CANMORE – Canada Day celebrations in Canmore will have a new look this year, with organizers keeping Main Street closed after the parade for events.
Nancy Ruiz, event coordinator for the Town of Canmore, said the committee that organizes the day’s events wanted to try something new for this year’s festivities.
“The Canada Day Society wanted to try something new this year and try to keep people downtown, but still have fun,” Ruiz said. “Since people are already here for the parade on Main Street and the crowds are gathered, we wanted to switch it over to a party.”
The performances at Centennial Park in Canmore by the marching bands in the parade are set to continue immediately after the parade. While those are taking place, Ruiz said organizers will be turning Main Street from Sixth to Eighth Avenue into a festival space. That includes a family fun zone, live musical performances, games, cake cutting and sidewalk sales from local businesses.
There will also be a farmers market at the Civic Centre and a stage with live performances in that location.
The changes were supported by the Canmore Downtown Business Association, Ruiz added.
As well, organizers instituted a designated dry and wet zone for the parade route. Along Fairholme until 10th Street there will be no water fights allowed, but after floats pass the corner it is fair game said Ruiz.
She said years of feedback have led to the creation of the dry zone, which is the section of the route that passes in front of the senior’s lodge.
