by Brock Weir

Savour the sweetness of Canada this July 1 as the Caledon community marks Canada Day with a Strawberry Festival at Caledon Fairgrounds.

Early birds can start Canada's Birthday Party off right at 8 a.m. as the Caledon Agricultural Society turns on the griddle for an all-day pancake breakfast.

A full program of family-friendly activities follows with a Vendor Village beginning at 9 a.m., live entertainment from Anthony the Drummer at 9.30, and, beginning at 10 a.m., a car show, pony rides, petting zoo, demonstrations from magician Steve Baker, and, for history buffs, a military re-enactment with Thompson's Militia taking centre-stage.

Additional activities throughout the day include the CAS Bavarian Garden beginning at 10 a.m. and a dignitary parade at 11.45 a.m.

And all that before the formal opening ceremonies itself, which will be led by local dignitaries beginning at 12 noon.

Rounding out the program are encore performances from Steve the Magician at 12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m., a performance from The Wanted Band at 1 p.m., and recognition of the best hot rods in show with Car Show Awards beginning at 2 p.m.

For a full roster of activities surrounding Caledon Canada Day and Strawberry Festival, visit https://www.caledonfair.ca/events/caledon-canada-day-and-strawberry-festival-2025.

Fun continues beyond Caledon with plenty going on in Mississauga to keep residents of all ages busy.

Our neighbours begin their party with special events hosted by Tim Hortons from 4 – 10.30 p.m. featuring activities, live entertainment, nearly 30 food trucks, and, to close the evening with a bang, a spectacular fireworks finale.

Among the entertainers set to take the stage are Cirque Revolution's Rise Up Canada! Aerial Show at 5 p.m., vocalist Nia Nadurata at 5.30 p.m., the Drome Duo, featuring djembe and cello, at 6 p.m., and disco and funk band The Free Label at 6.30 p.m.

Cirque Revolution returns with their aerial show at 7.15 (and again at 8.35), followed by pop star Anjulie at 7.45, and rapper Connor Price at 9 p.m.

Then, it's a matter of waiting for dusk for the fireworks finale slated for 10 p.m.

Other attractions include a splash party in the fountain, inflatables that will put a bounce in anyone's step, a photo booth, hands-on fun in a sensory play zone, story times led by the Mississauga Library, and buskers to suit just about every taste.

For more on what Mississauga has in store, visit www.mississauga.ca/events-and-attractions/events-calendar/canada-day-2025.