By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
There may not be Canada Day activities going on in all municipalities across Oxford, but everyone will be able to find something within about half an hour. There are many options and events for the entire family across the area.
City of Woodstock
Woodstock has the biggest celebration which is being held at Southside Park from 2 to 10 p.m. on Monday, July 1.
Kristen Brodhagen is the city’s event coordinator and said it is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Canada Day for free.
“There will be music on the main is being headlined by the Mudmen, a Celtic rock group. Before that is the Bomb, a retro 80s band. We have all kinds of music playing throughout the day on the main stage and this year we have added a side stage.”
The side stage will feature dancing, a fire show, and a country and rock band. The day will also have a Canadian Kids Zone which she said will keep the kids busy all day.
“There are escape rooms, inflatable obstacle courses, face-painting, glitter tattoos, balloon twisters, photo booths, a petting zoo, kid’s colouring corner, and the Woodstock Public Library will also be there offering activities.”
Brodhagen added there will be several food and marketplace vendors on hand to fill people’s bellies and shopping bags.
“Of course, I put in a good work with Mother Nature so it will be a beautiful day!”
The event wouldn’t happen without the support of sponsors, volunteers and city staff.
“It really takes the whole community to put on these celebrations and it is very much appreciated. Toyota Manufacturing Canada has for a long time sponsored our fireworks, so we are grateful for them. We also have several other sponsors we are thankful for.”
Full details are available on the city’s website.
Town of Ingersoll
The town has its festivities set for Monday, July from 1 to 4 p.m. at Victoria Park.
There will be a vibrant Vendor Market followed by opening ceremonies at 4 p.m. Enjoy family activities until 8 p.m. and cap off the night with spectacular fireworks at dusk. It is going to be a blast, rain, or shine! Family activities from 4 to 8 p.m. include balloon twisters, face painting and games. There will also be an open swim from 1:30 to 3:30 on a first-come first-served basis.
Innerkip Lions Club
The club’s events run from Friday to Sunday and kick off with a beer garden at 4 p.m. on June 28 and a two-day softball tournament starts at 6 p.m. Later in the evening, a family dance will be held with the Lions Club parade next at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning.
The beer garden opens at 11:15 with a dance at 9 p.m. featuring Tyler Leary, Justin Polisak and the Hired Hogs. A fireman’s breakfast starts at 8 a.m. on Sunday followed by the beer garden at 4 p.m. and an Innerkip Eagles fastball game at 7 p.m. The weekend will be capped off by fireworks at 9:45.
A food booth is also available all weekend.