News Release
Traffic Concerns Bring Fresh Face to Canada Day Celebrations in Fredericton
June 17, 2010
Fredericton- The closure of the Princess Margaret Bridge is forcing the group that
organizes Canada Day activities to put a fresh face on plans for the celebrations this year,
but Fredericton Civic Pride is still planning a huge day of family fun.
“Although the bridge closure is a challenge we are really pleased that for the first time
our event will have activities on both sides of the River” says Fredericton Civic Pride Co
Chair Charles Barry.
“Although our primary focus for the event will be Officers Square
we will also be hosting a Canada Day Concert in Carleton Park on the Northside in the
evening.”
Events will begin at noon in Officer Square with a full slate of musical entertainment
straight though until dusk. Officers Square will also have activities for the younger
children with castles, games face painters, clowns and more.
“Our focus during the day is
on families” says Barry.
In the evening the Music will also hit the stage in Carleton Park with a full range of
musical entertainment on the Northside as well as in Officers Square.
“We are thrilled to expand our event to the Northside this year “says co chair Paul
Wentzell. “We have always wanted to have a Northside presence and there has always
been a huge crowd of people in Carleton Park to watch the Fireworks. This year they will
be able to come early and enjoy some music.”
The Remax fireworks display will cap of the night at 10:40pm. The fireworks will once
again be fired from the River giving people on both sides a great view of the display.
The opening ceremonies for the event take place at 2pm at the Officers Square Stage and
will feature the singing of O Canada and Canada Day birthday cake will be served.
The complete entertainment lineup for both stages will be released next week.
“We pride ourselves on our continued commitment to showcasing local talent” says
Barry. “This year's line up will once again showcase some of the best. We're also happy
to bring some new faces to the stage this year, and we hope that they'll become crowd
favourites.”
Civic Pride has traditionally closed St Anne Point Drive for the Canada Day event but the
City of Fredericton wants to keep the road open this year because of the traffic
disruptions created by the PM Bridge closure.
“We certainly understand their concern
and for that reason our event on the Southside will be restricted to just Officer’s Square
this year” says Barry. “People have become used to strolling across St Anne Point Drive
on Canada Day” says Barry,” it is very important that they remember that it will be open
to traffic all day and that if they need to cross they should use the Pedway. We are urging
people to especially remind their children about this”
Unfortunately this does mean there will be no food vendors, mechanical rides or games
of chance at the event this year. While always a popular part of Canada Day there is just
no room to accommodate the many vendors that usually set up shop along St Anne Point
Drive. And while food vendors are always popular with the public organizers do point
out that Downtown Fredericton is rich with dining opportunities.
Downtown Fredericton General Manager Bruce McCormack says his members are aware
that there will be no food vendors at this year’s event and are going to roll out the red
carpet for visitors.
“There are plenty of dining and entertainment option in the Downtown and we hope
people who are not familiar with Downtown Fredericton will take an opportunity to see
what we have to offer” says McCormack. “There are plenty of dining and refreshment
options just seconds away from Officers Square.
The other casualty of the traffic issues is the Canada Day Parade. “Unfortunately the
parade causes a major traffic bottle neck” says Wentzell and our committee and the City
just did not see any way to pull it off. Both the City and Civic Pride place safety as a top
priority and that is why we have made these changes.” says Wentzell.
The addition of a Northside stage however is a very positive result of the changes says
Trina MacDonald of Business Fredericton North. “We are thrilled to have part of the
Canada Celebrations on the Northside this year. It is something we have been hoping to
have for years. Carleton Park is a great venue and there is always a huge crowd there for
fireworks.”
Barry and Wentzell say they consider moving the event out of the Downtown but felt
strongly that it should stay in its traditional Downtown home. “The Saint John River is
such an integral part of Fredericton moving our event to a parking lot somewhere just
made no sense” says Wentzell “besides the perfect place to do fireworks is over the River
and now Canada Day entertainment will be on both shores.”
Over 20,000 people are expected to attend the event over its 11 hour run and Barry hopes
all Frederictonians will bring some out-of-town guests. “We have a lot to be proud of in
Fredericton. The Canada Day Block Party is a time to celebrate that. Come on out and
show your Civic Pride.”
For More Information
Paul Wentzell 472-3818 (H) 452-2301 (o)
Charles Barry 476-1140