Monica Lamb-Yorksi
Tribune Staff Writer
The Canada Day celebrations in Boitanio Park will have a little more festive atmosphere this year thanks to the efforts of a group of Lake City Secondary Columneetza campus Grade 7 students who visited the Potato House Tuesday.
The students helped environmental educator Mary Forbes to make bunting flags for the festival which takes place from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. in the park with a host of activities including a giant cake to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
Save-on-Foods will be serving the cupcake Canada Day cake at about 1 p.m.
Official ceremonies by the Royal Canadian Legion, the Williams Lake Pipe Band and a welcome to traditional Secwepemc territory will take place right after the Daybreak Rotary’s Stampede Parade which starts at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude at about noon depending on entries.
This year’s performance lineup includes First Nations drummers and hoop dancers, the Lucier Brothers, Rebecca Solomon and the Williams Lake Community Band.
Throughout the park there will be activities reflecting Canada’s 150-plus years and opportunities for people to express what they would like the future to look like.
People will also be able to try family-friendly activities such as axe throwing, Highland games, cheer leading and table tennis.
There will also be some quiet space under the trees to relax, listen to Secwepemc stories of the land and people, and enjoy some Canadian books, quotes and poetry.
Visit the commemorative time capsule where the community can bring a photo or write or draw what they would like to share with others in 25 years.
The 150 Mile School House, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, Secwepemc and Tsilhqot’in Elders, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Multiculturalism Program are providing numerous traditional and heritage activities.
The Big Sky District Girl Guides will be showcasing their heritage uniforms throughout the day along with providing free face painting.
Many local businesses and organizations are sponsoring a Skateboard and BMX Jam, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Nathan Mathews Memorial Skate Park.
All ages and levels are encouraged to participate.
The Williams Lake Quilters will be showcasing a selection of their Canada-themed quilts, along with demonstrations from the Williams Lake Spinners and Weavers.
Don’t pack a lunch, as delicious foods such as curry, burgers, chicken and mini donuts will be available. There will also be small businesses selling jewellery, novelty items, and woodworking, and doing glitter painting, henna and air brush tattooing.
Save on Foods will be serving the cupcake Canada Day cake at about 1 p.m.
This year’s event is organized by 150 Mile Schoolhouse, Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, Canadian Mental Health Association Multiculturalism Program, Young Catalyst, passionate volunteers and Recreation Services. Funding for the Canada Day event is provided by the Government of Canada, Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake.