Residents invited to celebrate the sesquicentennial in the Stonetown

Town of St. Marys hosting free event to acknowledge Canada’s 150^th birthday  

St. Marys is ready to celebrate the sesquicentennial. The Stonetown will mark Canada’s 150^th birthday with a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, July 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Cadzow Park.

The celebration will feature a range of activities for all ages and interests. Sports fans can play a round of road hockey with the St. Marys Lincolns, while art enthusiasts decorate large, Canadian-themed cardboard cut-outs created by the staff at Cascades (formerly Norampac). The St. Marys Museum will also be opening a new exhibit, entitled 150 Years in 150 Objects.

The event will also showcase some of St. Marys’ best Canadian cuisine. Amateur bakers are encouraged to enter the St. Marys Sesquicentennial Butter Tart Contest (details at www.townofstmarys.com/canada150). Other food offerings will include pancakes and maple syrup, available between 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., as well as poutine, gourmet grilled cheese and locally roasted coffee. The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame will also be on hand with burgers, hotdogs, sausages and beverages.

The celebration’s formal ceremonies will recognize the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of Canada’s veterans. Around 1:00 p.m., lifelong St. Marys resident and proud veteran Charlie Richardson will raise the Canadian flag. The St. Marys Legion will also present a life-sized Thank You card to recognize the service of local veterans. All attendees will have an opportunity to sign the card to show their appreciation.

Live performances from headliners Trent Severn and the White Pine Dancers will entertain audiences of all ages. These acts will be complimented by music from an excellent line-up that features Caroline Burchill and Tom Osgerby, Paul Droog, Corduroy Gordon, Stranger Than Fiction and Corner Pocket. The music will be followed by an outdoor showing of Disney’s live action version of Beauty and the Beast.

Those attending the event should consider bringing a lawn chair, blanket, reusable water bottle and cash for food and vendor booths. Umbrellas are also recommended, as this is a rain or shine event. Parking will be limited during the event, as Park Street will be closed between Church Street and Tracy Street to accommodate activities. Ample parking will be available at the Pyramid Recreation Centre, where attendees can catch a free shuttle every 15 minutes from 11:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

For more information about the event, including detailed activity and entertainment schedules and a full list of food and product vendors, visit www.townofstmarys.com/canada150.

- 30 -

Contact

Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications & Events Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca