Events for Canada’s 150 birthday are ongoing across our great nation—here, we’ve rounded up a bunch of the diverse events happening across the Sudbury region in 2017. There’s fun for families, friends, and lots to do if you’re just strolling solo through town. Have a Canadian birthday event that we missed? A restaurant with a Canada 150-themed menu or specialty cocktail? We’d love to hear about it!
The Sudbury Horticultural Society is hosting its seventh annual Sudbury Gardening Festival to celebrate everything green and growing in Ontario’s Northeast. The festival has been designated a “Canada 150 Garden Experience” by Canadian Garden Council in collaboration with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association—so you know it’s not to be missed. Wander the exhibits, check out some of the guest speakers, watch the juried horticultural show to see who wins best in show (will it be a show-off wisteria? A discerning fern?), or just pick up some new flowering plants for your garden!
When: May 27
Where: YMCA Centre for Life and Parkside Centre
For more info check out:
http://www.canadasgardenroute.ca/
http://www.sudburygardeningfestival.ca/
Who doesn’t love checking out bright flowers in full bloom? Especially when those flowers are red and white and in the shape of the Canadian flag! Swing by the entrance to Valley View Public School for a stunning view of their Canada-themed tulips that are now in full bloom! The school was among 150 organizations who received 1,000 red and white tulip bulbs to help celebrate Canada’s 150th. Every kid got a chance to plant at least one tulip and the results are on display for as long as the blooms last. Check out the CBC’s feature on the school and be sure to check them out in person while you can.
Kids in grades 5-8 can celebrate Canada by participating in the Canada 150 Literacy Challenge, sponsored by Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre. The idea is for kids to read as much literature by Canadian authors or about Canada to help them learn more about and appreciate their home. The contest is sponsored through local schools and libraries, and officially ends June 12, but it’s never too late to keep a log of the Canadian books your kids read in 2017! Whether it’s classics like Gordon Korman’s This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall or L.M. Montgomery’s Emily of New Moon, or something more contemporary, this is a great excuse for your kids to read more books about Canada. For ideas on what to read, check out your local library or this list on Amazon for suggestions of kid’s books by Canadian authors.
Upon submission of reading logs, all students will receive a commemorative certificate signed by MP Paul Lefebvre honouring their passion for reading.
When: Ongoing through 2017, but officially ends Monday, June 12, 2017
For more info check out:
https://plefebvre.liberal.ca/news-nouvelles/literacy-challenge-canada-150/
While the 35th annual Sudbury Gem and Mineral Show isn’t technically an event celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday, what better way to honour Sudbury’s economic contribution to Canada than by attending this annual event chock full of gorgeous minerals, gems, fossils, and jewelry? Watch demonstrations, chat with dealers, learn how to identify gemstones and minerals, watch a metal detector demonstration, enter for a chance to win an amethyst geode, or just shop for some new jewelry featuring your favourite gemstone!
When: July 21-23
Where: Carmichael Arena, 1298 Bancroft Drive
For more info check out:
https://passport2017.ca/events/35th-annual-sudbury-gem-and-mineral-show
Canada’s 150th birthday train—pulled by CPs iconic diesel locomotive CP 1401 built in 1958—is rolling into Sudbury for a three-hour event packed with activities and entertainment. Train buffs and photographers will be able to snap photos of the historic locomotive and more than 10 restored Royal Canadian Pacific heritage cars (1916-1931). In addition to train spotting, the event features entertainment and music by Dallas Arcand, an aboriginal entertainer and world-renowned hoop dancer as well as country music star and Juno-winner Dean Brody. Kids can design their own conductor’s hat and add their dreams for Canada’s future to the side of the Spirit of Tomorrow train. This is a not-to-be-missed event for the whole family.
When: August 8, 5 pm-8 pm
Where: Sudbury Railway Station, 233 Elgin Street
For more info check out:
www.facebook.com/events/278925132518000
Every Sudbury resident knows that our local SNOLAB research facility was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2015 for its groundbreaking research. But probably not too many of us can explain exactly what the discovery was all about. Now’s your chance to brush up on one of the city’s most incredible accomplishments with the interactive New Eyes on the Universe Exhibit landing at Science North this July. This exhibit is back in Sudbury to celebrate Canada’s 150 after its world tour that began in London, England in 2016—but it’s only here for a limited time, so be sure to check it out. The exhibit includes interactive video kiosks, tons of panels with fantastic images, a close-up look at the detector components integral to the research, analysis and predictions for the future from Nobel laureate Art McDonald, as well as stories of inspiration for young scientists.
When: July 21-August 28
Where: Science North
For more info check out:
https://www.snolab.ca/content/canada-150
https://www.snolab.ca/content/new-eyes-universe-exhibit
Canadians love to party, and what better way to celebrate Canada’s birthday than with a three-hour, licensed boat tour hosted by Sudbury DJ Bassline Jack featuring artists like Rekka, PATRIXX, DJ WILLIS, DJ WESLEY, and Ill Smith! Canada Day Bass Boat 2017 promises great music, a view of the fireworks, and a celebration in true Sudbury style. Plus, tickets include a free shuttle back downtown after the partying is over.
When: July 1
Where: 100 Ramsey Lake Rd.
For more info check out:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sudbury-bass-community-presents-bass-boat-tickets-33448283717
Spend an incredible Saturday in Bell Park on the shore of Ramsey Lake watching teams of dragon boat racers in colorful 41-foot wooden boats compete for the championship! Learn the cultural history behind the dragon boats, cheer for your favourite team, listen to music, and enjoy fun for the whole family at this annual event—made all the more special because of Canada’s birthday.
When: July 15
Where: Bell Park, Paris Street
For more info check out:
https://passport2017.ca/events/sudbury-dragon-boat-festival
ParticipACTION is a program designed to get Canadians moving by challenging them to complete 150 physical activities in 2017! Anyone can register online and compete against other Canadians to complete as many of the 150 designated activities as possible—and these very Canadian activities include things like shovelling snow, gardening, picking fruit, axe throwing (yes, really!) washing your car, or playing lacrosse! Every time you check off an activity you earn badges and are entered for a chance to win prizes from places like Fairmont Hotels, Tim Hortons, and Chevrolet. The playlist crew behind ParticipACTION will be stopping in Sudbury on its nationwide tour—so be sure to stop by to meet the team, make some friends, and knock a few activities off your list, or try the featured activity unique to Sudbury!
When: October 20, 2:00 pm
Where: 325 Anderson Dr
For more info check out:
https://signedevents.com/canada/sudbury/participaction-150-play-list-in-sudbury/
