Almonte residents can head to Gemmill Park on July 1 for a full afternoon and evening of Canada Day fun. The Municipality of Mississippi Mills is hosting the free celebration from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the 182 Bridge Street park, with fireworks to follow at dusk.
Live music will fill the air all afternoon, with Karve opening the show at 3:00 p.m., followed by local performer Matt Moodie at 4:00 p.m., Ottawa Valley singer-songwriter Vicki Brittle at 4:40 p.m., Awntari at 5:20 p.m., Ottawa band Silver Creek at 6:30 p.m., and Newfoundland trio The Rowdymen at 8:00 p.m. Brittle, born and raised in nearby Arnprior, has gathered over six million online streams and played major festivals including Bluesfest, CityFolk, and Festival of Small Halls.
Families will find plenty to do beyond the main stage. The Mississippi Mills Youth Centre will run a kids’ zone with face painting, crafts and games, while the soccer field hosts Kick it for CANADA! activities celebrating Canada’s role in hosting the FIFA World Cup. The Almonte Legion will serve a licensed barbecue, with additional food from Mamma’s Place, Bumpky’s Bingsu and Unique Maples and Rubs.
The 15-acre park offers accessible washrooms and plenty of space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the day. The municipality has made the Almonte celebration a centrepiece of its holiday weekend, which also includes a Canada Day Eve event in Pakenham on June 30.
Full event details are posted on the Mississippi Mills Canada Day page.