This summer, the Rotary Club of Lions Gate will be upholding its tradition of hosting North Vancouver’s Canada Day celebrations at The Shipyards.
Starting 11 a.m. on July 1, the day-long event will return with a focus on family and community for this year.
There will be a live entertainment program at Shipbuilders Square which will be kicking off with the JP Fell Pipe Band. Plenty of other musicians will perform, including Melanie Dekker, a singer-songwriter originally from Deep Cove, and international artist Amir Raad, who will be accompanied by DJ FWM.
Alongside the musical performances happening onstage, there will be plenty of activities offered throughout the day for people of all ages. A play area will be available for children at the Pipe Shop. Visitors looking for something to eat can visit the food trucks which will be available at Wallace Mews, and those looking for a cold adult drink can stop by the beer garden by Beere Brewery over on Cates Dock.
Community stalls and exhibits will also be available at the event. There will be a pop-up art display from Young Artists in Action, where up-and-coming artists are invited to either create art on the spot or showcase their existing work.
“We do have a youth pop-up where we invite local artists, and they can paint, which gives them a large venue to promote themselves,” said Nick Bellamy of the Rotary Club of Lions Gate North Vancouver. Hand-made ceramics, jewelry, and accessories by local vendors will be available at several stalls during this family-friendly event.
Community displays of local non-profit organizations and businesses such as ShelterBox, KidSport North Shore, and the Hollyburn Community Services Society will also be present at The Shipyard’s Canada Day celebration.
These festivities are a long-standing tradition of the Rotary Club of Lions Gate, which has hosted North Vancouver Canada Day celebrations for more than 30 years. The event is free for everyone to attend.
“We try to make sure everybody feels and knows they’re included,” said Bellamy. “Events like this are an opportunity for us to showcase what our community is and bring people together.”
Bellamy describes this day-long free event as a “big community service,” where everyone is welcome to take part in family-friendly activities and live music in celebration of Canada Day. People are encouraged to bring picnic baskets as well as enjoy the food and drinks offered at the event.
“Community is infinitely important,” said Bellamy. “These days, you turn on the news, and there’s a lot of stuff happening. Ultimately, one of the big things that people want right now is to celebrate, be happy, and meet new people.”
Zain Alragheb is a student intern reporting for the North Shore News. She can be reached at [email protected].
