City plans full day of family activities, entertainment and fireworks on July 1
Federal funding and local sponsors support expanded community celebration
CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The City of Cambridge will bring back its Canada Day celebrations at Riverside Park on July 1 following what officials described as a successful inaugural event last year, with organizers planning a full day of family-friendly programming, live entertainment and fireworks.
The event, now entering its second year at Riverside Park, is expected to attract large crowds throughout the day, beginning with a morning fishing derby and concluding with an evening fireworks display.
“Last year’s strong turnout for Canada Day showed how meaningful this event is to our community,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “We’re pleased to build on that success and return for a second year with another full day of activities to bring people together and create lasting memories. Volunteers are the key to our success. They are people who live in our community, care, and show up with passion.”
City officials said the celebrations are designed to provide activities for residents of all ages while creating opportunities for community engagement and local tourism.
The City of Cambridge also acknowledged financial support from the Government of Canada through the Celebrate Canada funding program, which contributed $38,000 toward Canada Day programming and family-oriented activities.
Additional sponsorship support has been provided by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Farm League Presents and Vardhan Law Office.
Day-long programming to feature parade, live entertainment and family attractions
The day’s activities will begin with a fishing derby at 8 a.m., where participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment. Organizers said no registration is required for the event.
The annual Canada Day parade will start at 11 a.m. at the intersection of King Street and Bishop Street before travelling along King Street and ending at Eagle Street. Residents are encouraged to arrive early to secure viewing spots along the parade route.
Main festival activities at Riverside Park will run from noon until 9:30 p.m. and will include live entertainment on the main stage, a beer garden, interactive entertainment experiences, inflatables, obstacle courses and sports-themed games.
One of the event’s featured attractions will be a zipline ride, alongside a variety of activities intended to appeal to families and younger attendees.
The Kids Zone, operating from noon until 6 p.m., will offer face painting, Lego-based creative play, live reptile shows and children’s entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Organizers said visitors will also have access to a marketplace featuring local vendors, food trucks, community activations, shaded rest areas and seating spaces located across the park grounds.
The celebrations will conclude with a fireworks display scheduled for 9:45 p.m., or at dusk, weather permitting. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and arrive early due to expected attendance levels.
City outlines transportation, accessibility and safety measures
To help manage crowds and improve pedestrian safety, vehicles will not be permitted inside Riverside Park during the event. The city also said there will be no on-street drop-offs inside the park’s main entrance on King Street.
Accessible parking spaces will be available near the front of the park for individuals with valid permits.
A free shuttle service will operate between 12:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. from several locations across Cambridge, including the Beverly Street Parking Lot, Cambridge Centre Mall and Conestoga College’s Reuter Drive campus.
With attendance expected to increase compared with last year’s event, city officials are encouraging residents to walk, bike, use public transit or carpool whenever possible.
The city said on-site security personnel, first aid teams and emergency services will be present throughout the celebrations to support public safety.
Officials also reminded attendees that outside alcohol will not be permitted at the event site. Alcohol purchases and consumption will be restricted to individuals aged 19 and older through approved on-site vendors.
Free water stations will be available across the venue, and visitors are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles and remain hydrated during the day’s activities.
Additional event information and updates are available through the City of Cambridge website at cambridge.ca/CanadaDay.