Bigger, better party every year

By NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Greenwood’s Canada Day event, a well-established and well-attended local tradition, is ready to celebrate the country’s 142nd birthday.

Village clerk Marian Ellsworth says planning is now complete for the afternoon and evening family event that features food, music and the second largest fireworks display outside HRM.

Before the village-sponsored portion of the event, 14 Wing Greenwood kicks off Canada Day with a youth skateboard competition at noon, followed by carnival games, a barbecue and a family swim from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - all taking place at the rec centre. The action moves to the village commission building on Central Avenue at 3:30 p.m., when a Legion colour party will lead a parade of flags and the flag raising. A giant Canada Day birthday cake will be served directly after. Village commissioners will be working the grill, serving up barbecued goodies, and kids will have a chance to play on bouncers during the afternoon.

The Frank Spinney band takes to the stage from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., when fireworks will light up the sky.

While the program is all organized, Ellsworth says volunteer assistance to set up the tents and tear down the event July 2 is still being sought. “Over the years, our Canada Day celebration has gotten bigger and better and become a really popular destination, drawing huge crowds,” especially for the fireworks, Ellsworth says. “A few extra bodies to help out certainly would be appreciated.”