From a free barbecue to a Beachcombers tribute to a beer garden, there are numerous events taking part across the Sunshine Coast in celebration of Canada Day, July 1.
Here are some of the highlights.
Gibsons
Beachcombers Canada Day at the Museum
716 Winn Rd.
Admission by donation
It doesn’t get any more “Coast” than this event, which is part of the Town of Gibsons’ Canada Day celebrations.
Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives staff are inviting the public to join them for a celebration of the beloved CBC television show the Beachcombers, which was filmed in Gibsons and points beyond, from 1972 to 1990.
11 a.m.: Meet outside the museum to get a look at the jetboat used by Relic in the series and meet current owner Deano Fatovic, who spent 10 years hunting down the boat and is now restoring it.
1 p.m.: Actor Jackson Davies will host a screening of Beachcombers episode "Jetboat Gemini," followed by an audience Q & A, which will also include Fatovic.
All day: Watch screening of three Beachcombers episodes on the museum’s new professional audio-video system.
Pancake breakfast, parade and beer garden
Gibsons Legion Branch #109
747 Gibsons Way
9:30 to 11 a.m.: Pancake breakfast
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Beer garden
Noon: Opening ceremony with a pipe band, parade and the singing of O Canada by Richard Fortier
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Live music and food trucks will be onsite. Free hotdogs for children under 10.
Winegarden Park
Lower Gibsons
4:30 to 5:15 p.m.: Live music with Stompin’ Ron & Crazy Eh’s Band
5 p.m.: Pipe band and participants meet at the Sunshine Coast Museum, 716 Winn Rd.
5:15 p.m.: Mini parade from the museum to Winegarden Park
5:30 p.m.: Opening ceremonies and the singing of O Canada
5:40 p.m.: Free barbecue ready to serve while the Coast Fiddlers keep the crowd entertained
5 to 9 p.m.: Kids games, bubbles and bean toss
5:55 to 6:25 p.m.: Stompin’ Ron & Crazy Eh’s Band
6: 30 to 7:30 p.m.: Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band
7:35 to 7:50 p.m. La Zamari flamenco dancer
7:55 to 8:15 p.m.: Gibsons Dance Centre
8:20 to 9:20 p.m.: Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band
9:20 to 10 p.m.: Stompin’ Ron & Crazy Eh’s Band
10 p.m.: Thank you to sponsor and volunteers
Sechelt
Various locations
July 1 marks the end of syíyaya Days, an 11-day, community wide celebration of Indigenous culture and reconciliation which, in Sechelt, includes Canada Day events.
The parade and festival were organized by the syíyaya Reconciliation Committee, shíshálh Nation, District of Sechelt and Sechelt Downtown Business Association.
8 to 10:30 a.m.: Lion’s Club pancake breakfast at the Dock parking lot, 5688 Cowrie St.
10:30 a.m.: Parade through downtown Sechelt
The suggested theme for this year’s parade is “Colour & Sound,” so all are encouraged to wear bright colours and make live music or play some of your favourite tunes.
Noon to 4 p.m.: Festival at Hackett Park
Noon to 3 p.m.: Trial by Fire
A high-energy firefighter skills competition where teams and individuals from across the Coast go head-to-head in challenges of strength, speed and stamina. Hosted by the Sechelt Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, it’s a thrilling community fundraiser you won’t want to miss.
Stage performance schedule (lower Hackett Park)
11 a.m.: Dixie Honey Hula Hooping
Noon: Welcome ceremony
12:30 p.m.: Graham Walker & the Jilly Bears
1:30 p.m.: Storytime Theatre
2 p.m.: Spindrift Street
syíyaya Days exhibits
Sechelt Legion
5546 Inlet Ave.
1 p.m.: The Duke of Earles kicks off the Canada Day party with music from “all Canadian rock, pop and folk legends.”
By donation.
Lighthouse Pub
5764 Wharf Ave.
3 to 6 p.m.: Enjoy live music with Stephan LaCasse
Willingdon Beach, Powell River
3 to 10:30 p.m.: Celebrate with live local music and entertainment, three bouncy castles, a jouster, face painting, local food and sales vendors, games, activities, and more. And there will be fireworks!
