Community turnout, volunteer spirit and local generosity powered a day of  free, family-friendly entertainment in Downtown Fernie

Downtown Fernie came alive this July 1 as an estimated 3,000 residents and visitors turned out for Canada Day Celebrations, a free community event delivered entirely by local volunteers with the Fernie Lions and Rotary Clubs and supported by the City of Fernie and several local sponsors.

The day combined live music, family activities, food, crafts and a strong show of community spirit to mark Canada’s 159th anniversary.

The celebration opened on the steps of City Hall with a land acknowledgement from Nasukin Heidi Gravelle, remarks from Mayor Nic Milligan, and the raising of the Canadian flag, with Ladyfolk and the event’s many volunteers leading the singing of O Canada.

The day unfolded across several activity zones, each anchored by local sponsors, including Elk Valley Resources (EVR) as this year’s Spirit of the Valley Title Sponsor.

A Day of Free, Family-Friendly Entertainment

The 3300 Club kicked the day off with a Pancake Breakfast, followed by a full slate of activities including:

• The Legacy Ford Kidz Zone;
• The Lions Club 360° Photo Booth;
• Fernie Windows & Doors Block Party on 2nd Ave. featured the Elk Valley Classic Cruisers, fire trucks, the EMS team and the RCMP showing off their tactical armored vehicle. SNCKS DJs kept the energy level up and the party going.
• Best Western Fernie Big Dunk, welcomed Mayor Nic Milligan for the first plunge.

Community support rounded out the day with the EVR Hydration Station keeping everyone’s water bottles topped up, the Canadian Ski Patrol delivering first aid, Eldho’s Independent serving cupcakes, Save-On Foods providing fruit and freezies, Spruce Legal painting over 300 faces, and the City of Fernie Aquatic Centre offering free swimming.

The Fernie Mountain Market featured 30 local craft vendors, farmers, and food trucks, with Dawn Deydey curating and managing every aspect.

The Wapiti Main Stage came alive with performances from the Youth Singers, Ladyfolk, Jack’s Attic, and Blues Steel. DJ Steel Orca kept the energy up between sets, and MC Roxanne Belzile kept the show on track.

More than 70 volunteers helped make the day possible.  Organizers credited the event’s success to the volunteers, sponsors and local businesses who contributed time, resources and in-kind support, including Mountain High Travel and Elk Run Ranch, who helped keep the Kidz Zone bouncy castles running throughout the day.

Talented local photographer Vince Mo captured the celebration from the ground and the air.

“This event happens because our community shows up for each other,” said Corinne Hoetmer, Co-Chair, Canada Day Planning Committee and Lions Club member. “We’re grateful to every volunteer, sponsor, supporter, resident and visitor who made this year’s celebration such a success.”

Canada Day Fernie 2026 was a community celebration made possible by the Fernie Lions and Rotary Clubs and local service clubs.  The event is possible due to the generous financial contribution from the City of Fernie and several local businesses.

The event was free to attend and organized and delivered entirely by local volunteers.

Photos courtesy Cindy Pearson

Rotary Club of Fernie

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