Port City has a lot on the go on July 1.

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Diane Henry

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Saint Johners will turn out in droves for this year's Canada Day celebration that is sure to impress and entertain. As the province's largest annual July first celebration, the port city will be full of activities for everyone, young and old, from coast to coast.

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"We've noticed certainly in the past few years more people coming out and enjoying themselves in the uptown area," said Heather Peterson, regional manager of the Hardman group, and chair of the Canada Day Committee. "There's a lot more happening in the uptown area all days of the week, but especially on Canada Day."

Peterson said this year will be better than ever with a massive line up of activities and events. The theme of this year's celebration is from "coast to coast" with acts and appearances by performers from across the country.

Festivities will kick off on June 30 with the Countdown to Canada Day on the Market Square Boardwalk. Joel Plaskett Emergency, an ECMA-award winning and Juno-nominated group, will headline the free concert that runs from 6 p.m. until midnight. Joining them will be Nova Scotia's David Myles Band and The Got to Get Got, Manitoba's Greg MacPherson, and Laurie Jones from Maine. The countdown is for patrons aged 19 and older.

"The countdown has been very successful in the past even if it's rain or shine because of the people we've had playing," said Peterson. "Joel Plaskett Emergency is a great band. He's actually playing in L.A. now and he's coming back here to play Canada Day. He played in Ottawa last year and we're really looking forward to his performance."

Plaskett, originally from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, has been a prominent figure in the Canadian indie rock scene of the 1990s and 2000s. Joel Plaskett Emergency was nominated for seven East Coast Music Awards in 2008, more than any other act, and won six of those awards, tying a previous record.

As part of this year's "Coast to Coast" theme, the Canada Day Committee has organized a people parade to represent the diversity of our nation. Beginning on Sydney Street, the parade will come down King Street with the RCMP colour party, city police, military personnel, dignitaries, and children from Belfast, the Chinese Cultural Association, marching bands, cheerleaders, and someone from each province holding their respective flags.

"It's a lot of people coming together to give their time to celebrate our nation's birthday," Peterson said.

The parade is to be followed by the flag raising ceremony in front of City Hall and then a cake cutting ceremony and singing of the national anthem in the Atrium at Market Square.

Last year between 50,000 and 70,000 people crowded into the city's core and organizers are hoping to top that number this year. The cruise ship Carnival Triumph will bring 3,200 visitors to the port city on July 1, adding to the masses. Despite the growing numbers, Peterson is not worried about overcrowding.

"There is a lot of different space because everything is happening all over the uptown. There are a lot of different places for people to go and not everything is happening at the same place at the same time."

Peterson also noted that cruise ships carrying hundreds of Americans have been in port in the past during Canada Day, and it has only added to the excitement. "A lot of them were asking 'well what is Canada Day?' because they call it Independence Day, they don't call it US Day, so we know what questions will be asked and we're ready for them."

July 1 events will be spread out between King Square, King Street, Market Square, the City Market, and Harbour Passage.

Dora and Diego from the popular children's shows Dora the Explorer and Go Diego Go will be interacting with the crowd, along with the Sea Dogs Mascot 'Splash', the A&W Root Bear, and characters from the RCMP. Other children's activities will include face painting, fake tattoos, huge inflatable bounce rides and Bungee jumping. Danceability, Zany Lane, Bernie the Magician and Water Street Dinner Theatre are among the acts that will be performing on the boardwalk stage from 1 to 4 p.m.

"We try to get something for all different age groups and I think we continue to accomplish that," Peterson said.

The five large bounce rides will be brought in from Quebec and have never been seen before in Saint John. "If it rains, we can put them in the Trade and Convention Centre and the kids can still do their bouncing."

Rhoda's, the largest flea market and craft fair of its kind in the province, will feature hundreds of local vendors selling their wares along King Street and Charlotte Street from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., with bingo beginning at noon. The City Market will also be open with many local artisans and crafters, International foods, restaurants and seafood. Games and prizes can be had on Germain Street during the "The City Market's Kid's Canada Day Open Air Carnival" from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with a rain location in the City Market Solarium. The New Brunswick Museum will have free admission all day with tours and activities. Plus, there will be fantastic works of art displayed in King Square during the "Art in the Park" display.

The 16th annual volleyball tournament on the boardwalk welcomes teams from across the region, and the very first Canada Day Cup will be presented at a skateboard competition at the city's brand new skateboard park. Finally, Saint John Idol will hit the Market Square Boardwalk Main Stage at 8 p.m., with a spectacular show of fireworks to wind up the day at 10:15 p.m., rain or shine.

"We'll still have a great time even if it rains," said Peterson. "The only thing that will stop the grand finale fireworks is fog." In that case, they will be held the following evening.

Ringing in the country's 142 birthday in Saint John will cost $60,000, paid for by sponsors. For Peterson it's worth every penny.

"We have a great country and we should be proud of it. Years ago people used to leave and even go to other countries on Canada Day. Now, they're staying home and participating in home activities.

"With everything that's happening in the world people can say look we have a great country so let's get out and celebrate. It does matter. Get the flag and wave it high and be proud to be Canadian."