Harrison’s Canada Day Schedule of Events
Today we continue to take time to reflect, learn, and build our back community stronger. Our theme for this years Canada Day Celebration is Celebrating Canada’s Diversity. We honour our relationship and connection to the Sts’ailes People and their territory that we live, work, and play on here in Harrison Hot Springs. Our Canada Day activities will take place in the heart of Harrison Hot Springs, and on the ancient Village of Qwólts, as part of our Celebrating Diversity we recommend all attendees reflect and learn and visit Qwólts Park to learn more about Sts’ailes and the ancient Village of Qwólts .
Join the Harrison Hot Springs Fire Department and the Harrison Hot Springs Resort for a delicious pancake breakfast from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM. All proceeds will be donated to Lytton Fire Services.
LOCATION: Harrison Hot Springs Fire Hall | 555 Hot Springs Road
PRICE: $5 per person | $2.50 Children
While our virtual pet parades of the last two years proved to be the most popular events of Harrison’s online Canada Day, we are full steam ahead for a 2022 in-pawson parade.
WHAT’S NEW
Some changes, mostly for the comfort of our beloved pets on what is usually a stinking hot day:
PRE-REGISTRATION: We would like to have as many entries pre-registered as possible, so that we can estimate the total number of participants, and have presentations ready at the end of the parade. On Canada Day, there will be a check-in table for pre-registered paraders, plus we will accept a limited number of last minute entrants.
PRIZES FOR ALL: There will be no judging this year; instead, each pet will receive a certificate of participation as well as a small surprise provided by local businesses.
Join us as we kick off the opening ceremony in the traditional territory of Sts’ailes, our ceremonies will take place in Civic Centre Plaza in beautiful Harrison Hot Springs. The ceremony will include welcome speeches from local dignitaries, a welcome song and dance from the Sts’ailes Sasquatch Dancers, and cupcakes-while supplies last- from Cabin Fever Junction!
1:30 PM- 2:15 PM White Thunder Dancer Theatre
Founded in 1987 by Gary Abbott. We are based in Chilliwack, BC. Many of our performers are local to the surrounding First Nations. To share the songs and dances of the First Nations people. To cross cultural bridges by educating the public with by sharing our traditions and stories. We believe that the young people are our future and we encourage them to come and perform with us.
2:30 PM- 3:15 PM Todd Richard
Todd Richard is one of the most distinct, refreshing artists on the country music scene today. Born in Hamilton but raised in BC, Todd’s rich vocals and unique style have fans sitting up and taking notice – and they’re loving what they see and hear. BC Country Music associations ‘Humanitarian of the Year in 2017 & again in 2018, two time CBC Searchlight semi-finalist, Todd has been busy building his growing fan base of TR Rebels and “Frands” and shared the stage with many of country music’s top acts, including Dwight Yoakum, Dierks Bentley, Gord Bamford, Aaron Goodvin and rock legend Randy Bachman to name a few.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM Royal Academy of Bhangra Dancing
In 2012, a group of dedicated arts and Punjabi culture enthusiasts created a professional bhangra organization. Royal Academy of Punjab continues to raise the platform of Punjabi Folk Arts through quality programming and events as well as collaborations with the broader community to create awareness and opportunities for fusion, exploration and connection.
Join us and learn about our culture through dance as we provide a workshop on Bhangra Dancing. Participation is welcomed and encouraged!
11:00 AM & 3:30 PM- Drum Making Workshops with Darren Charlie
Darren Charlie, also known as Qwetoselten, is a well-known drum maker from Sts’ailes. He owns and operates Sasquatch Drums and Sasquatch Tours & Cultural Presentations. Darren has more than 30 years of drum making experience, and was taught by elders from the Sts’ailes community.
Join our experienced local artist and drummer Darren Charlie for a traditional drum making workshop at Memorial Hall. Drum making kits, and pre-made drums, will be available for purchase at the event.
Darren Charlie, also known as Qwetoselten, is a well-known drum maker from Sts’ailes. He owns and operates Sasquatch Drums and Sasquatch Tours & Cultural Presentations. Darren has more than 30 years of drum making experience, and was taught by elders from the Sts’ailes community.
Join our experienced local artist and drummer Darren Charlie for a traditional drum making workshop at Memorial Hall. Drum making kits, and pre-made drums, will be available for purchase at the event.
Returning to the streets of Harrison Hot Springs we have our annual parade. This years route will follow Hot Springs Road, turn right on Lillooet Avenue, right up St. Alice Street, right onto Esplanade Ave, and returning via Maple Street.
Note: Road closures and Boat launch interruptions will be in effect from 4:00 PM -6:00 PM.
Finishing our night off, we have the Rockwell Band. The Rockwell Band is a 4-piece band that plays all the classics that will have you up and dancing away.
Ending off the night, we will have our annual Fireworks display. This display will take flight sometime between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM- once the sky has reached optimal darkness.
