Golden residents will be able to celebrate Canada Day from the comfort of their own yards, with Summer Kicks hitting the streets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and a fireworks display schedules for 10:45 p.m. (dusk) from a new and undisclosed location.
“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year Canada Day does not include any of the regularly scheduled community events or activities,” said Town of Golden chief administrative officer Jon Wilsgard.
“But we can still celebrate Canada’s birthday at home, in our yards or balconies, and online.”
Residents are encouraged to set up and celebrate from their own homes, yards and balconies this year.
“Get together with your household or your pandemic bubble, decorate your house and yard, dress up in red and white, set up some chairs and get ready to enjoy the Summer Kicks mobile show and fireworks display.” said Jordan Petrovics. Golden’s manager of recreation services,
“There will be no shortage of entertainment reaching homes around Golden. It’s going to be a great time!”
The Summer Kicks curbside concert will feature local band Retrofied and special guest Ricky Diamonds.
The live show, 6:30-8:30 p.m., will visit a number of neighbourhoods in town throughout the evening and be livestreamed on Facebook through Kicking Horse Culture.
“We have really been enjoying taking Summer Kicks to the streets,” said Bill Usher, executive and artistic director of Kicking Horse Culture.
“We can’t wait to celebrate Canada Day physically distanced, but socially together, throughout the community.”
The location of this year’s fireworks display will be kept under wraps until the first warning fireworks are set off around 10:45 p.m., giving residents a chance to adjust their seats at home to watch the show. This year’s fireworks are funded by the government of Canada.
“Everyone in town should be able to see the fireworks from their own home, so no need to go searching for the perfect spot. It’s already in your own backyard,” explained Petrovics.
“We’ve also selected a range of fireworks this year that, although not silent, won’t include any big loud booms to avoid causing fear, stress and anxiety for both wild and domestic animals.”
Residents planning their own fireworks displays are reminded that you can only sell, give, possess or set off fireworks between Oct. 24 and Nov. 1 each year, unless a permit is obtained from the Golden Fire Department.
“Our number one priority continues to be the safety of our residents, staff and community partners. As we all focus on staying close to home this summer, it’s fantastic that we still have an opportunity to celebrate Canada Day safely, while staying apart,” said Wilsgard.
“We hope everyone enjoys the celebrations safely and responsibly this July 1.”
To help make physical distancing easy while enjoying the show from a park space, the town will paint temporary circles on the grass as a reminder for local residents to keep their distance.
The federal government also has a variety of celebrations and activities planned online to celebrate Canada Day this year. For more details, visit Canada.ca/CanadaDay.
