The Canada Day long weekend has arrived with the country marking its 151st birthday with festivities from coast to coast that will be relatively tame compared to last year's bash.
Since the country's birthday falls on a Sunday this year many retail stores will be allowed to open, although with reduced hours, as the actual statutory holiday shifts to Monday.
For anyone planning on running errands in London, you will want to keep in mind grocery stores, Costco Wholesale, the LCBO, and the Beer Store will be open Sunday but closed on Monday. The Labatt Retail Store downtown will be open both days 11am to 6pm. A handful of pharmacies will be open both Sunday and Monday.
On Canada Day, White Oaks Mall, Masonville Place, and Westmount Shopping Centre will be open regular Sunday hours. All three will then be closed the following day.
Government offices (municipal, provincial, and federal), most banks, and London Public Library branches will be closed both days. There will be no garbage and recycling collection on Sunday and Canada Post will be closed Monday, meaning there will be no mail delivery.
The London Transit Commission (LTC) will be operating on a regular Sunday schedule on Canada Day, with eastbound and westbound bus detours through the downtown as of 8pm because of road closures for the annual fireworks display in Harris Park. The LTC returns to regular service on Monday.
The city's 16 spray pads are open daily from 9am-9pm all long weekend.
Canada Day festivities in Harris Park will run 11am to 11pm. It is free for all ages and will feature liver entertainment, multicultural performances, a kids zone, and fireworks at 10pm.
Families can also celebrate Dominion Day at Fanshawe Pioneer Village starting at 10am on Sunday. Eldon House will mark Canada’s birthday with a free old fashioned carnival packed with historical games and entertainment including a magic show, puppet show and acrobatics. It runs from 12pm to 4pm.
For those in south London, there will be a Canada Day bash in White Oaks Park beginning at 2pm with live music, free movie, a Canadian citizenship ceremony and fireworks at 10pm.
Other fireworks displays planned for Sunday include the Byron Optimists show at the Byron Optimist Sports Complex at 10pm and the Optimists of East London's event at Argyle arena, which begins at 1pm and wraps up with fireworks at 10pm.
The Fanshawe Campers’ Association is hosting a Canada Day BBQ and picnic in the recreation centre field area at the Fanshawe Conservation Authority. It runs 10am to 3pm with games, face painting and cake.
The London Majors will host the Barrie Baycats at Labatt Park. The game starts at 6:05pm with fireworks to follow.