Assiniboine Park Lyric Theatre and Pavilion are shown in this file photo. The park will host a summer of free programming for visitors, as well as an abbreviated celebration on Canada Day, July 1. (APC / HANDOUT)
WINNIPEG — Canada Day at Assiniboine Park will have more of a family feeling this year as revellers head home hours before the sun sets.
The Assiniboine Park Conservancy says longtime sponsor Canad Inns has bowed out of Canada Day programming for 2018 after the culmination of Canada’s 150th birthday last year.
When you add in the ongoing construction of Canada’s Diversity Gardens in the park, staff say the traditional fireworks display also won’t return.
“This past year, was an extra special year with even bigger activities and fireworks in recognition of Canada 150. Canad Inns and Assiniboine Park Conservancy are happy to have been a part of such a successful annual community celebration,” said Canad Inns CEO Dan Lussier.
But that doesn’t mean the fun will be completely over.
Canada Day programming will now run from noon to 5 p.m. on July 1, complete with a citizenship ceremony, children’s performer Al Simmons, Folklorama performances, bouncy castles, food trucks, face painting and other activities.
The park is also presenting a line-up of musical acts, movies and art exhibitions all summer through the Casinos of Winnipeg Summer Entertainment Series, running from June through August at Assiniboine Park.
The free public series includes more than 25 events, such as musical acts at the Lyric Theatre, Jazz in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, art exhibits in the WAG at the Pavilion, and Movies in the Park.
