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Something for everyone on Canada Day

Weekend of celebration and fun on the horizon
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oh canada Canada Day festivities took place throughout the village last year and there is a wide range of fun taking place in 2013. Photo by Mike Crane, Tourism Whistler

If you've already taken our Canada Day Quiz (see page 42), you're now ready to let loose and officially celebrate.

It will be a festive weekend in Whistler leading up to Canada Day on Monday, July 1. There will be street entertainment to brighten up the village walkways. There's free music in Whistler Olympic Plaza every night. And there's something for everyone — young and old alike — at the Whistler Farmers Market on Sunday. On Monday, however, the party really begins. Here's a quick Canada Day guide from morning 'til night.

Pancake Breakfast — 9-11 a.m. — Get your day off to the right start with a full belly. For a minimum $3 donation ($2.75 if you bring your own dishes), get in on a pancake breakfast at Rebagliati Park. The money goes towards Whistler Community Services Society.

Celtic Ensemble — 10:45 a.m. — Get your toes tappin' at Town Plaza with a performance by the North Shore Celtic Ensemble, described as a "spirited no boundaries repertoire that reflects a wide range of musical influences — Celtic, jazz, classical, folk and more.

Hostel's Birthday Hot Dogs — 11 a.m. — On the other end of town, at the HI-Whistler Hostel in Cheakamus Crossing, there is an open house with free hot dogs, a silent auction, raffle and prizes. The event is a fundraiser for the Northern Lights Wildlife Society. July 1 is also the hostel's birthday. All welcome to attend.

Canada Day Parade — Noon — Find a spot somewhere along the parade route in the village and check out the annual parade. It begins at Town Plaza and winds through the village to Mountain Square.

Canada Day Ceremony — 2 p.m. — There will be cake... and entertainment. And if that's not enough to tempt you, there's always the Reaffirmation Ceremony where participants repeat the oath of citizenship to express their commitment to Canada. Head to Whistler Olympic Plaza.

Fun in the Plaza — 2:30-7 p.m. — The fun continues at Whistler Olympic Plaza after the official Canada Day Ceremony with concerts. Check out Ruckus Deluxe, Norman Foote, Kalan Wi and Jeremy Fisher. (For more, on this see our music section on page 84.)

Fireworks — 10:15 p.m. — It's the perfect way to end a non-stop day of festivities as the Whistler night sky explodes in celebration of our nation's birthday. The display can be best viewed from Skier's Plaza.