Rain is forecast for much of the Canada Day long weekend — but unless a torrent of thundershowers and lightning are unleashed, the fireworks show will go on Monday night, says an organizer.
The weather in central Alberta is continue to be unsettled, with layers of warm and cool air battling it out. But outdoor enthusiasts will want to take full advantage of Saturday as it's expected to be the driest day of the three.
According to Environment and Climate Change meteorologist Stephen Berg, Saturday's forecast for the region is for mostly sunny skies and a high of 20 degrees Celsius.
Conditions are expected to change on Sunday as there's a 70 per cent change of rain and a high of 21 C forecast. Showers will likely start in the afternoon and continue into Monday morning, said Berg. And Monday's forecast is for periods of rain and 18 C.
Berg confirmed the Red Deer region is having a slightly cooler than average start to summer.
While there were rainy days throughout June, the Red Deer region only received a third of the average precipitation for the month — 39 mm has fallen, compared to the more normal 97 mm. Berg said conditions in the Olds to Pincher Creek area are even drier, while the Hanna to Coronation area has had above average rain.
On the bright side, campers heading out into the Nordegg area will not have to deal with campfire bans. And the Crescent Falls provincial recreation area and parking lot will reopen this weekend since closing last year for a reconfiguration. It now has an expanded parking area, improved access roads and viewing area of the falls, as well as upgraded safety measures including new signage.
Red Deer-area residents who plan to celebrate Canada Day Monday at Bower Ponds will see all-day entertainment, starting from 11 a.m. and continuing to 11 p.m., when the fireworks show is to begin. Some rain is OK for fireworks, "but lightning will stop us," said Delores Coghill, manager of the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society.
Musicians, singers and cultural dancers will be performing on the outdoor stage at Bower Ponds on Monday. And, for the first time, a Métis fashion show is planned for 11:30 a.m., featuring historical regalia, said Coghill. The Red Deer Native Friendship Society will have a teepee on the site for Indigenous teachings.
There will be at least 10 food booths, offering an array of multi-cultural delicacies from different countries.
The general July 1 celebration will go rain or shine, added Coghill, noting weather conditions have to be "quite bad" during the day for the festival to fold. She's hoping for a big turnout, saying "there will be something different here for everybody."
Once again, there will be no public parking available at Bower Ponds on Canada Day. But shuttle buses will be leaving Sorenson Station in downtown Red Deer every 15 minutes starting at 10:45 a.m. Fares cost $1 each way for anyone over five years old.
Coghill is reminding people that there's a ban on bringing dogs and other pets to Canada Day festivities because of health regulations around food, and the large crowds.
Penhold is also celebrating Canada Day from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Street Recreation Area, which includes a pancake breakfast.
The Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site will celebrate from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a ceremony, cultural performances, food vendors, and live music.
Sylvan Lake will have its March of Canadians at 2 p.m. with a gaint Canada Day cake to be served around 2:30 p.m. Fireworks will go at around 10:45 p.m.
In Lacombe, they will have a March of the Colours which leaves the Lacombe Memorial Centre and heads to the Legion at 11:30 a.m., which will be followed by a barbecue fundraiser at 12:30 p.m. Lacombe's fireworks will start at 11 p.m. over Cranna Lake.