Saskatoon celebrates Canada 150 in Diefenbaker Park

Saskatoon celebrates Canada Day housands of people celebrated Canada Day in Saskatoon on Saturday. Laura Woodward reports.

Thousands of Canadians gathered at Diefenbaker Park to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.

Many cyclists joined the park event after the Prairie Gran Fondo — an annual cycling event raising money for organizations.

The event has a variety of routes for different skill levels, including a new 150 kilometre trail was added this year for 150 years of confederation.

Many Canadians confirmed their citizenship at Diefenbaker Park in the reaffirmation ceremony, restating their oath.

Six-time Stanley Cup winner Bryan Trottier joined the celebrations.

“I’m very proud of my roots, very proud of my hockey background and my native heritage. The diversity in Canada and how everyone embraces it, is something to celebrate,” Trottier, from Val Marie, Sask., said. “Our history has some ugliness, but we have positives to celebrate.”

Multicultural dance groups took stage and St. Mary’s Oskayak Song and Dance Troupe educated people about indigenous culture

“If you were here 150 years, that’s great. We’re just teaching our culture to all the newcomers,” Cecile Smith, a coordinator with the troupe, said.

Jess Moskaluke, Juno award winning country music artist and Rocanville, Sask. resident, will take the stage in the evening.

A Tragically Hip cover band and fireworks will wrap up the festivities in the evening.