Thousands of Canada Day revelers will be heading down to Bower Ponds for a packed slate of family fun Friday.

The colourful celebration, presented by the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society features all kinds of community song and dance troupes through the afternoon plus mainstage concerts through the evening.

This year marks the 42nd year of celebration in Red Deer for the event, organizers say.

“This is the place to be for Canada Day celebrations,” said Rick Olson, manager of the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society and planner of the event. “This is a day for families to come and enjoy entertainment, food and nature and to make memories together.”

A number of international food booths will be on site so festival-goers can get a taste of different cultures. There will also be dancing, story telling, music and lots of activities for the kids.

Entertainment runs the gamut this year as many local acts are set to perform.

Stage events get underway at 11 a.m. with the Scottish Country Dancers. Opening ceremonies take place at 2 p.m.

The evening show kicks off with Rick Moore at 7 p.m., followed by The Steve Arsenault Band at 8 p.m. Justin Blais hits the stage at 9 p.m. and to wrap things up, Tap 9 will perform at 10 p.m.

The fireworks round out the evening at 11:15 p.m.

Those planning to attend are reminded that there is no parking onsite – park and ride is available from the Memorial Centre parking lot starting at 10:45 a.m. and running throughout the day, every 15 minutes. Fares are $1 for adults, 50 cents for youth and seniors and there is no charge for children under five.

There is no charge to attend the Bower Ponds celebration, but a donation to the Red Deer Food Bank is appreciated.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com