laundry room on the grounds. There will also be plenty of activities for children and youth to enjoy, including bouncy houses, balloon animals, face painting, glitter tattoos, axe throwing, crafts, and prizes.
While there is no entrance fee for the day, Gauthier said donations at the gate are highly encouraged.
“This ensures that we can continue to offer these events to our community,” she said.
The Canada Day celebration helps create awareness and about the Lac La Biche Mission and history in the surrounding region.
“By hosting a well-attended, vibrant event, we draw attention to the rich history and cultural significance of the Mission and its place within the community,” Gauthier stated. “Having our Canada Day Celebration every year is important because it creates a consistent tradition that brings people together, year after year, fostering community unity and continuity.”
Fireworks
Every year, Lac La Biche County puts on a fireworks display on McArthur Park. Alex Fuller, Interim Communications lead with the County, confirmed that the details for this year are the same.
"The County will have fireworks in McArthur Park on July 1, at 11 p.m."
Free lunch
People wanting to enjoy a free hamburger on July 1 can stop by Beaver Hill Shell. Owner Mo Kabalan said Beaver Hill Shell will be offering a free barbecue, along with the opportunity for people to win door prizes.
The event, according to Kabalan, is put on to celebrate Canada Day, but also to show customer appreciation.
