Happy Birthday Canada!

July 1st celebrations planned in Downtown Barrie!

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday June 25, 2024

Barrie, ON – Come downtown to celebrate all things Canada! Meridian Place and Dunlop St will be the heart of the celebration with local performances highlighting Canadian heritage, multiculturalism, and Indigenous culture.

Dunlop Street will be transformed into a vibrant pedestrian-only zone, featuring patios, a retail market, vendors, street performers, and art activities. Starting at 10 am, the festivities will kick off along Dunlop Street and Meridian Place.

Meridian Place will be the heart of the celebration with local performances highlighting Canadian heritage, multiculturalism, and Indigenous culture. 

Delyn Grey starts the day on the stage off at noon. Delyn is on her way to becoming one of the most exciting artists today. Her innovative songwriting and evocative and haunting moods make it nearly impossible to shake. ‘Very impressive. Sounds a bit like what I was doing in the early 80s’ ~ Steve Lillywhite (Talking Heads, U2).

At 1pm, the annual Canada Day Clash Wrestling tournament kicks off and has become a local crowd favorite. Come watch the entertaining, family friendly match ups of evil and good! Pick your favorite wrestler and cheer them on to the final championship belt match of the day!

Don’t miss the special cupcake celebration at 5 pm, where local dignitaries will hand out free Canada Day cupcakes. The Barrie Baytown Big Band will lead the singing of “O Canada” followed by an hour-long performance.

As the evening approaches, the excitement will build with Jerry Leger at 7pm. As Toronto’s music scene has grown in stature on the world stage, singer/songwriter Jerry Leger has been making his own significant contributions. A favourite of Uncut Magazine and Rolling Stone Germany, Leger has also earned the praise of fellow artists Ron Sexsmith (“he’s the real deal”).

The day’s headliner Elliott BROOD takes the stage at 8 pm. Known for their Polaris Music Prize shortlist album ‘Mountain Meadows’ and the JUNO Award-winning ‘Days Into Years’ Elliott Brood promises an electrifying performance leading up to the annual fireworks display over Kempenfelt Bay at 10 pm.

After the fireworks, the celebration continues with a brand-new Canada Day Salsa After Party from 10:15 pm to 11 pm in Meridian Place. Join us for a crowd-led salsa lesson, a live performance, and dancing under the stars.

A Full Day of Celebration:

10am – Event Starts! Meridian Place and Dunlop St will be filled with family friendly art activities, street performers, retail tents and patios!

12 noon – Meridian Place Stage  – Delyn Grey Band

1pm – 4pm – Meridian Place The Annual Canada Day Cup Wrestling Performance

5pm – Meridian Place – Canada Day Cupcake Celebration and Singing of O Canada with Barrie Baytowne Big Band

5:15pm – Meridian Place Stage – Barrie Baytowne Big Band Performance

7pm – Meridian Place Stage – Jerry Leger Duo

8:15pm – Meridian Place Stage – Elliott BROOD 

10pm – Fireworks over Downtown Barrie and Kempenfelt Bay

10:15pm – Meridian Place – Canada Day Salsa After Party

Steve Ricalis, Vice Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA, shares his enthusiasm: “I couldn’t be more thrilled with the days line up! The Downtown is looking forward to a full street of family and friends. I think everyone will enjoy the music, fireworks and the new Canada Day Salsa After Party!”

The Downtown Barrie BIA, in partnership with the City of Barrie and with support from the Federal Government’s Heritage Canada, is excited for you to join us for a fun filled day of activities, performances, and community spirit.

Media Contact: Downtown Barrie BIA – [email protected] // 705-734-1414 // www.downtownbarrie.ca