St. John's announces Canada Day celebrations, Memorial Day observances

The City of St. John's has unveiled its lineup of Canada Day celebrations for July 1, featuring a full day of free activities, entertainment and fireworks, while also recognizing Memorial Day with events honouring Newfoundland and Labrador's war dead.

The day will begin with a sunrise celebration at Signal Hill National Historic Site from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., making St. John's one of the first places in the country to mark Canada Day. A free wheelchair-accessible Metrobus shuttle will transport attendees from the Signal Hill Visitor Centre to Cabot Tower. Complimentary birthday cupcakes will be available at the visitor centre following the event.

Family-friendly activities will take place at King George V Park, located at the head of Quidi Vidi Lake, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The afternoon program will include inflatable bouncers, a cultural concert, interactive exhibits, soccer activities, a scavenger hunt, temporary tattoos, drumming performances and free cupcakes.

The Community Food Sharing Association will also be on site collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations.

In the event of poor weather, afternoon activities will move indoors to the Techniplex on Churchill Avenue. Pets will not be permitted at either venue.

The celebrations will continue into the evening with a free concert by Nick Earle and the Reckless Hearts at the Quidi Vidi Bandstand beginning at 8 p.m. A fireworks display is scheduled for 10 p.m. over Quidi Vidi Lake. If weather conditions prevent the fireworks from proceeding, the display will be postponed until July 2.

The city is encouraging pet owners to keep animals indoors during the fireworks show.

Officials say accessibility measures have been incorporated throughout the day's events, including accessible parking, washroom facilities and transportation options.

While Canada Day is celebrated across the country, July 1 is also observed as Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador, commemorating those who lost their lives during the First World War, particularly at Beaumont-Hamel in 1916.

The Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador will host its annual Memorial Day parade beginning at the Sergeants' Memorial on Queens Road at 9:50 a.m. The parade will proceed to the National War Memorial, where a ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:55 a.m.

Canada Day events in St. John's are funded in part by the Government of Canada.