CAKE PARADE, MUSKETS MUSIC AND MORE ON CANADA DAY

FREE ENTRANCE TO FORT GEORGE JULY 1

There's no sweeter way to celebrate Canada Day than with a parade dedicated to a cake.

The annual Cake Parade returns to Niagaraon-the-Lake on July 1 and the community is invited to crowd around Queen Street shortly before 3 p.m. to catch a glimpse of the larger than life cake as it makes it way to Simcoe Park. The 41st Regiment Fife and Drum Corps will be leading the way ahead of the cake that was created and donated by Willow Cakes and Pastries.

While previous year's themes have centred around the War of 1812 Bicentennial, tourism, and classic Canadiana, the theme for this year's creation is remaining a secret until the day of the event.

Once the cake arrives in the park, it will be cut up and distributed to the gathered crowd free of charge.

That's just one of several food-centric events planned for July 1. The day starts out with a pancake breakfast, also taking in place in Simcoe Park, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prepared and served by the Rotary Club of Niagara-onthe-Lake. Once the batter and syrup are cleaned up, the club will fire up its barbecues in the park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be live music and children's activities happening in the park at that time.

Meanwhile, just down the road, Fort George National Historic Site will be a hive of activity throughout day. Open July 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., there will be no charge for visitors that day. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to tour the buildings, interact with costumed interpreters and enjoy musket demonstrations.

From 2 to 4 p.m., there will be cold drinks and treats available inside the fort, and starting at 4 p.m. food trucks will be set up on site.

Entertainment kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and will include a kiddie militia and drill, a presentation by the Fort George Infantry and the Fife and Drum Corps, as well as a musical performance by The Howling Horns, an eight-piece horn band that plays music from blues to dance to classic rock.

The evening wraps up with a fireworks display at 10 p.m. put on by Garden City Fireworks.

For a full schedule of events and more information, visit Friendsoffortgeorge.ca.