Gorge Road West will once again transform on Canada Day into a vibrant community celebration.
Hosted by the Gorge Tillicum Community Association, with the support of the District of Saanich, the Gorge Canada Day Picnic is back for another fun-filled year.
The event got its start back in 1999 when a small, hard-working group decided to have a day that residents could enjoy, traffic-free, along the waterway that would help build community. It’s now grown to one of the largest community events in Saanich.
Featuring a nearly two-kilometre “stage” along Gorge Road West and the Gorge Waterway Park, there are lots of free, family-friendly activities, including the family parade, pancake breakfast, Canada Day market, classic car show, kids’ games and more.
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“In addition to all the original favourites, including the family parade, pancake breakfast, strawberry tea, car show, canoe rides and road hockey we are shaking things up a bit this year,” said Chris Kask, Gorge Canada Day Picnic chair.
“We’ve been wanting to program the natural amphitheatre in Gorge Park for a few years, and this year we decided to move the main stage to this area. This is a picturesque sloped area perfectly suited to spread out a blanket and enjoy an afternoon of great music.”
The Cliffes kick off the musical lineup of mainstage performances at noon, followed by Qristina Bachand at 1 p.m. and Daniel Cook at 2:15. Entertainment will continue into the afternoon with other performances featuring Theatre Skam, Sunshine Clowns, Nick Stecz Drum Workshop, Tim Gosley Puppets and a variety of performers from the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Also, not to be forgotten, are the more than 65 market vendors, approximately 25 food vendors, a not-for-profit area, kids’ zone, and Gorge on Art.
Festivities kick off on July 1 at 8:30 a.m. and wrap up around 4 p.m.
Organizers are reminding residents that Gorge Road will be closed during the day and parking in the area is limited.
For more information, go to gorgecanadaday.ca.
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Caroline Guldin gets a boost from dad Sean so she can get a high five from Ace, the Saanich Police mascot, at a previous Gorge Canada Day Picnic. (Black Press file photo)
Aaron Bremner enjoys an ice cream with daughter Hattie (left) and her cousin Lucy Skillings at a previous Gorge Canada Day Picnic. (Black Press file photo)
Hudson Young waves the flag while hopping a ride on dad Stewart’s shoulders at a previous Gorge Canada Day Picnic. (Black Press file photo)
Willow MacDonald enjoys some pancakes with mom Larissa. (Black Press file photo)
