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Wear red, go green on Canada Day

Parade, cake, Whistler Sliding Centre shuttle on tap for July 1

Green will be part of the celebration in red at this year’s Canada Day parade.

On July 1, Whistlerites and visitors are being encouraged to show their national pride and participate in Whistler’s first ever non-motorized Sustainable Canada Day Parade. The 2008 theme of “Sport, Culture and Sustainability – Whistler Style” is a chance to mark the anniversary of Canada’s birthday in a fun and unique way.

The parade kicks off at noon at the Whistler Public Library and winds along the Village Stroll, ending at Mountain Square. Canada Day highlights include the Pique Newsmagazine Pedal Parade, the new Après Parade Party at the Base of Blackcomb, free shuttles to the Whistler Sliding Centre and street entertainment.

More than 30 groups participated in Canada Day celebrations last year and the 2008 theme of “Sport, Culture and Sustainability – Whistler Style” is expected to inspire some creative floats. This year’s Canada Day Parade is being billed as Whistler’s chance to showcase what makes the resort community a leader in community sustainability.

The parade is led by the Whistler Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler-Blackcomb, Tourism Whistler, and VANOC. Organizers are looking for participants to join in parade festivities. Volunteer judges will be dispersed throughout the parade route and the winners will be announced at the Apres Parade Party.

Registration and decoration of bikes for the Pique Pedal Parade begins at 10 a.m. in day lot 3. Bike judging and prizes are awarded at 11:30. Contact Erin at 604-938-0202 to register, or go online at www.piquenewsmagazine.com.

After the parade, the fun continues at the Après Parade Party at the Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone. The party kicks off at   2 p.m. with a welcome from Whistler’s Mayor Ken Melamed, the singing of O Canada, cake-cutting and a visit from local athletes and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Mascots, Miga, Sumi and Quatchi.

“This year’s celebrations are a chance for Whistler to celebrate Canada Day and our role as national ambassadors during the 2010 Winter Games. We’re excited about a parade that is more respectful of the environment and we invite Whistler and visitors to get involved,” Melamed said.

Following the Après Parade Party, festivities carry on with complimentary shuttles to The Whistler Sliding Centre. Shuttles will depart from the bus stop in front of the Blackcomb Daylodge, from 2:30 till 4:30 p.m.

For more information visit www.whistlerchamber.com or contact Jaime at the Whistler Chamber at 604.932.5922 ext. 24.