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Fort
Macleod and district pulls out the stops every July 1 to celebrate
Canada’s birthday. Mounted riders in colourful uniforms, home-made
ice cream and music are just a few of the treats in store for
people who spend Canada Day in Fort Macleod.
Members of the community and visitors to Fort Macleod traditionally
gather at The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police for a
celebration linked to the earliest days of the country.
The celebration gets under way at 11 a.m. with activities
continuing at the museum until about 5 p.m.
The debut of the Musical Ride also takes place at 11 a.m. on Canada
Day. Every year the Fort Museum assembles its own Mounted Patrol,
made up of riders dressed in replica 1876 North West Mounted
Police uniforms. The Canada Day celebration at the Fort Museum
also features demonstrations of making home-made ice cream and
rope-making. At Granum, a Canada Day celebration is the highlight
of the year in that community. There are activities throughout the
day, including a parade at 11 a.m., musical entertainment, dancing
and the popular hose-laying competition.
In the evening people gather to share the Canada Day cake that is
specially made by a community member, and to share in fellowship
on a special day in the country’s life. Then when the sky is
black, there is a thrilling fireworks display over the lake that
lights up the sky. |
