The July 1 holiday in this township will run true to its usual form, giving residents an easy opportunity to select which events they wish to attend.
Elora has always had the morning part of the events, and this year that continues. People can wander downtown anytime between 7 and 10:30am for the Firefighter’s Breakfast at
MacDonald Square. It consists of pancakes with maple syrup, sausage, juice, and coffee.
Those who arrive early enough can avoid the usually huge line that often crosses the street at peak hours.
There is a new event this year.A fundraising run and walk for adults and one for children. The first is the Canada Day 5km walk and run, which will start in Bissell Park and also end there. That one is for adults. Then, after the parade, there will be a Dominion Day 1km walk or run for kids inside the park.
The event is run by KnECT, the Knox Elora Care Team, and it is a fundraiser for the group’s work in Nicaragua, as well as for The Door youth centre in Fergus and Habitat for Humanity Wellington County. Entry is free with minimum $25 donation or pledges, and $30.00 on race day, with $50 for a family that includes maximum four persons.
The cost for juniors 19 and under is free registration with minimum $20 donation or pledges, and $25 on race day. (All pledges are due before the race)
The Dominion Dash for kids has free registration with minimum $8 donation or pledges, and $10 on race day.
Cheques are payable to Kn.E.C.T./Knox Elora.
In the run, there are awards for top pledge raisers. As well, there are free T-shirts for first 200 participants, and prizes for first second, and third male and female for each age group.
Age groups are 19 and under, 20 to 39, 40 to 59, and over 60.
Prizes for the kids Dominion Day Dash include an award for top pledge raisers; free T-shirts for first 100 participants; prizes for first second and third in each age group; a participation prize for each person, with the age groups: being 10 to 12, 7 to 9, 6 and under.
Registration for the race is at Bissell Park at 7:30am. At 9am – 5km run and walk begins. For more information on 5km run and walk call 519-240-2209.
Another traditional event that attracts huge numbers of participants and spectators is the annual Soap Box Derby at
David and Geddes Streets, running from 8 to 11am.
At 11am, the racers clear the street for the annual Dominion Day Parade. It starts again this year at the Elora community centre and runs to Bissell Park via Geddes, Metcalfe and Mill Streets.
All day at most venues Rotary Club of Centre Wellington will have flags for sale.
At noon is the traditional lunch at Bissell Park, with a free hot dog and beverage, live music, and an historical presentation.
At 12:15pm the Dominion Day Dash, the 1km fun run for kids will take place in Bissell Park.
The Rotary Club duck race is also scheduled to run from 1:30 to 2pm in the Grand River at the park.
In the afternoon, from 2 to 4pm, there is musical and heritage entertainment featuring the Ernie Kalwa Quartet, Uncle Heavy’s Porkchop Review, and Older Voices.
Fergus and fireworks
With people taking the afternoon off to relax, residents will be well rested for the evening activities being planed at the Centre Wellington community Sportsplex in Fergus
From 6 to 9pm. There will be entertainment, a midway for kids, and food vendors, live music featuring Settlers Creek.
Enter at the east gate. Admission is $2 per person.
At about 10pm, there will be fireworks by the Weinstein Group.
