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(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

Canada Day festivities will return to Riverside Park in Kamloops this summer following a two-year COVID pandemic hiatus.

Like most cities in in the Thompson-Okanagan region, the past two July 1 celebrations had to be scaled back to online events.

"The annual in-person event in Riverside Park was dearly missed in 2020 and 2021,” Kamloops events co-ordinator Dewi Evans said in a press release issued today. “For the past two years, we hosted virtual events with strong support; however, it was no match for the vibrancy that the community typically brings to Riverside Park.”

The City of Kamloops is reaching out to organizations to bolster this year’s activities, and is looking participants with engaging, interactive booths that promote a creative message of community spirit.

READ MORE: Penticton cancels Canada Day celebrations

Around 30,000 people are expected to attend the full-day event, according to the release. Celebration begin with a pancake breakfast, followed by artistic and cultural displays, then community festivities. Finally Music in the Park will present its season-opening performance.

“We are so excited to be working with the Kamloops Arts Council and Kamloops Multicultural Society to bring our community together again,” Evans said. “We also recognize that Canada Day is forever changed with the confirmation of Le Estcwicwe´y? (The Missing), and we will work with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to ensure Canada’s true history is incorporated.”

The City of Kelowna is also making a full return to Canada Day celebrations. Activities will take place throughout the day beginning at 10 a.m., and the final celebration of the day will be fireworks at 10 p.m.

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