Grand Bend is getting ready to celebrate Canada Day in a big way, with a full day of live music, entertainment, and one of the biggest fireworks shows in Southwestern Ontario.
The celebration will take place on tomorrow, July 1st, and Stage producer Paul Rivard says the event kicks off at 1 p.m.
The warm-up concert featuring 40 Hours Over, the BeachFest Battle of the Bands winner.
The official opening ceremony takes place around 4 p.m., followed by local favourites Brothers Wild, country singer Shelley Rastin with her line dancers, and a nine-piece reggae band to close out the evening with beach vibes at sunset.
The show doesn’t end there. At exactly 10 p.m., the skies will light up with a 30-minute fireworks display that Rivard says is one of the largest around.
This massive celebration brings in tens of thousands of visitors and is a major tourism event for the town, with support from local businesses, community sponsors, and volunteers.
Rivard says it’s a proud tradition that unites the community and supports local shops, restaurants, and hotels.
All events are free to attend, but organizers encourage donations to help keep the celebration going each year.
Of course, OPP and Marine Patrol will be out and about making sure everyone is stay safe as the fun rolls on.
Rivard says they are expecting a big crowd this year, but there is always room for more to join the fun.
Written by: K. Milhomens