MAY 10, 2022 – 1:23 PM BROCK ORMOND NEWS, QUINTE

Two major summer events are returning to the Friendly City this year.

Belleville Council approved Canada Day festivities for July 1 and the Waterfront and Multicultural Festival at West Zwick’s Park from July 7 to 10 at its meeting yesterday.

The Belleville Chamber of Commerce was looking for assistance from the city to help pull off these events, CEO Jill Raycroft said.

“For the past two years, we have been pivoting to provide some version of your favourite events, and to demonstrate our commitment to the contract with the city to plan and execute them.”

“We have appreciated your support, as we have done whatever was possible.”

Raycroft added events coordinator Susan Walsh has been putting events on hold to adjust based on ever-changing pandemic measures, successes pre-COVID and community interest.

Barring any last-minute adjustments, the Canada Day festivities will kick off with the Kiwanis Pancake fundraising breakfast and the official opening ceremonies at 11:30 am.

A Sunrise Show with Andy Forgie and live music will be part of the day, along with various popular events such as the Hot Diggity Dog Show, Wild Wild West Show, Balloon and Body Art and the Hoop Zone.

The day will end with the usual fireworks at 10:00 p.m.

The Waterfront Festival is back to its original form after the past two years, after rebranding itself as ‘Curbside Culture.’

The main stage and multicultural music, buskers, food vendors, and midway rides will all be part of this event.

The Parade of Nations will take place on Friday evening (July 8th) and Raycroft said the Chamber is looking forward to this becoming a featured inclusive component of the weekend.

“With the wave of newcomers to our area, we’re looking forward to seeing a number of new countries represented by members of our community this year.”

She added additional Indigenous cultural elements will be included as part of this parade.

Some of the mainstream music this year includes national (& international) touring tributes to Elvis (Stephen Michaels), Foreigner, Journey, Carole King, The Beach Boys, Frankie Valle & The 4 Seasons, Chicago & ABBA.

Popups on the Bay will be open for both events.

The City of Belleville will pay all municipal building permit, signage and licensing fees and will provide Free shuttle buses for these events as well.

Prior to those two events, a Spring Family Fun Fest will be held later this month, Sat, May 28.

It will follow the traditional theme of “arts in the park” and complimenting the Mayor’s Week for the Arts.

All events will follow necessary health measures to keep attendees as safe as possible.