A variety of events are taking place in New West this weekend – culminating in Canada Day by the River on July 1.
New Westminster is home to an assortment of activities from Saturday, June 29 to Monday, July 1 – just in time for the Canada Day long weekend.
“Reflect on the common elements found in all cultures – family, food, movement, creativity – with a selection of free activities,” said a notice about Canda Day programming on the City of New Westminster’s website. “Canada Day activities include opportunities to learn, discover and try something new.”
Canada Day by the River is on Monday, July 1 from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at Westminster Pier Park. It features live music, a circus zone, children’s activities and more.
Food vendors will be available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults aged 19 and older are permitted to drink alcohol in the festival lawn area of Westminster Pier Park from 11 a.m. till dusk.
The day kicks off with welcoming remarks on the stage at 12:30 p.m., followed by a diverse lineup of performers:
- 1 p.m. – Robin Layne and the Rhythm Makers. This will be an interactive musical experience led by percussionist Robin Layne, who invites young audiences to join the band and explore the world of marimbas and percussion.
- 2 p.m. – Kung Jaadee. Kung Jaadee, a professional Indigenous storyteller, educator, and published author, shares her gift of storytelling with people of all ages – performing traditional Haida legends, while also sharing vivid personal stories about her clan's survival of the smallpox epidemic, and the history and culture of her people.
- 3 p.m. – Francis Baptiste. Francis Baptiste is an Indigenous songwriter and music journalist from the Osoyoos Indian Band, whose debut LP, Snəqsilxʷ (Family), features songs sung in Nsyilxcən [nah-silk-sen], the endangered language of the Syilx [see-ilks] people.
- 4 p.m. – Krystle Dos Santos. Krystle Dos Santos, an award-winning singer/songwriter and performer, brings her eclectic style, powerful vocals, and charm back to New West audiences.
- 5 p.m. – Cakewalk. Cakewalk, a six-piece band that is known for playing music that keeps gets folks dancing. The band’s repertoire includes pop, rock, R&B and country and features songs from many eras up, including today’s hits.
In the leadup to Canada Day on July 1, a number of events are taking place in New West on the long weekend. These include:
- Indoor Playland provides kids up to five years of age with a chance to interact with toys, games, and a bouncy caste, while families connect with other community members. It is on Saturday, June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Queensborough Community Centre. It’s free for kids aged zero to three years and $3.75 for family members.
- The Turtle Island Legend painting workshop is on Saturday, June 29 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Queen’s Park Bandshell. In this family-friendly painting workshop, led by Cree artist James Groening, attendees will create their own woodland turtle. This is a free event hosted by Arts New West.
- Welcome to My Renaissance features live performances from Indigenous artists and gives attendees a chance to participate in Indigenous crafts, view a collection of handmade goods from local Indigenous artist and enjoy food from an Indigenous food truck. It’s on Saturday, June 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Queen’s Park Bandshell.
- Indigenous Art Collective is a collection of art pieces from local Indigenous artists, curated by Arts New West’s Indigenous curator James Groening. Drop by The Gallery in Queen’s Park to view the exhibition this weekend. It is open Saturday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Cedar, Sage and Sweetgrass is an exhibition featuring the unique perspectives of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples through art. Check it out Saturday, June 29 to Monday, July 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Anvil Centre Community Art Gallery, 777 Columbia St. (Note: the opening reception exhibition is Thursday, June 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
- Summer Concerts in the Park features a performance by the fiddle-cello duo of Jocelyn Pettit and Ellen. It’s on Sunday, June 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Queen’s Park Bandshell. This Arts New West series provides free, family-friendly concerts featuring local musicals showcasing cultural diversity.
Other events taking place in New Westminster on the Canada Day long weekend include free curatorial talks about the latest exhibition at the New Media Gallery, the New West Craft Summer Market at River Market on Saturday, and Tacklebox in Time activities at Fraser River Discovery Centre.
