In a bid to help you navigate between the bands and beer on offer this July 1, here’s a quick rundown of the festivities in the Tri-Cities.
Coquitlam
Starting at noon, Town Centre Park in Coquitlam is set to offer, music, dancing, food trucks, face painting and a fireworks finale at 10 p.m. this Canada Day.
The fest is set to be headlined with an 8:30 p.m. performance by Trilojay, a Vancouver party band with a setlist that ranges from Franz Ferdinand to Phil Collins to Jimi Hendrix to Taylor Swift (they also do a very nice version of David Bowie’s Let’s Dance).
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In addition to full site liquor service, the event is set to feature a wide range of food options including, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free fare.
Given the different views of Canada Day, this year’s event is meant to be: “sensitive to the diverse range of community perspectives,” according to a release from the city.
The city is encouraging residents to “reflect on Canada’s complicated colonial history with Indigenous communities” by learning more about the Kwikwetlem First Nation as well as the history of residential schools.
Port Moody
Canada’s rock ‘n’ roll stalwarts 54-50 are set to headline Golden Spike Days at Rocky Point Park this Canada Day.
After forming in B.C. 40 years ago, 54-40 released 14 albums and recorded hit songs including “I Go Blind” and “Ocean Pearl.”
The band “bridges the gaps between generations through a shared love of music,” according to a release from Port Moody.
The four-day festival is also set to include new wave/glam rock group Platinum Blonde on July 2 and Cease & Desist on June 30.
Known as Randy Bachman’s backup band, Cease & Desist prides itself on its ability to jump from a Joni Mitchell ballad to an AC/DC rocker without missing a beat.
Other entertainment includes a logging show, gold panning, a talent show, food trucks and a beverage garden.
Side note: In addition to their longevity, 54-40 also has the distinction of being one of the few rock bands to address the expansionist policies of U.S. President James K. Polk.
Port Coquitlam
Canada Day in Port Coquitlam starts with breakfast and ends with fireworks.
The city is offering a pancake breakfast at Lions Park from 8 to 11 a.m. as well as a fishing derby.
At 3 p.m. the party moves to Castle Park. Revelers are invited to set up beach chairs and blankets and to sample the offerings from food trucks which are currently slated to include lobster rolls, ice cream sandwiches and Spice Art Indian cuisine. The event is also set to include a beer garden.
Perhaps best known mixing up bits of country, rock and pop for hits like “Something to Live For” and “Do Ya,” Barney Bentall is set to be joined by his son Dustin Bentall for a show that gets underway at 9:15 p.m.
The event is also set to include a performance from Rumba Calzada. Featuring horns, marimba and congas, the longtime touring band specializes in Latin jazz and salsa music.
A shuttle service is set to be running every 10 to 15 minutes between Port Coquitlam Station and Castle Park from 2:30 to 11:30 p.m.
The city is also encouraging residents to learn more about the history of Indigenous people in Canada through resources including the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
