How to celebrate Canada Day in Simcoe County

BARRIE, ONT. -- This Canada Day is like no other in the country's 153-year history.

While limits on social gatherings and concerns around physical distancing make typical July 1 bashes impossible, Simcoe County communities are still finding ways to celebrate.

The city of Barrie has lined up a series of online events featuring local talent. There's also a chance to connect with Canadians across the country.

• 10 a.m. Family activities like storytime, science experiments, crafts with performances by dancers and buskers
• 1 p.m. Join Canadians across the country for a showcase of our cultural diversity, sporting excellence, and Indigenous culture and languages. There will also be an acknowledgment of frontline workers.
• 4 p.m. Campfire sessions with performances by Pure Country 106 host and artist Jason McCoy, the Washboard Union and other local talent
•  7 p.m. Join the Oh Canada Community Chorus, by wearing red and white and singing our national anthem from your front yard
• 8 p.m. Performers from coast to coast collaborate ahead of a montage of Canada Day fireworks from years past
• 9:30 p.m.Virtual firework experience using augmented reality. Commander Chris Hadfield will lead the final countdown

You can find out how to link to all of Barrie's events by clicking here.

Midland, Penetanguishene, along with Tay and Tiny Townships are teaming up for their own online Canada Day experience lasting through July. There will be videos to learn to juggle, do crafts, tell stories and bake butter tarts.

There is also collaboration between Collingwood, Blue Mountain Village and the Town of Blue Mountains for a three-hour Canada Day stream. Organizers call it a "safe, pandemic-defying, life-affirming celebration, and tribute to our essential workers and everyday heroes."

You can connect to the stream 6 p.m.-9 p.m. by clicking here.

Collingwood residents are being encouraged to dress up their porches in red and white and to toast Canada with their neighbours, but from across the street.

If you want to celebrate away from a screen, the Ontario government is offering free access to provincial parks on July 1. Capacity will be limited to prevent overcrowding at the most popular parks.

MP Doug Shipley is hosting a drive-through Canada Day party at Royal Canadian Legion Branch on St. Vincent st near Cundles Rd E. Shipley plans to hand out cupcakes, colouring books and paper flags 11 a.m.-2 p.m.