Canada Day is around the corner once again.

A free pancake breakfast hosted by the Wembley Firefighter’s Association will kick off the festivities at 10 a.m. at the Wembley Fire Hall.

Shortly after, the annual Valhalla Centre Canada Day parade starts at 12 p.m. at the Mercantile Cafe, driving down Main Street to the Valhalla Community School.

Those who wish to participate in the parade are requested to be at the Mercantile Cafe by 11 a.m.

Hot dogs and beverages will be served at the school following the parade.

Organizer Mavis Fimrite said refreshments will be offered by donation this Canada Day, instead of being sold as they were in previous years.

“We usually have an organization that will look after the hot dogs and pop and stuff to help us; our members are getting older and some of them are away, and some of them have passed away, and so we’re doing it a little bit differently this year.”

Fimrite said she looked forward to the Canada Day celebrations.

“It’s always a good time,” she said. “There’s people coming home for the long weekend, and as you go to meet up with friends and stuff.”

Following the Valhalla Centre celebrations, the City of Grande Prairie Canada Day parade will set off at 2 p.m., starting at Hillside School and ending at the Northwestern Polytechnic.

Following the parade, activities will take place in Muskoseepi Park starting at 3:30 p.m. to midnight, from drop-in swimming at the Aquatera Outdoor Pool, live entertainment, beer gardens, carnival rides and games, and food trucks.

The annual fireworks show will close out the celebrations at 11:30 p.m. from the reservoir at Muskoseepi.

“Canada Day in Grande Prairie is always a special time for our community,” said Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton. “We’re pleased to offer a full day of exciting events and activities for all ages. I encourage everyone to join us at our Canada Day events to celebrate our diversity, community, unity and creating grander memories together.”

Rodeo days

Canada Day long weekend in the Peace always means it’s time for rodeoing in Rio!

While most of the Rio Grande Rodeo will take place from June 29 to 30, some rodeo fun can still be roped up during Canada Day.

The open entry rodeo will take place on June 29 to 30, with the main performance starting at 1 p.m. on both days.

Flat races will also take place during the two days at 11 a.m., with chuckwagon races taking place nightly from June 28 to 30 at 6:30 p.m.

On Canada Day, the Little Britches Rodeo will take place at 12 p.m.