Lots to do on Canada Day

Catherine O'Donnell of Willow Cakes & Pastries will accompany this year's Canada Day cake as it parades down Queen Street to Simcoe Park Monday.

Celebrate Canada Day in Niagara-on-the-Lake in style with the Friends of Fort George, Parks Canada and the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The day begins with a pancake breakfast in Simcoe Park. From 8 to 10:30 a.m. Rotary Club members serve hot pancakes, sausages, juice and coffee. Picnic tables are available throughout the park for seating.

Food continues in the park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a barbecue lunch again served by Rotary. members.

Throughout the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there is live music and entertainment for kids.

The Canada Day parade and cakewalk has become a longstanding tradition in NOTL, and features the 41st Regiment of Foot Fife and Drum Corps accompanying a giant cake, donated by Willow Cakes and Pastries, to its spot in the park where it will be sliced and served. The parade begins at 2:45 p.m., travels along Queen Street and concludes in Simcoe Park.

Fort George is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and admission is free.

The Friends of Fort George begin serving a barbecue dinner inside the fort at 4 p.m., and the evening festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., featuring a Kiddie Militia, providing an opportunity for youngsters to learn what it was like to be a soldier in 1812.

Also enjoy historical music performances by the 41st Regiment of Foot Fife and Drum Corps, and musket and artillery demonstrations.

This year’s musical entertainment features the Howling Horns, an eight-piece horn band featuring music from blues to dance to classic rock.

The evening Canada Day celebrations end with a spectacular musical fireworks display at 10 p.m.

For more information, visit friendsoffortgeorge.ca or call 905-468-6621.