“In summer, the song sings itself.” – William Carlos Williams
The summer months in Fraser River Heritage Park represent, to me, some of the best of Mission. Last week when the local schools presented their choir concert not only did the park get filled with music and young talent, but simultaneously there were picnics, dogs being walked, kite flyers, cyclists, a knitting circle, and much more.
Grad pictures in the park are a longtime tradition, as are wedding photos. The incredible vista you get from the park of the mountains and river valley, as well as the backdrop of the park itself, are without equal. The park does not look that way on its own; our dedicated Parks staff keep Heritage Park looking pristine all summer for major events and for the people who walk the park every day.
On Wednesday, July 1 from 10-2 Fraser River Heritage Park will be hosting the City of Mission’s Canada Day Celebration (which actually begins at 8am with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast, $6 for adults and $4 for children). Favourites from previous years are back, like the Cascadia Wind Ensemble (in the gazebo from 10-11), the Flyball Dog Agility Course, Monster Foam, the Rona Fraser Valley Building Supply Kid’s Zone, and Norden the Magician.
This year we’re creating a mini-festival vibe with incredible entertainment on the stage through the event, including Annika Catharina, Brander Raven Band, Blue Mountain Beatbox and Norman Foote. The Canada Day ceremony will take place on the stage at 11am, with the national anthem being sung by Saje Romas.
For me, the Mission Canada Day is, above all else, a celebration of the community and the people who volunteer their time, efforts and experience to make our community the best it can possibly be. This event involves over 250 volunteers from the local community groups, first responders, sport groups, Rotary and more, and their enthusiasm to spend their Canada Day sharing with the community makes it a very special event.
It’s also important to recognize the history and legacy of Fraser River Heritage Park every time we gather there. Unfortunately, current times are seeing a rise in Residential School denialism, and that is a monumental step in the wrong direction. I’ve encountered the thinking that, essentially, acknowledging the history of St. Mary’s equates to erasing the community building, good relations, and legacy of the settlers who helped build the City we live in today.
I don’t believe this is true at all. I think we can respect both the harmful history of the Residential School System and the heritage and history of everyone who helped build this community. The local First Nations giving their permission to continue having community celebrations, including Canada Day, at this important and difficult site is, to me, an incredible act of forgiveness and reconciliation. We are privileged and honoured to be able to gather on these beautiful lands and should never take that for granted.
Music will be ringing throughout the park as the Twilight Concert Series returns for another great summer. Wednesdays from 7-8pm starting July 8 through September 2nd with an array of fantastic music. These concerts are free and family friendly, the Sunflower Lodge Concession can help you with your snack and ice-cream needs, the Special Olympics crew keep the parking orderly and safe, Valley Tech Production Group is an event sponsor providing the sound production, the Mission Folk Music Festival is the sound system sponsor, and the concerts are hosted (and were programmed by) our friends at Stepping Stone Music.
The first Twilight Concert features Double Overtime, a high-energy, 10-piece party band known for their dynamic performances and huge sound. Featuring a powerhouse horn section, they deliver crowd-pleasing hits from the 60s to today. July 15 brings the Kat and Tony Band, on the 22nd the Mission Folk Music Festival presents Métis Canadian fiddle player Brianna Lizotte, and on the 29th it’s traditional New Orleans jazz with the South Central Orchestra.
There’s also a free outdoor movie in the park on Friday, July 10. In partnership with Fresh Air Cinema and BC Hydro, the event kicks off at 7pm and Disney Pixar’s Hoppers hits the screen around 9:25pm when the sun is setting. Pack a blanket and all the snacks and make this a family movie night to remember!
We also have a very special event on July 21st from 7-8pm at the Silverdale Creek Wetlands where we’ll unveil The Story of the Stó:telō, a storywalk by Fraser Valley multi-media artist and storyteller Maddi Krulicki. Based in Chilliwack, with roots in the Snuneymuxw First Nation and Stó:lō Territory, Maddi brings a culturally grounded and reflective approach to her creative and professional practice.
Meant to be enjoyed with your own headphones, for this event we will be amplifying Maddi’s work so we can have a communal experience. We can’t wait to reveal this art piece featuring a blend of storytelling, field recordings and meditation that aims to deepen your understanding of the Fraser River watershed.
