On Monday, July 1, the Canada Day festivities will kick off with a parade through the streets of Virden. Floats and entries should form at the curling rink parking lot at 11:30 a.m. The parade will wend its way through town to Victoria Park (parade route map in June 28th Empire-Advance).
For those wishing to cool down, there will be FREE swimming at the Virden pool from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Victoria Park will be the centre of non-stop activities from 12 Noon until 9:30 p.m. The Canada Day Committee food booth will serve barbecued hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, water and pop – all reasonably priced.
Opening Ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. with O Canada, sung by Gr. 5 student Charley Dunning, and the raising of the Canadian flag. After speeches by local dignitaries, the Canada Day birthday cake will be cut and served by Volunteer of the Year Karen McKinnon near the Chevron Stage.
The Stage will be the focal point of the afternoon. Bring your lawn chair, sun hat and be prepared to enjoy a full afternoon of local talent providing Blues, Country, Pop and rock music from 1:30 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.
While you are tapping your toes to the entertainers, children can enjoy a variety of activities in the south-east portion of the park with Kerr’s Bouncy Castles, face painting and all sorts of kids’ games from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. The entertainment and activities are free, courtesy of local sponsors.
The day in the park will be capped-off with a performance by Super Shuffle, a Brandon band that will have you swinging and singing to their Classic Rock and Country music. The musicians take the stage at 6:30 p.m. and will play until 9:30 p.m.
The evening finale, a spectacular fireworks display, will take place near Tundra Oil & Gas Place beginning at dusk (about 10:30 p.m.).
