Destination Summerland is working with the Summerland Legion to produce the community鈥檚 2024 Canada Day Event.

Organizers say the holiday is a time to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, to share what makes us proud and to celebrate in our own way.

The Summerland Legion has organized Canada Day here for many years and says they are delighted to work with the team at Destination Summerland.

鈥淓very year, the Summerland Legion has hosted a Canada Day picnic in Memorial Park, which attracts about 450 people for a free barbecue, ice cream and cake, as well as kids鈥� games,鈥� said John Dorn, Legion president and Canada Day chair. 鈥淭his year, the Legion is partnering with Destination Summerland whose extensive local networking and event planning capability will make a great day even better.鈥�

Destination Summerland applied for a one-time grant of $2,000 from the BC Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund (BCFFE). The funding was approved in late March.

鈥淲hen the grant funding was announced by BCFFE, there was a deadline that was a tight turnaround,鈥� said Lisa Sanders. Destination Summerland鈥檚 events and communications manager.

The event will begin July 1 at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast provided by Kiwanis, and the official flag-raising ceremony at 11 a.m. This will be followed by free Canada Day cake, a barbecue and ice cream.

There will be family activities, games, live entertainment, arts and crafts and more.

鈥淥ur organization鈥檚 culture is one of teamwork and collaboration,鈥� said Sally Pierce, executive director of Destination Summerland. 鈥淲e are honoured to be working with the Summerland Legion, who has successfully delivered the Canada Day Event for decades.鈥�