There will be no parades, face paint, and balloons like usual on Canada Day this year. Instead, organizers are turning to virtual celebrations due to the coronavirus pandemic. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Trevor Redden

O' Canada

Canada Day goes virtual across the region

Jun 30, 2020 | 2:00 PM

This year’s Canada Day will no doubt be one to remember, as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced traditional community celebrations to shut down.

Instead, residents will be provided with several opportunities to celebrate our country’s birthday virtually.

In Prince Albert, there will be no gatherings on the riverbank or at Kinsmen Park, and there will be no ball tournaments out on the diamonds. Rather, the Prince Albert Multicultural Council will be hosting a livestream of performances on their Facebook page.

“We do have a really good lineup of performances from our local artists within the province and we’re so proud to present that,” Executive Director Michelle Hassler said. “In cooperation with our French Society here in Prince Albert, some French musicians as well. Our Truth and Reconciliation Learning Ceremony to be hosted by the Prince Albert Grand Council as well. There’s a really good lineup this year.”

Hassler added she was happy to be able to provide opportunities for artists from across the province who haven’t been able to perform for much of the year due to the pandemic.

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The family-friendly stream will run from noon until 9 p.m., and between professional performances there will be community submissions running as well.

Musical performances in english and french, along with a Reconciliation and Learning ceremony from the Prince Albert Grand Council will highlight the virtual Canada Day stream. (Prince Albert Multicultural Council/Facebook)

“It’s our thank you to the community for supporting us all the way, especially with this new platform that we’re trying for our online celebration,” Hassler said. “Dancing and singing, playing musical instruments, just anything for the celebration. That will be really good.”

Unfortunately, this will be the second time since 1966 the local legion won’t be holding a celebration in Kinsmen Park. They will, however, be offering a drive-in fish fry along with a Canada Day draw.

Up in Prince Albert National Park, there would typically be a number of large public events including a parade, pancake breakfasts, outdoor music, and more. Physical distancing guidelines will not allow any of these events to take place, but the park is welcoming visitors to come enjoy what they have to offer with free admission for the day.

“There are many businesses and activities open in Waskesiu – providing lots of great opportunities to enjoy our wonderful townsite and the park,” External Relations Manager Carla Flaman told paNOW in an email. “We, and our local partners, wish all Canadians a terrific Canada Day!”

Parks Canada will also be hosting a number of virtual celebrations for residents to enjoy from coast to coast.

Flaman hopes next year will be different, including a return to normal events and activities, but she acknowledged it is too soon to know or speculate about what the situation will be like in 2021.

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trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden