Kirsten Mundy

Multimedia Editor

For the first time this year Strathmore's Canada Day celebrations will feature the support of the business community, after the Town of Strathmore decided to ask if they would be interested in sponsoring particular events.

"We've actually got quite a few businesses in town to sponsor this year's events," said Jennifer Cuthbertson with the town. "We gave them a list of what each event would cost and we've actually done really well, so that gives us a little more to play with."

That extra financial support will make the difference between a fun afternoon at Kinsmen Park and a whole day of fun for many area families. This year the town decided to focus on getting children more things to do throughout the day, and it would seem clear that they succeeded.

Between the petting zoo, bouncy houses, face painting, colouring station, dunk tank and the annual Kids Karnival, Strathmore's youngsters will not be short on ways to celebrate Canada's birthday on July 1.

Cuthbertson said the day will be as affordable as possible, with the Kids Karnival available at a small cost as it's a fundraiser for the Community Crisis Society. Aside from that though, the day's fun will be free for those who can make it to Kinsmen Park.

In addition to the children's play, there will be plenty for the young at heart.

The day will feature the canoe races as per tradition, but Strathmore residents who prefer to stay dry will have a chance to try their vocals with the community karaoke competition, and if you fancy yourself a little sticky, a watermelon eating contest has been arranged.

"There will be a kids one and an adults one," said Cuthbertson of the watermelon eating contest.

If you would rather enjoy the day by sitting in the sun, or shade, and enjoying the talents of others, a long list of local talent is slated to entertain.

Dallas Larsen will start off the day's musical schedule, and it will progress to Katie Rox, Murray Cummings, Yosh Blunderfield, Jenna Mohamed, the Al Barrett Band and Pulse will finish things off before the annual fireworks show.

Other traditions that won't be left out will be the cake decorating contest, and before the fireworks what the town is hoping will begin a new tradition will be a glow ride, featuring the winners of the first-ever bike decorating contest. For the children who are interested in competing, the contest will be judged at 11:15 a.m. after the opening ceremonies and winners will receive glow sticks and other goodies to decorate their bikes for a lap of the park before the fireworks go off.

For any other details about the day's events please visit www.strathmore.ca