Celebrate Canada Day COVID-19 style -- Virtually across York Region

Barenaked Ladies, virtual fireworks and Beavertails part of virtual Canada Day Celebrations in York Region

Yorkregion.com
June 25, 2020
Amanda Persico

This year, Canada Day will be celebrated differently -- together while apart.

Many municipalities are taking their red and white festivities online, hosting virtual Canada Day celebrations.

That still means you can participate and enjoy the show, albeit from the comfort of your couch, patio or backyard, or from wherever you can live stream.

Here’s how you can celebrate Canada’s greatness this July 1.

Aurora:

Virtual fun:

• Greetings from the Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, MPs Leona Alleslev and Tony Van Bynen and Mayor Tom Mrakas;

• Oath of Citizenship; an exciting video on how Aurora became known as Canada’s Birthday Town;

• Beavertails cooking demonstrations;

• Evening entertainment, including hula-hoopers, fire jugglers, aerial acrobatics and performances by Louisa and the Planets, and Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train;

• Augmented reality firework show that can be watched from your mobile device.

• Make-and-take at home: Family friendly events and activities will be available June 29 to July 3.

• Activity Capsules created by the Department of Canadian Heritage, with various themes such as: symbols, history and traditions, physical activity and wellness, food, crafts and colouring, and arts and culture capsules;

• Crosswords and custom colouring sheets; and

• Aurora online community zone featuring Kahoot Canadian Trivia game, art classes, virtual scavenger hunt, STEM activities for kids, rock painting tutorials and dance parties;

• NHL20 ESPORTS PS4 online hockey tournament in collaboration with We Got Game. Register a team or as a solo player at wegotgame.com.

• Show off your red and white:

• Decorate your front door, lawn and windows with Canadian flags, handmade arts and crafts and post decorations using #AuroraCanadaDay on Instagram and tag @TownofAurora or @Town_of_Aurora on Facebook. Submit your photo by June 29 to be part of Aurora’s Instastory.

Bradford West Gwillimbury:

Virtual fun:

• Signing "O Canada";

• Live entertainment from local artists;

• Canada Day Circus Show;

• Messages from MP Scot Davidson and MPP Caroline Mulroney; and

• Civic Award winners announced.

Make-and-take at home:

• Printable photo booth props and new Snap Chat BWG filter;

• Canada Day bingo cards, travel bucket list and recipes; and

Show off your red and white:

• Decorate a window, take a picture and email it to events@townofbwg.com for your chance to win a prize. The deadline to submit window pictures is June 29.

East Gwillimbury:

Virtual fun:

• Singing of "O Canada";

• Live performance by Mini Pop Kids sensation Peyton Garcia;
• History of the Sharon Temple presentation;

• Summer of '69 Bryan Adams tribute show; and

• Special performance by the fire-juggling FireGuy.

Make-and-take at home:

• Starting June 24, the town is posting Canada-themed activities, including family-friendly activities, workouts and crafts.

• NHL20 ESPORTS PS4 online hockey tournament in collaboration with We Got Game. Register a team or as a solo player at wegotgame.com

Georgina:

Virtual fun:

• Performances by local bands;

• A look into Georgina’s historical archives;

• Performances by Doo Doo the Clown and Dan the Music Man;

• Special acts including the Magic of Aaron Matthews and Trellis circus acts;

• Cultural dance demonstration; and

• Live Canadian trivia game.

Show off your red and white:

• Take a photo of you and your family wearing Canada Day gear and post it using #CanadaDayGeorgina. Submit your photo to eleisure@georgina.ca for a chance to win a prize. The deadline to submit your photo is July 2.

King Township:

Not hosting virtual Canada Day celebrations.

Markham:

Virtual fun:

• Markham will join Canadians coast to coast in a nationwide virtual celebration, Canada Day Drumming, a six-minute simultaneous drumming circle;

• Markham's "O Canada" video featuring the voices of fellow Markham residents;

• Canadian trivia contest; and

• Augmented reality firework show that can be watched from your mobile device.

Make-and-take at home:

• Markham's Great Canadian Colouring Contest.

Show off your red and white:

• Canada Day decorating and dress-up. Post your photos using #MkmCanadaDay;

• Light Up Your Canadian Pride -- the city will be lighting up municipal buildings and landmarks throughout the city in red and white lights. Residents can participate, too, by hanging red and white holiday lights or changing outdoor lights to red bulbs.

Newmarket:

Virtual fun:

• Newmarket’s “O Canada” Video celebrating 40 years of the Canadian National Anthem sung by Newmarket residents;

• Augmented reality firework show that can be watched from your mobile device.

Make-and-take at home:

• Downloadable Canada Flag found on the town’s website and distributed in the Newmarket Era.

Show off your red and white:

• Hang your flag proudly in a front window facing the street, take a picture and tag @TownOfNewmarket on Twitter and/or Instagram and use #NewmarketEH.

Richmond Hill:

Virtual fun:

• Richmond Hill will join Canadians coast to coast in a nationwide virtual celebration, Canada Day Drumming, a six-minute simultaneous drumming circle;

• Bust a move. Take a video of you showing off new dance movies or your musical talents. Post it using #CanadaDayRH for a chance to win prizes;

• Cooking lessons with Chef Stephanie Tucci, featuring easy to make iced tea, bean salad, BBQ chicken and yogurt popsicles;

Make-and-take at home:

• Colouring pages for all Canadians, featuring a collection of custom Canadian joy, pride, history, moments in sport and Beaver Break.

Show off your red and white:

• Decorate your home, inside or out, dress up or sing a song to showcase your Canadian pride. Post it using #CanadaDayRH for a chance to win prizes.

Vaughan:

Virtual fun:

• Full day of family fun hosted by 104.5 CHUM FM radio personality Ashley Greco;

• Video montage from members of the community;

• Live performances by Kreative In Dance Styles, Mini Pop Kids, Comedian Susan Stewart, the Free Label and the Spin Starlets featuring violinist Dr. Draw; and

• Headlining performance by the Barenaked Ladies;

Make-and-take at home:

• Downloadable Canada Day themed activities; and

• #VaughanCookOff challenge winner announced.

Whitchurch-Stouffville:

Not hosting any virtual Canada Day events.

Canada:

Virtual fun:

• Live Canada Day celebration hosted by Serena Ryder and Pierre-Yves Lord, broadcasted by the CBC. Musical performances include: Paul Brandt, Marc Hervieux, Julie Nesrallah, Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne, Alan Doyle and Sarah McLachlan.

• Canada Day Drumming, a six-minute simultaneous drumming circle featuring cities and towns from across Canada;

Make-and-take at home:

Downloadable Canada Celebration kits at canada.ca offering interactive activities for the whole family with various Canadian sports, culture, art, history and food collections.