Canada Day

How It All Started

Our History With Canada Day

When, in 1969, the Red Deer International Folk Festival first formed, they also fulfilled their dream of producing a multicultural event in celebration of Canada's 'birthday'. Since July 1st, 1969, Canada Day has continued to be a great success and a major attraction within the community. When the Society changed its name in 1996, they continued to host Canada Day. This event is produced by the volunteers of the Cultural Heritage Society and has been hosted at Bower Ponds since 1980.

Each year the event attracts a wide range of performers, ethnic foods, story telling, and face painting to be enjoyed by thousands of spectators. Perhaps the most anticipated event is the splendid fireworks display at the end of the day. Involving more than 2500 volunteer hours from the varying community groups involved, the festivities usually attract well over 20,000 people.

Over the years, performers as illustrious, celebrated, and internationally renowned as Barrage, Justin Blais, Blue Rodeo, k.d. lang, David Thiaw, St. James Gate, the Polissyanka dancers, and many more, have entertained spectators who come from far and wide to celebrate Canada's birthday.

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