Canada’s 145th birthday will be celebrated in Saskatoon with loads of festivities at Diefenbaker Park including fireworks, dancing, and a giant cake.

Starting out with a pancake breakfast, Brad Sylvester, chair of Optimist Canada Day said there will be quite a lot going on all day.

He said one of the highlights is the reaffirmation of citizenship that’s conducted during an official ceremony.

“What a great way to celebrate being Canadian on Canada Day,” said Sylvester.

The ceremony will be accompanied by a massive celebration cake.

“This cake is 4 feet by 8 feet on a three-quarter inch slab of plywood and its about 400 lbs so there’s lots of cake for everybody that’s there,” said Sylvester.

Of course the main event every year is the fireworks show which will begin at dusk – organizers estimate about 10:30 p.m. Its recommended people arrive about an hour before.

Although admission to the festivities are free, Sylvester suggests people bring along some money.

The events will include a beer tent and about 15 food vendors along with rides, merchandise, a flea market and other exhibits.

He also suggests people bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket to enjoy the day.

For people planning to drive to Diefenbaker Park, there is a $7 dollar per vehicle cost to park.

He advises people to use the Ruth Street and St Henry Avenue entrance to the park.

“Don’t try to come across the rail bridge or from the south side of the park, there’s a construction zone right now, its secure, there’s fencing, there’s security there and it’s really a dangerous place to try to cross,” said Sylvester.

“I would really advise folks to jut come in the normal way and if you don’t like the traffic get on your bikes, come on down to the park, walk to the park or take a bus,” said Sylvester.

He said inflow traffic is usually manageable but there is a problem with everyone wanting to leave at the same time. Police will be on hand assisting with traffic flow.

 “We will have exit busses after the fireworks and they will take folks to four major malls in downtown afterwards and that’s a free of charge service,” said Sylvester.

Click here for a City link to transit services for Canada Day.

Timetable of events at Diefenbaker Park

8 a.m. to 11 p.m. buffet breakfast. $8 per person

9:30 North Saskatchewan Pipes and Drums to preceded official ceremonies.

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Official ceremonies with a reaffirmation of citizenship and cake.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Performances of dances from around the world organized by The Saskatchewan Intercultural Association.

Afternoon and evening stage performances with live music including Penny Reign, F.O.K. and Riff Raff.

Dusk (about 10:30) Fireworks.

SFroese@rawlco.com

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