Zipline, midway, and fishing derby: What’s happening in Cambridge on Canada Day?

Riverside Park in Cambridge on Sept. 12, 2024. (Heather Senoran/CTV News)

We are getting a preview of what to expect as Cambridge prepares to host what it calls “the largest Canada Day celebration in Waterloo Region.”

On July 1, visitors are encouraged to head over to Riverside Park for a city-led extravaganza featuring a midway, zip-line ride, inflatable obstacle course, dunk tank, hot air balloon rides, marketplace vendors and food trucks.

The day kicks off with a fishing derby at 8 a.m. Residents must bring their own fishing gear, but no registration is required.

After that, a parade will take over King Street at 11 a.m. The route runs from Bishop Street and ends at Eagle Street.

Everything wraps up with a bang as fireworks are set to light up the sky at 9:45 p.m., depending on the weather.

Vehicles will not be allowed on the grounds at Riverside Park on Canada Day and there will be no on-street drop off at the main entrance off of King Street. Accessible parking will only be available at the front of the main park entrance for permit holders. The city recommends taking Grand River Transit or using the free shuttle service being offered from 12:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. The shuttle will pick people up at the south end of the Cambridge Centre Mall’s rear lot, Fountain Street Soccer Complex lot and Com-Dev Soccer Park.

Matt Cuthbert, the city’s manager of special events, previously told CTV News he expected approximately 30,000 people to take part in the festivities throughout the day.

In the past, July 1 celebrations were put together by a Canada Day committee. This is the first time the city will act as the primary organizer.