Fireworks are expected to light up parts of Chatham-Kent throughout the Canada Day long weekend.
Events are scheduled to take place in different communities, starting Friday evening. While outdoors, residents are reminded of the heat warning issued on Thursday by Environment Canada. Hot and humid conditions are expected to last throughout the long weekend, accompanied by a chance of showers.
Below is a list of scheduled Canada Day events.
Friday, June 28
Ridgetown: The third annual East Kent Canada Day parade will start at 6:30 p.m. Following the parade, fireworks will go off at the Ridgetown Fairgrounds.
Tilbury: The Tilbury BIA is planning a fireworks display at Memorial Park, scheduled to take place at dusk. There will also be music, face painting, and treats available at the park. Should the event be called off because of rain, it will instead take place on June 30.
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Saturday, June 29
Ridgetown: There will an ART OFF MAIN event at the RBC parking lot at Erie Street South and Main Street from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will also be a barbecue, children’s face painting and much more downtown.
Chatham: Canada Day festivities will be part of this year's Festival of Nations celebration. The Festival of Nations parade will start at 11 a.m. The parade route will go from Sandy Street to Lacroix Street, then King Street, and will finally lead to Tecumseh Park. Outreach for Hunger will be collecting donations during the parade. From noon until 10 p.m., different forms of entertainment will liven up Tecumseh Park. Fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk at St. Clair College.
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Sunday, June 30
Chatham: The Festival of Nations celebration will continue at Tecumseh Park throughout the day. At dusk, Canadian rock band Loverboy will headline a free concert.
Merlin: There will be a Family Fun event from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. It will include inflatables, snacks, a petting zoo, a BBQ, face painting, and other activities. Fireworks are set to take place at dusk.
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Monday, July 1
Chatham: Final events and closing ceremonies for the Festival of Nations will take place at Tecumseh Park from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Blenheim: Residents will be treated to entertainment, food, and fireworks at the Glad Tidings Church. Fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk.
Erieau: Fireworks will be happening on Monday, July 1 at dusk. They will be setting up at the ball diamond on the beach.
Rondeau Provincial Park: The park will be hosting a Canada-themed trivia program from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, visit rondeauprovincialpark.ca or call the Visitor Centre at 519-674-1768. If you are planning to attend, you should also register your team by calling the Visitor Centre.
Highgate: There is a Roast Beef BBQ at the Highgate Ball Park from 5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1 sponsored by the Highgate District Agricultural Society. The cost is $15 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and kids under six are free. Proceeds from the BBQ will keep the Highgate Fair going for the 165th year on Saturday, September 28.
