NEWS

This year’s free provincial Canada Day celebration is going to be better than ever.

Starting at noon with a 21-gun salute, the event features lots of new surprises, and some crowd favourites. Events run until 5:00 p.m.

New this year:

• houseband Kobo Town, will bring a Trinidadian influenced Calypso-Reggae vibe to the grounds, playing sets throughout the day on the mainstage;
• the Drums of the Fort Henry Guard will transport visitors to the 1860s;
• a solar car exhibit that will transport visitors to the future;
• the infectious energy of the Arabesque Dance company, Aboriginal Dancers and Cuban salsa direct from Cuba will keep you moving to the beat;
• performances by The Nearly World Famous Dufflebag Theatre on the children’s stage and a mad science fun station for the kids;
• Slam Jam Basketball provides great fun for the teen set;
• and a dogsport demonstration by Some Ruff promises to be a crowd pleaser for all ages.

Back by popular demand are crowd favourites Samba Squad and Bollywood dancers. The perennial favourites including carnival games, rides and inflatables, arts and crafts, face painting and strolling performers will also be on site.  

A citizenship ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. prior to the park’s official opening.  

QUOTE

“Canada Day at Queen’s Park is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends and celebrate a great province and country,” says Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “Come out and welcome new citizens and stay and enjoy the entertainment and all the great park activities.”

QUICK FACTS

• A Canada Day Celebration on the front lawn of Queen’s Park has taken place since Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967.  
• Approximately 260,000 people become Canadian citizens annually and approximately 99,000 Ontarians become Canadian citizens annually.

LEARN MORE

• Check out the complete main stage, children’s stage and park line up for Canada Day (www.ontario.ca/canadaday)
• Canada Day history (www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/jfa-ha/canada_e.cfm)
• Information on the Citizenship test (www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/cit-test.asp)

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Contacts:
Coralie D’Souza,  Minister’s Office, (416) 325-6204
Lily Pavlovic, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7725