On Monday, July 1st, the City of Owen Sound is throwing a FREE Canada Day extravaganza for the whole family at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park.
Prepare for a day packed with delightful children's activities, dog show, pony rides, music, and entertainment that will open to all.
Gates Open at NOON
In the Park
Dog Show
Scouts Cub Car Races
Pony Rides
Food Trucks
Craft Vendors
Organizations
On the Stage
4:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, Remarks, Anthem and Land Acknowledgement
4:30 p.m. The Rubbily Ubdugs
A journey from coast to coast across Canada.Puppets, sing-a-long songs focusing on Canadian History.
6:30 p.m. - The Mike McCarthy Band
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The Mike McCarthy Band is a Canadian musical ensemble celebrated for its dynamic fusion of alternative country, southern rock, and Canadiana influences. Led by the versatile singer-songwriter Mike McCarthy, the band delivers a captivating blend of heartfelt lyrics, gritty guitar riffs, and soulful melodies that resonate with audiences far and wide. Erica Prinn-McCarthy adds harmonies that infuse their sound with additional depth and richness, seamlessly blending with Mike McCarthy's lead vocals to create captivating melodies that linger in the hearts of listeners. With a periodic rotating roster of seasoned and talented musicians, The Mike McCarthy Band consistently delivers dynamic and engaging performances that showcase their versatility and musicality. A hard driving yet melodic sound that's irresistible to the ear and to dancing feet, the band defies categorization while remaining accessible to all who appreciate authentic, heartfelt music. The Mike McCarthy Band continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, inspiring and captivating audiences wherever they go.
8:15 p.m. Welcome & Remarks - Mayor, MPP and MP
8:30 p.m.
Website
Growing up in Warkworth, Ontario — a town of under 1000 people — she was living the life countless country songs depict: backyard bonfires, farm land, the rodeo. And with parents that were in a band, singing was, as SACHA puts it, “part of my DNA.” But unlike her three siblings, music didn’t just feel like a family trait — it felt like her destiny.
“For me, it wasn't just singing to a song. I'm actually feeling this thing happening when I'm singing,” she says. “I'm seeing the whole production. I'm seeing the crowd, and I’m feeling it.”
Living on her own by the time she was 17, SACHA knew it wouldn’t be easy to make that vision a reality. As she worked full-time, she found a community within a local church that helped her find her voice and her confidence while also reassuring her that the stage is where she’s meant to be.
Soon enough, she headed to Nashville, where she hustled her way through Music Row while honing her playful, yet meaningful artistic style. “I was on a mission,” she says. “For me, it wasn’t just a dream — it was a conviction.”
Her first major breakthrough came in 2021, when SACHA was named to CMT’s Next Women of Country class, a distinction once bestowed upon the likes of Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, and Gabby Barrett. “That was the door that opened up the rest,” she suggests.
Later that year, she scored her first platinum Canadian single alongside The Reklaws with their viral hit “What The Truck,” which became the fastest Canadian country song to be certified platinum in the streaming era. The momentum continued, as SACHA released her second EP, We Did; won her first CCMA Award for “What The Truck”; was named winner of SiriusXM’s Top of The Country contest; and joined Maddie & Tae on their U.S. fall tour.
But it was 2023 that ultimately proved SACHA’s time is now. Kicking off the year singing the Canadian anthem at the 2023 NHL All Star game, she released her third EP, Confident, in May, and showed her global appeal with a performance at the UK’s Long Road Festival in August. And just two days before performing “Confident” alongside Tyler Shaw at the 2023 CCMAs in September, she landed a record deal with Sony Music.
As SACHA preps her major label debut, she vows that she isn’t losing sight of the motivated dreamer that got her to this point. But rather than dwelling on the past, she’s aiming to offer a sense of hope to those who may need a little inspiration in times of adversity — as she once did herself.
“I want to be able to lift you up, because I know what it's like to feel like there's no way,” SACHA says. “Wouldn't it be cool to make room for empowering, anthemic tunes in country music?”
Her first release will reflect just that. As SACHA declares “Hey Mom (I Made It),” the uplifting, heartfelt tale “ain’t talkin’ ‘bout bein’ famous,” but rather about the personal growth that’s led her to success. “I finally found my way,” she proudly proclaims in the chorus.
“Hey Mom (I Made It)” is just one of many new songs SACHA is excited to share with fans in the coming months, as she continues to blaze her own trail as a proud woman in country music. While she’s already envisioning a Grand Ole Opry debut and world tour, her main focus is to spread a positive message: “Having these people, all in one room, sharing the same struggles and the same joy.”
And even with all of the ebbs and flows that her journey has entailed, SACHA has no doubt that the timing couldn’t have worked out better.
“I'm more aware of who I am, what I want to do, what I want to say, and where I want to go,” she declares. “I've sacrificed everything to live this life. I’m not looking to slow down. I’m so ready to run — and ready to take people with me.”
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
And when the sun sets, make sure you stick around for the grand finale! At 10 pm, prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular custom fireworks display that will light up the night sky in a brilliant celebration of our great nation.
Don't miss this unforgettable day of fun, food, and festivity! We can't wait to see you there!
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