You don't have to go far to celebrate Canada Day in the Tri-Cities. Here's what's in store:
COQUITLAM
Coquitlam is pulling out all the stops for a multicultural, family-friendly day of music, art food, storytelling, entertainment and sports, all centred around Lafarge Lake and the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Fun begins at noon with entertainment and concludes with a 20-minute fireworks display set to music at 10:30 p.m. There will be three stages, an expanded cultural village, an artisan zone and adventure activities.
PORT COQUITLAM
Spend the morning at Lions Park (8 to 11:30 a.m., Shaughnessy Street and Lions Way) and enjoy the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast and the 10th annual fishing derby. Registration for the derby (for children 10 and under) is on site.
Spend the afternoon at Castle Park (noon until dusk, Castle Crescent and Citadel Drive). Flag raising, cake cutting and singing of "O Canada" at noon, a community showcase, children's activities and international bazar from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. The annual PoCo firefighters' salmon barbecue runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Evening festivities: Big Yahoo, former Terry Fox grads, plus Andy Lorimer and Susie McGregor. Grand finale fireworks at dusk.
PORT MOODY
Visit Rocky Point Park for Canada Day celebrations in conjunction with Golden Spike Days festivities:
Rocky Point Park main stage 1:10 p.m., choir, refreshments, official ceremony with Port Moody council. Event is free but entry to the park is by donation. Golden Spike festivities run all day from noon to 11 p.m.
Port Moody Station Museum 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vancouver Garden Railway Club, costumed characters of the 18880s, Golden Spike scavenger hunt, photo dress up booth, kids crafts, free cake.
Don't forget Golden Spike Days July 1 to 3. Entry by donation and parking at PoMo rec centre, Inlet Park, Moody elementary school, Kyle Centre and the West Coast Express parking lot.
Also: See special B section