The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate Canada’s 159th birthday with a day of family-friendly activities in Grafton later this month.
The annual Canada Day celebration will take place Sunday, June 28, beginning at 1 p.m. with a community parade through the village.
The parade will assemble at St. Mary Catholic Elementary School before travelling along Old Danforth Road and County Road 2 to the Haldimand Memorial Arena and Recreation Complex.
Organizers say the parade will feature Town Crier Liam Cragg, the Grafton Legion Colour Parade, the Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums, and a variety of floats entered by local businesses, community organizations and residents.
Members of the public interested in participating in the parade can register a float through the township’s website. Following the parade, the celebration will continue at the Haldimand Memorial Arena and Recreation Complex with a wide range of free activities aimed at families and children.
Scheduled attractions include a firefighter obstacle course, story walk, crafts hosted by the Alnwick/Haldimand Public Library, bouncy castles, EarlyON activities, free hot dogs and live entertainment from the Colborne Library Ukulele Band.
A new addition to this year’s event is the Bubbleology Show featuring Miss T the Bubble Queen. The interactive performance combines science, art and entertainment and is designed to engage audiences of all ages. The celebration will conclude with the ceremonial cutting of the Canada Day cake and the presentation of the township’s annual Civic Awards.
The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through volunteerism, leadership and civic involvement.
Township officials say the event is intended to bring residents together while celebrating both Canada’s birthday and the contributions of local community members.
Admission to the celebration is free.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)

