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It's no doubt that Canada Day is a highlight every year in Fort Saskatchewan.
People from all over gather for a day of good food, great entertainment, and spectacular festivities.
So, for the return of Canada Day, we're listing the top five things you need to know to get the most out of your day.
1. Making it to the parade
Canada Day isn't Canada Day without a parade. Local businesses, associations, and non-profits display their floats as they ride down the streets of downtown Fort Saskatchewan (sometimes they even bring candy and other goodies for the kids).
Downtown is packed during the parade, with very few places to park. It's suggested that those who need to drive arrive early or use local transit, which is free on Canada Day.
This year's parade will be starting at 11 a.m. The parade is expected to have around 100 floats and last about an hour.
Check out the route here.
2. All kinds of food
No need to eat breakfast before the festivities, because there will be plenty of food throughout the day. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert, there's a food vendor for you.
First, there's a pancake breakfast at the Fort Saskatchewan Legion parking from 8 to 10 a.m. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. George's Church is offering hamburgers, hot dogs, pie, coffee, and a bake sale. Finally, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Pioneer House will serve up some beef on a bun.
There are still plenty of food vendors on-site at Legacy Park, such as Bucking Good Eats, Fat Franks, and Pizza 73.
Oh, did we mention there's a farmers' market too? It goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by the old CN Train Station.
3. Who's playing the stage?
The Legacy Park's bandshell stage will have music playing in the afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. and in the evening from 7 to 10 p.m.
The afternoon show starts with performances from local musicians Steven Sware, David Unsworth, Harold Reichstein, and Rachel Gleddie.
As for the evening show, there'll be the all-female band Nice Horse, five-time award winner Hailey Benedict, and the headliner, two-time Juno Award winners, The Strumbellas. Their single 'Spirits' has been certified triple platinum in Canada and is a song that most will instantly recognize.
4. The all-famous fireworks
One of the day's highlights is the fireworks' grand finale. Placed at the bottom of the Rotary Amphitheater, the show starts at about 10:45 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to bring their own seating and dress accordingly.
5. Fun activities
From face painting and a mobile video game trailer to human foosball and a ninja warrior obstacle course, Fort Saskatchewan has it all. Visitors will need to purchase a $5 wristband to access these activities.
For the history buffs out there, the Fort Heritage Precinct will be free from 1-6 p.m. for visitors to see costumed interpreters talk about the city's history. They're even offering tours inside to see what life looked like for the founding residents of Fort Saskatchewan.
Check out more on Canada Day through the City of Fort Saskatchewan's website.