The big day to celebrate our country is nearly here!  Monday, July 1 is Canada Day and free events are planned in several communities across the region. Champlain Township’s Canada Day festivities take place at the L’Orignal Park and Beach. Games, food, and entertainment begins at noon and continues until 9:30 pm with fireworks to close out the event. In Hawkesbury, celebrations are taking place at Confederation Park. Festivities begin at 11 am on July 1 with food trucks, a climbing tower, kite activities, and entertainment. The event finishes that evening with fireworks at 11 pm. In Chute-à-Blondeau, the celebration takes place at the community centre. There will be games for all ages and a talent show. Fireworks will be featured at 10 pm. The Canada Day Tractor Ride is hitting the road again in East Hawkesbury. It begins at 10 am at 3700 Dandy Road and will cross the township on a 36-kilometre journey to Sainte-Anne-de Prescott. Everyone with a tractor is welcome. Lefaivre is the place to be for Canada Day in Alfred and Plantagenet. There are canoe and kayak races that morning at 9 am on the Ottawa River at the marina. Games and entertainment are happening beginning at 9 am at Riverside Park. Fireworks on the Ottawa River are planned for 10 pm. In Glen Robertson, Canada Day is being celebrated on Saturday, June 29, beginning with a flag raising ceremony at 1 pm. Games, music, and food will be offered all afternoon and into the evening until the fireworks display caps off the festivities. Maxville is also celebrating Canada Day on June 30 with games and entertainment beginning at 4 pm on the infield at the fairgrounds. Fireworks will be let off at dusk. The Alexandria Lions Club, in cooperation with the Township of North Glengarry, presents Canada Day festivities in Alexandria on July 1. The parade on Main Street begins at 12 pm and ends at Island Park. A short ceremony with North Glengarry council takes place at Island Park at 2 pm. Food and entertainment will be available at the park until dusk when there will be a fireworks display.