Planning for Canada Day 2013
I haven’t decided what I will be trying to photograph this weekend yet. I guess, it depends a lot on the weather forecast for the Ottawa area, which at the moment, looks like hot and sunny for most of the weekend. Right now (Friday), it is raining outside my window and has been doing that all day, so one never knows too far in advance what changes the weather can force on the best-made plans at this time of the year.
Last Year (2012), I decided to stay close to home and went to the fireworks and stage show in Kanata, Ontario.
The previous year (2011), I headed into the sea of red in downtown Ottawa to see the royal couple(Kate and Will) and their entourage of black cars and then headed back out to Kanata to listen to Sloan and to photograph the Kanata fireworks.
This year it looks like either place will have a pretty good line-up of entertainment so the final decision will be a tough one.
OTTAWA on CANADA DAY
Canada Day in Kanata 2013
The following is extracted from Marianne Wilkinson’s Kanata North Ward Newsletter
Once again the Canada Day in Kanata team has been organizing a wonderful day, full of activities, for everyone in the family, from seniors down to little ones. On the site at Walter Baker Park and the parking lot of the Kanata Recreation Complex there will be a range of attractions, from a midway to a free yoga class at 10:00 a.m. to musical acts on the main stage all day from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., ending with a spectacular fireworks show at 10:00 p.m.
Seniors are invited to begin their day with a breakfast especially for you in the Kanata Recreation Complex, 100 Walter Baker Place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (OOPS! Correction – Try the beer tent instead of the complex)
Young children will enjoy the bouncies in the Kanata Montessori School Family Fun Zone, and a puppet show at 11:30 a.m. on the Hazeldean Mall Gazebo Stage.
Ry Guy Magic is performing at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the Hazeldean Mall Gazebo Stage.
Over on the main stage, the day starts with the Doghouse Villains, who have teamed up with Soldier On which provides resources and opportunities for serving and retired Canadian Forces personnel with a visible or non-visible injury or illness to participate in physical, recreational or sporting activities.
Various other acts perform on the main stage all afternoon, with the opening ceremonies at 5:00 p.m. A guitar, donated by Trooper, will be raffled at 8:00 p.m., and Trooper will finish the musical part of the day from 8:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Apart from the midway, all these activities are provided free of charge. However, the Canada Day in Kanata committee really needs your help, so plan to bring a donation.
Drop by my tent while you are on site to receive a maple leaf tattoo and purchase a Time Capsule for $20 for the Richcraft Recreation Complex Kanata. You will receive information with suggestions about mementoes you can place in your numbered capsule. You will receive a certificate, with your capsule number which can be used by your descendants to claim the capsule when the vault in the complex is opened in 2063.
The Canada Day in Kanata team strives to bring a green carbon neutral event to the community. Plan to walk, bike or ride the bus (for free on Canada Day) as there is no parking on site. Bring your own water bottles and recycle in the appropriate bins conveniently located throughout the site.
Whatever I decide to do, if fireworks are involved, I better remember to read our MPT Fireworks tutorial again! It’s been a year since I photographed fireworks and I’ve probably forgotten a few things, like I do each year :-).
Time to get out and wave the flag!
