By Trevor Greenway

editor@lowdownonline.com

Patriotic residents across the Hills are gearing up for another epic Canada Day this July 1 and judging by the parties that are happening locally, there’s lots to be proud of. 

In Wakefield, things are kicking off early with a village parade at 12:30 p.m. that will see scores of trucks, cars, bikes and probably a few lawn tractors take over Riverside Drive en route to the community centre. Once there, it’s party time. Opening ceremonies officially begin at 1:30 p.m. which launches a roster of fun activities for both kids and adults. There’s a bouncy castle, dunk tank and kids games from 2-4 p.m. while a silent auction will entice festivalgoers to open their wallets and give. A roster of Hills artists including kids from Bluesfest’s Be in the Band program, Duust, Claire Bestland and the headliners: Montreal’s Urban Science Brass Band. 

Up in Low, things start off a bit later with a 3 p.m. parade and kids games running indoors from 4 to 7p.m. There will also be outdoor activities from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. as the live music starts. Ottawa band Sugar and Old Spice will play a set of classic covers at 4 p.m. before Ottawa party band Your Porch Or Mine turns the Low Arena grounds into a country dance floor at 7 p.m. The night culminates with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

At Chelsea’s Le Terrasse du Square, there will be a Canada Day Party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with DJs, buskers, inflatable kids games and food.