Canada Day parade. BlackburnNews.com file photo.Canada Day parade. BlackburnNews.com file photo.
Chatham

Plans Set For Canada Day In Chatham

Plans for Canada Day celebrations in Chatham have come a long way, but there's still some work that needs to be done before July 1.

Chris Glassford, committee chair of Chatham Canada Day, says they have a schedule in place for what the weekend is going to look like.

He says festivities will kick off with fireworks and live entertainment on June 30 at St. Clair College. Then, on July 1, there will be a Canada Day parade at 10am, which will go from Sandys St. to King St.

Chatham's Canada Day celebrations will then wrap up at Tecumseh Park with fun for everyone.

Glassford adds many of the planned events are free for the residents. However, organizers are working on raising about $5,000 - $6,000 to cover the remaining costs of the event.

"There's always a huge undertaking when it comes to these [types] of events," he says. "We're currently going through sponsorship channels, we're also [looking] for donations."

Glassford says people willing to donate can find organizers at this year's RetroFest.

Plans for Canada's 150th, started almost immediately following last year's Canada Day. Glassford says despite the time and effort that goes into planning an event such as this, he wants to see it continue in Chatham in future years.

"This is something that needs to continue year after year and we don't ever want to see it disappear from Chatham," he says. "Canada Day is a large celebration and I know that Chatham-Kent citizens are proud of their roots."

To see more about Chatham's Canada Day celebrations visit www.chathamcanadaday.ca.

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