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Red and white the recommended colours

July 1 is a big money day of fun for the young people of the Valley.

July 1 is a big money day of fun for the young people of the Valley.

More than 100 children will gather at Lake Trail School at 9:15 a.m. and assemble into age groups with their decorated bikes.

The theme this year is As Canadian as … so lots of red and white should be seen. The emphasis is on how the children decorate their bikes, not how their parents help, for prizes of $20, $15, $10.

The highlight is that all the bikes lead the parade down Fifth Street.  All the decorated bikes get to be in the parade. For those parents who do not accompany their children, please be at the CRA to pick up their kids at approximately 11:45.

For those who do not decorate their bike they can compete in the Fifth Street Mile, which will start at 10 a.m., just before the parade.  Chocolate medals for age categories of under 10 years, 10 to 14 years and 15 to 19 years will be awarded, as well as other great prizes.

Just make sure to register at Woods Avenue and Fifth Street from 9 to 9:45 a.m. A bonus is every runner will get an exact time of how quickly they ran the mile.

Many families register for this event and it is always a pleasure to see Dad or Mom and their child running together.

Lewis Park is where Kids Zone will be in full swing. Special each year is the 7 Story Circus group who show how to walk on stilts, juggle, balance, etc.

Courtenay Recreation will have lots of fun games with cash prizes, too. The free swim in the pool all afternoon and Bounce Mania is offered as free fun events, all in Lewis Park.

And don’t forget to pick up your free bike draw ticket from Mary Savy’s booth.  Every child aged five to 12 has a chance to win a new bike and helmet. This year, there are 14 bikes to be won! The draw will take place in Lewis Park at 4 p.m.

On the stage at 2 p.m., the Métis jigging contest will take place and kids will get a toonie just for trying this heritage event. Registration is at 1:30 and all youths are encouraged to try this fun event.

With summer holidays starting the prize money will be great.

It is possible that some child can win $25 in the bike contest, then a toonie in the jigging contest, a toonie or more playing the CRA games in Lewis Park and then get a new bike and helmet!

Then in true Canadian style celebrating Canada’s birthday with a big piece of the Safeway Canada Cake served this year in Simms Park at 1 p.m.

All information about Canada Day is available online at comoxvalleycanadaday.ca.

— July 1st Committee