July 1st Canada Day celebrations at Sooke Flats are made possible thanks to the efforts of many community organizations and volunteers.
The Lions Club puts the event on with the Chamber of Commerce and the District of Sooke as part of their mantra of giving back to the community. Murray Lambert is a representative of the Lions Club.
"Sooke has so many incredible and inspiring volunteers that touch every fibre of our community and without their involvement events such as Canada Day would not be possible," Lambert said.
The Canada Day event is made possible by over 50 volunteers, including members from the Sooke Lions, Sooke Lionesses, Harbourside Lions, Rotary Club, the Community Association, the Chamber and the District of Sooke. He also highlighted the immense contributions of Sooke Lions President, Lion Godfrey, and member of the Sooke Lions Canada Day Committee, Kirk Jacobson.
Canada Day Events
This year, gates open at 11 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 11:30.
While there will be no fireworks due to forest fire concerns, there will be plenty of other activities.
Family-friendly attractions include the kid zone with all-day bouncy castles from Just Bounce Inflatables. There will also be a magic show (1 p.m.), music bingo in the picnic table area (1:15 p.m.), karaoke (2:45), and an all-day dunk tank.
"You can nominate somebody you want to get dunked," Lambert said.
Otter Point Volunteer Fire Department will once again have the fire hoses out for community members to participate in a game of hose ball. Sooke Fire Department will also be there with a ladder truck and a large Canada Flag.
The celebration will feature appearances by Ravi Parmar, Randall Garrison, and Mayor Maja Tait. Organizers are also hopeful for a special blessing from the Tluth Nation. Attendees can indulge in a variety of food options. The Sooke Lions Club Cook Shack will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, smokies, french fries, and onion rings at affordable prices, Lambert said. All of the funds raised from the Cook Shack will go to the sponsor Tour du Rock rider Mary-Ellen Sommerville, Sooke RCMP for her fundraiser.
Additionally, other food vendors will be on-site. Village Food Markets and Western Foods have donated 400 cupcakes for the event.
There will be no public parking at the Sooke Flats. Parking for the public can be found at Edward Milne Community School (EMCS) and SEAPARC. Shuttle buses will provide free transportation from EMCS or from the arena between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
