Thousands will be flocking to Canada Day celebrations at Bower Ponds this Sunday, with entertainment planned for the outdoor stage kicking off at 11 a.m.

Hosted by the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society, the popular annual event attracts thousands.

There is no charge to attend, and besides the entertainment featuring an array of local cultural, arts and dance groups, there will be birthday cake, kids’ activities, bouncy castles and lots of international food booths to check out as well, said Delores Coghill, executive director of the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society.

“We welcome everyone to come down and enjoy the festivities – there is entertainment from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and the fireworks will happen at about 11 p.m. down at the Ponds.”

According to the Society’s web site, it was back in 1969 that the Red Deer International Folk Festival first formed.

“They also fulfilled their dream of producing a multicultural event in celebration of Canada’s ‘birthday’. Since July 1st, 1969, Canada Day has continued to be a great success and a major attraction within the community.”

The Society changed its name in 1996 and continued to host Canada Day. “This event is produced by the volunteers of the Cultural Heritage Society and has been hosted at Bower Ponds since 1980.

“Perhaps the most anticipated event is the splendid fireworks display at the close of the day. Involving more than 2,500 volunteer hours from the varying community groups that are also involved, the festivities usually attract well over 20,000 people.”

We indeed have much to be thankful for living in this country. Sure it’s not perfect, but the advantages, the tremendous range of opportunities and the overall quality of life that many enjoy are attributes that stir up a sense of gratitude.

We have universal health care (again, it’s not perhaps perfect). But compared to what millions upon millions have to contend with in this world in terms of having access to even the most basic forms of health care provision, we can count our blessings.

We live in relative peace – again compared to what millions experience on almost a daily basis. We have freedom – a gift that is essentially priceless, and something virtually unknown to millions across the globe who live under repressive regimes.