Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day in 2020 is in the middle of the week. Every year on July 1, Canadians celebrate their national holiday, Canada Day. This statuary holiday commemorates the confederation of the British territories in North America into one single entity: Canada. It’s one of the biggest celebrations across the country. Most businesses are closed down to revel in the festivities, including government offices, many retailers, some grocery stores, and liquor stores.

Banks, government offices, and many other stores and businesses close July 1. Tourist attractions and restaurants are usually open but may have reduced hours, so it’s wise to call ahead to confirm.

Typically, Canada Day celebrations include parades, fireworks, backyard barbecues, and others get-togethers. Many revelers wear red and white and white in honor of Canada’s national colors, and the Canadian flag is proudly hung up in front of buildings and on windows.

Canada Day in Vernon will look a little different in 2020. This year, the community festivities will take place in a digital setting, as the North Okanagan Canada Day Society sets the stage for a virtual celebration on July 1. What an amazing and unprecedented time to be Canadian, as the country we fight for stands strong to keep us safe! Vernon City Council members are encouraging everyone to participate in this year’s virtual event and have created a video to share greetings, and well wishes for this unique take nation-wide celebration.

On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor-General, Lord Monck, called upon all her Majesty’s loving subjects throughout Canada join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of British North America provinces in a federation under of Canada on July 1, 1867. The enactment of the British North America Act, 1867, which Confederate Canada was celebrated on July 1, 1867, with the ringing of the bells at the Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto.

The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day.

There is a little or no record of any organized ceremonies after this anniversary, except for the naming of new buildings on the 50th and 60th anniversaries.