It’s Canada Day in Portage la Prairie, and the community is coming together for a full day of family-friendly festivities at Stride Place and Island Park. Organized by the Portage Regional Recreation Authority (PRRA), the day promises to deliver fun at every turn, rain or shine.
Zapphira Major, Recreation Manager, says the PRRA is excited to invite everyone out to celebrate Canada’s birthday with them.
“We're there bright and early, making sure everything gets set up and ready to go,” notes Major. “We start off the day with the pancake breakfast, and from there the fun just keeps going.”
Preston Meier with the Portage Rotary Club says the well-loved local tradition has been part of Portage’s Canada Day celebration for over 15 years.
"For $5, you get pancakes, a couple of sausages, juice, and a coffee, but more importantly, you get to see all the people and all the friends that maybe you only see once or twice a year," Meier says.
The breakfast is also a fundraiser for the Rotary, with proceeds supporting local community projects.
"It's extremely well-attended. We ran out of food last year, so if you want breakfast, get there early! Portage Homestead Co-op has been our sponsor for years now, which we are grateful for, and it's always a fun day," he adds.
After breakfast, the day kicks into second gear with the Kids’ Bike Decorating Contest at 10:30 a.m.
"This was an event we first tried last year, but unfortunately, it poured rain," Major explains. "Even with the bad weather, we had some super cute bikes, and we're hoping for an even better turnout this time around. Use the active transportation paths, if possible, and bring your decorated bike down!"
Participants are grouped into three age divisions: 5 and under, 6–9, and 10–14 years. Families are encouraged to have bikes ready by 10:15 a.m., and space will be available on-site for last-minute decorating. Judging starts at 10:30, followed by a lively bike parade for all contestants.
While the kids show off their creations, the Bear Clan Patrol will be firing up the grills for a fundraising BBQ, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is also invited to gather for the Opening Ceremonies at 11:30 a.m., where Mayor Sharilyn Knox will share a few words to mark the nation’s milestone. Right afterward, the celebration continues with one of the day’s sweetest traditions, the Canada Day cake cutting at noon.
The afternoon is packed with activity for all ages. Local performers will take to the main stage, while the Kids’ Play Zone offers bouncy castles, face painting, crafts, and plenty of hands-on fun. The water park will also be open for public swimming from noon to 5:30 p.m. to beat the heat, though gate admission is required.
“We were busy all weekend at Splash Island, and we’re expecting a big turnout again today, ” Major continues.
As the day winds down, the celebration is far from over. Canada Day in Portage finishes with a bang (of fireworks) set to light up the sky around 11 p.m.
"It's one of the premier fireworks displays that you're going to find in all of Manitoba. It's a sight to see when it's coming off the bridge, and you're on the lake, seeing the reflections. We certainly encourage everybody to get out there and enjoy it," Meier says.
With so many moving parts, the PRRA has planned for everything, including the weather. If rain clouds roll in, much of the day’s programming can be shifted indoors to Stride Place, ensuring the celebration doesn’t miss a beat.
“It’s a great option to know that we don't have to consider canceling anything,” Major adds. “There’s a ton of planning that went into this day, and it's going to be a lot of fun!”
So whether you're coming for the pancakes, the parade of bikes, a splash in the pool, or the fireworks over Crescent Lake, Canada Day in Portage promises to deliver a full day of community celebration and plenty of hometown pride.
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