Whistler Presents Canada Day Weekend
Olympic Plaza – various times all weekend. Whistler’s Canada Day 2012 celebrations will serve as a chance to celebrate our nation’s 145th birthday as part of the municipality’s festivals and events programming for the 2012 summer and fall season. The four-day Whistler Canada Day 2012 Celebration,starting Thursday, June 28, is an exciting way to experience all things Whistler – including all-day street entertainment, Whistler’s Intercultural Festival, a self-guided Art Walk, crafts, fireworks and outdoor concerts with some of Canada’s favourite artists in Whistler Olympic Plaza.
“Whistler is the place to be for Canada Day celebrations, with four fun-filled days of family events and entertainment,” says Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. “Whistler provides the perfect backdrop for July 1 celebrations, with our beautiful lakes, emerald forests and clean mountain air. Plus there are lots of things to do. Join us on Canada Day and experience everything Whistler has to offer.”
Click Here to View the Canada Day Celebrations schedule
Thursday, June 28
Start the weekend off with all-day Whistler Street Entertainment – free, family-friendly events, attractions and performers on weekends. The Whistler Arts Council-produced program started in May and will run through to September. Whistler Street Entertainment will animate the paths of Whistler Village during Canada Day week (June 28-July 4) and provide interactive entertainment by performers from the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and touring artists from across Canada. Entertainment includes juggling acts, circus performers, musicians, bike stuntman, dancers and acrobats. Check the schedule for details and times.
Have you got a strong arm and good aim? The Whistler Museum presents the Dunking of Whistler Icons at Whistler Olympic Plaza. From Councillor Jack Crompton, to a Marmot, to a Retro Ski Bunny – take aim at the target, strike – and watch your favourite Whistler icon drop into a tank of water for a refreshing dunk! Or take the plunge and splash for yourself with hilarious daily opportunities for public dunking. The dunk tank will take place 2-5:30 p.m. on all four days starting on June 28 during Canada Day week.
Whistler’s Intercultural Forums and Festival, produced by Whistler Forum, will also take place on June 28 from 4-10 p.m. on Main Street. Join representatives of ethnically diverse communities from all across the world as they showcase their cultures through food, music, and dance. The festival is open to the public, free of charge, and everyone is invited to share in the experience.
Friday, June 29
The Whistler Presents Concert Series will kick off at 8:30 p.m. on June 29 at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Join Dan Mangan for an evening of folk music under the stars. All concerts are free and open to the public. Come out and bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the evening.
Saturday, June 30
The whole weekend will provide non-stop fun for residents and visitors. On June 30, check out the Coastal Sound Youth Choir in Mountain Square from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Later in the evening join Cuban-Canadian singer Alex Cuba for an evening of music and fun at 8:30 p.m. in Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Sunday, July 1
Start off the morning at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at Rebagliati Park in support of the Whistler Community Services Society. The Delta Youth Orchestra will be entertaining visitors and residents at Town Plaza starting at 10:30 a.m.
The Whistler Farmer’s Market will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the market hosts an average of 80 vendors showcasing fresh fruit, produce, artisan crafts and food products.
Meet at 11 a.m. at the Whistler Visitor Centre to take part in a one-hour walking tour that showcases a selection of Artwalk venues, public art displays and Whistler’s history.
Whistler’s Canada Day parade kicks off at 12 p.m. at Town Plaza. Check out this year’s floats made by local businesses and community groups and cheer for your favourites.
The parade is led by the Chamber of Commerce and this year’s theme is “Celebrating Whistler’s Multiculturalism”. Prizes will be awarded for:
best interpretation of the parade theme
most team effort
involvement and enthusiasm
most innovative approach to a sustainable float
best musical float
Volunteers judges will be dispersed throughout the parade route and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Whistler Olympic Plaza at 2 p.m.
Whistler’s Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden will be at Whistler Olympic Plaza at 2 p.m. to welcome residents and visitors. The fun continues with the singing of our national anthem, cake-cutting, entertainment and lawn games. The ceremony will be followed by a family-friendly concert by children’s entertainer Fred Penner at 2:30 p.m.
Later in the evening, the festivities will carry on with blues singers Jim Byrnes and The Sojourners at Whistler Olympic Plaza at 8:30 p.m. The evening will culminate with fireworks at 10:15 p.m. in Skier’s Plaza, depending on the current forest fire danger rating.
BC Transit will be offering free transit within Whistler on July 1 starting at 6 p.m. Click here for bus routes and transit information.
Monday, July 2
If you missed the chance to take in Whistler Street Entertainment or Art Walk, check it out on July 2.
Wednesday, July 4
Patriotic pride abounds throughout the Village as Whistler celebrates Independence Day – the national holiday of our U.S. neighbours on July 4.
Fireworks will once again light up the night sky at 10:15 p.m. on Independence Day at Skiers’ Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain in the Village.
Article source: http://www.whistlereventsguide.com/node/7158
