Canada Day is Friday and with that comes the first in-person events to mark the July 1st holiday in the city since 2019.

Canada Day Saskatoon is now the group in charge of hosting the events after the Optimist Club of Saskatoon announced in December they would be stepping down from hosting the yearly celebrations after doing so for 54 years. Now with a new group taking on the hosting responsibility, July 1st celebrations have moved across the river from Diefenbaker Park to River Landing and Victoria Park.

Project Manager Shad Ali says they’re calling this year’s festivities a respectful honouring of our nation. Instead of a pancake breakfast, bannock and jam will be served in the morning at the plaza next to the Nutrien tower.

The Chinese Dance School of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Scottish Country Dancers are set to kick-off the day’s programming at River Landing starting at 12 noon.

Fireworks will be shot off from the Broadway Bridge around 10:30 Friday night. Country artist Tenielle Arts will also be hosting a free concert in Victoria Park.  Click here for the details.

Canada Day Road closures can be found here.

Some of the day’s events include:

Bannock tasting at 11:00 a.m.

Cultural entertainment on Amphitheatre Stage 12:00 (noon) to 10:25 p.m.

Birthday Cake around 6:00 pm

Concert in Victoria Park with country artist Tenille Arts 6:30 pm

Fireworks 10:30 pm