On Saturday, July 29, Dalkeith will be doing its part to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary with the Canada 150 Dalkeith Sunflower Festival. The event will be taking place from 9 a.m. to midnight.
The schedule for the day is loaded with activities that celebrate sunflowers — and the history of Canada. In the morning, the festival will kick off with Heritage House & Garden tour. From 9 a.m. to noon, visitors will be invited to visit a variety of historic properties around Dalkeith, including the Breadalbane Baptist Church and its Garden of Souls. A tour bus will be departing from 1851 Dalkeith Road at nine; otherwise, visitors are welcome to cycle or take their own vehicles.
From noon to 2 p.m. in the Robertson Clark building, Dalkeith old-timers will reminisce about the “good old days” of the village. At the same time, the Caddell family will be performing outside.
The parade will begin at two, featuring floats, bands, and entries to the children’s costume contest, after which the opening ceremonies will take place onstage. Afterwards, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., pony rides will be offered for children, as well as historic wagon rides.
When it comes to entertainment, the Dalkeith Sunflower Festival will be hosting local groups such as the Vankleek Hill Fiddlers and the Costello Irish dancers, as well as Celtic party band Fridge Full of Empties. Starting at 9 p.m., the Kitchen Ceilidh will take place inside the Robertson-Clark building. Also part of the festival are several community contests whose winners will be announced during the day.
