ST. PAUL - Using feedback gathered from a survey after last year's Canada Day celebrations, the Town of St. Paul is offering a full day of fun on July 1 with a few new attractions.
"Last year, we had circulated a post Canada Day survey to gather input on where we were hitting the marks and where we might be needing additional options in our planning," explains Sarah Burton, executive assistant at the Town of St. Paul. "What we heard through that survey was want for continuous entertainment on the stage, as well as more activities for youth ages 13-17."
The Town took the information and has added live music, axe throwing and rollerskating/inline skating to the day's schedule. The rollerskating will be held at the Clancy Richard Arena, while nearby at the Rec Centre, the other events will be taking place.
Events will begin at the Rec Centre at noon on July 1 and run until 4 p.m. Face painting, a petting zoo, balloon animals, donuts, food trucks, a show and shine, bouncy houses, a circus performance, the Kehewin Native Dance Theatre, and live music will make for a full and busy afternoon.
Movies have also been sponsored to show at the Elite Theatre at 4:30 p.m., thanks to the support of New Beginning Law.
"Our goal every year is to create a celebration that is minimal cost to participate in," says Burton. "Whether it’s a child who wants their face painted or an adult enjoying the free treats that businesses step forward and provide, the day is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone."
Among the events taking place at the Rec Centre will also be a vendor market, which is now near capacity and will be the "largest to date," according to Burton. Although the market is nearly full, if there are vendors still interested in joining, they can reach out to the Town to inquire.
One of the long-time traditions of Canada Day celebrations in St. Pauk are the fireworks. The annual fireworks show will take place at about 11 p.m. on July 1, near the Rec Centre.
And while the Town tends to be the coordinators for Canada Day celebrations, the municipality encourages businesses or other groups to come forward with their own ideas on how to contribute to the day's events.
"These types of celebrations require community involvement at various levels so that it can continue to evolve and stay current," says Burton.
