GRANVILLE ISLAND
Canada Day festivities begin on Granville Island at 8 a.m., but a highlight is the free bike-decorating workshop at 10 a.m. in the park east of False Creek Community Centre.
Supplies will be provided and once all of the participants bikes, strollers, trikes, wheels and helmets are appropriately bedazzled, they can join the annual parade at 1:30 p.m., which begins at Ocean Concrete. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)
Other activities during the day include a free Canada Day celebration at False Creek Community Centre, the Little Paws Agility Show, a disco party at Railspur Alley and free temporary tattoos and face painting. Watch for roving performers and pick up free flags and pins from Granville Island merchants. The celebrations continues until 11 p.m.
COAL HARBOUR
Join the gang at Canada Place July 1 for the biggest birthday celebration outside of Ottawa.
The free 13-hour celebration, presented by Coast Capital Savings, begins with the Waterfront Party, which starts at 10 a.m. and continues through the day with 25 music and dance performances, extreme sports displays, a celebration of great Canadian inventions, a citizenship ceremony, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Port Metro Vancouver Zone.
A Canada Day parade, which begins at 7 p.m. at the corner of Georgia and Broughton streets, includes more than 60 entries recognizing this countrys diversity and multicultural citizens. Following the parade is the annual fireworks show at 10:30 p.m.
Fireworks-lovers have an opportunity to watch the action from De Dutchs Burrard Landing location at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
De Dutch restaurant is celebrating Canada Day with Front Row at the Fireworks, a fundraising initiative benefiting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundations B.C. and Yukon Chapter.
The fundraiser includes nine waterfront tables being auctioned off with starting bids of $200 for a table for two or $400 for a table of four. Winning bidders will enjoy the best seats on the water for the Canada Day Burrard Inlet Fireworks show from 9 to 11 p.m., with a $20 food and beverage voucher from De Dutch included in the bid price. Proceeds from the auction will help fund vital research and community health grants to further progress breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Bidding closes at 12 p.m. June 28. For more information, visit dedutch.com/bestseats.
DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
The annual Canada Day Crab Park Festival takes place July 1 starting at 1 p.m. with the Buddy Holics followed by Butch Murphy & the Greasy Kings, and the Rez Warriors.
The party, hosted by Ian Tiles, is being presented by Crab-Water for Life Society, Radio Bandcouver and Northern Electric, and is sponsored by Vancouver Cultural Affairs, Heritage Canada, Port Metro Vancouver, Vancity Credit Union and the Ray-Cam Community Centre. Crab Park is located at the north end of Main Street.
PNE GROUNDS
Hastings Race Track is hosting its annual Canada Day party July 1 with first post at 1:50 p.m. Real Housewives of Vancouver alum Mary Zilba and Robin Richmond Reichman will be performing and presenting. The friends will be at the track to witness the debut of Pine Walk, a three-year-old filly from California.
The Family Zone will be open from noon to 5 p.m. and several of the citys popular food trucks will be open for business. Theres also a chance to win a barbecue grill while listening to live music and enjoying food and drink specials.
KENSINGTON
The Kensington Community Centre is hosting a Canada Day celebration July 1, from noon to 3 p.m. with live entertainment, music, a bouncy castle, community information tables and kid-friendly activities. Hot dogs and drinks will be available to purchase, but there will also be free cake. The centre is located at 5175 Dumfries St.
SUNSET
The Sunset Community Centre Association is hosting a Canada Day party July 1, from noon to 4 p.m. The celebration will include carnival games, a barbecue, community displays and inflatables. Dont forget to bring a non-perishable item for the food bank. Sunset Community Centre is located at 6810 Main St.
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