Getting ready for Canada Day in Charlottetown

The City of Charlottetown is getting ready in the lead up to the Canada Day celebrations Sunday and Victoria park will be a beehive of activity over the weekend as organizers prepare the park for the festivities.

This year's event will feature musical performances and activities for all ages saysLaurel Lea, tourism officer with the city.

"Regardless of how old you are, whether you have young kids, whether you have teenagers, there really is something for everyone," she said.

"And then fireworks. There really is no age limit on fireworks. Everyone gets excited about those."

In addition to the music and fireworks there is a full day of events planned in the park.

TriathlonPEI is putting on a children's triathlon in the morning, an official opening ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. and a family fun zone with free activities opens at noon.

As well, Lea said because of the success of last year's living flag event, it will be back again this year.

For a full schedulevisit the event website.

Tight turnaround

The TD PEI Jazz and Blues Festival, running from June 28-30, has a free stage at Victoria Parkwhich means work for Canada Day won't begin there until 6 p.m. Saturday.

Sound and lighting equipment and tents and vendors will be moving in on Saturday night, Lea said, withthe bulk of the installation work planned forSunday morning.

But Lea isn't fazed by the short turnaround time.

"You would be surprised how quickly things do come together," she said.

Road closure

Preparationsfor the fireworks show the biggesteast of Ottawa according to Lea begin at 1 p.m. Saturday and that means Victoria Park Roadway from Brighton Road to Terry Fox Drivewill be closed to all traffic until after the show ends at around 11 p.m. Sunday.

The section of boardwalk behind the cannons on the waterfront will also be closed to the public from 1 p.m. Saturday until the the event is finished.

On Sunday at 6 a.m. the cycling lanes on Victoria Park Roadway will also be closed for the children's triathlon.

For people wanting to access Victoria Park by car Saturday, the parking lot next to the baseball diamonds will be open.

Howeverat 6 a.m. Sunday that parking lot willbe closed to allow for accessible parking.

People with accessible parking permits can use the parking lot as can those whousemobility aids such as wheelchairs or crutches,Lea said.

Feeling the heat

With outdoor events there areusually concerns about rain dampening the celebratory mood, but with this weekend's forecast it looks like heat will be the main worry for organizers.

The Canadian Cancer Society P.E.I. chapter will be setting up a sunscreen application tent for people who need to reapply during the day.

Bailey Carr, health promotion assistant with thesociety, will be working at the tent ready to provide sunscreen and sun safety tips to people at Victoria Park.

Carr said she doesn't want people to fear the outdoors, but ensure everyone is staying safe.

"I hope people will get that it's not about not being in the sun, it's about taking the precautions so you can still enjoy being outside while protecting yourself."

Dehydration is also a concern, so Lea is encouragingpeopleto bring reusable water bottles although for those who forget, vendors will have a variety of drinks for sale.

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