Staff
July 1 marks the 149th celebration of this date. Previously known as Dominion Day, it received its current name in October 1982. This is the day we celebrate the signing of the Constitution Act of 1867 (formerly called The British North American Act,1867).
This act created the Dominion of Canada, consolidating four ‘provinces’ into one country: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the previous Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec).
Initially this holiday, made a statutory holiday in May 1879, was not celebrated nationally until 1958 when then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker earmarked $14,000 for a National Celebration in Ottawa.
Legally, the holiday is to be celebrated on the date except if that date is a Sunday then the Monday is designated.
So now you know what we are celebrating, and why and when…What’s to do?
Municipality of Meaford, at Market Square:
9:00 – 11:00 am: Pancake Breakfast: prepared by the Military Family Resource Centre
11:00am: Drink Tent ( alcoholic and non): served by the Rotary Club
11:00am – 2:00pm: Beautiful Joe Booth, providing treats for pets, pics for Joe and Tricks for Joe (video). Also visit Beautiful Joe Park and pat Joe’s head for 100 dog years of luck.
12:00 noon: Flag raising: with the Meaford Legion, local dignitaries and local musicians.
12:30pm: Birthday Cake Cutting: cake donated by Bill’s Valu Mart.
12:30pm: MIFF Film Announcement
1:00 – 2:00pm: Groove, with Tyler Boyce: get up and get moving.
12:00 – 3:00pm: Meaford Public Library Canada Day fun: crafts, games and outdoor activity.
2:00 – 4:00pm: Circus Workshops and Lookup Theatre. Ever thought of running away and joining the circus? Here’s your chance to learn from the pros. Sponsored by the Municipality of Meaford and The Meaford BIA.
10:00pm (dusk): Fireworks! Join us on the waterfront for a spectacular display sponsored by the Meaford Kinsmen. They will be collecting donations around the waterfront.
Live Music:
3:00pm: TooNice: reggae and ska. Entertaining and interactive.
4:30pm: River and Rock: classic rock. A mix of original and cover songs.
6:15pm: Shane Cloutier Band: classic rock, blues and funk.
8:15pm: Tyler Yarema & His Rhythm with special guest Gracie. This is a must see performance.
Other Events:
8:00am: Sunrise Social Paddle at Memorial Public Beach: bring your own boat and safety gear. Weather dependent. Limited to 12 people. Sponsored by the Municipality of Meaford and hosted by Birch and Bannock.
10:00am – 3:00pm: BIA Community Sidewalk Sale: bring your yard sake items into town. $10 to reserve space. Contact Dave Glass or Nancy Ellis to reserve.
10:00an – 4:00pm: Golden Town Cruisers Car Show: at Bayfield and Nelson Streets. No admission fee. 75 – 100 classic and hot rod cars.
10:00am – 4:00pm: The Net Shed: at the corner of Collingwood and Bayfield Sts. Come and browse our gently read books. All sales by donations to the Friends of The Meaford Library who directly support our Library.
11:00am: Meaford Hall and Cultural Centre: provides a tour of historic buildings and an art exhibit by Grey Highlands Artistic Collective. Exhibit open until 3:00pm.
11:00am – 2:00pm: Meaford Museum: check out great Canadian exhibits and learn about our great municipality.
2:00pm: Apple Bin Race in the Bighead River: located in Meaford Harbour and presented by Georgian Bay Sailing School. Come watch teams paddle/row/sail their apple crates to victory.
3:00 – 7:00pm: Meaford Farmers’ Market: located at the Harbour Rotary Pavilion, come, sample, and buy great produce from a great area.
Events around the Municipality:
June 30 6:00pm: Leith Optimist Canada Day Celebrations. Music, food, games and fireworks.
June 30 7:00 – 9:00pm: Meaford Hall Art Galleries presents ‘A Different Kettle of Fish’ opening reception. Artwork by Grey Highlands Artistic Collective.
July 1 6:30 – 10:30pm: at Bognor Community Park and Bognor Community Centre. Music, games, cars, food fireworks and a cake! Come and join us.
July 2: Meaford Soap Box Derby. Collingwood Street East. Build your own gravity race car and race with us. Pre-registration was required, but come out to watch.
July 3: Friends of the Meaford Public Library Sunday Evening Concert Series. Join us at the Harbour Pavilion each Sunday for an enjoyable evening with great music on the water. Admission is by donation and it is a BYOC (chair) event.
