Downtown Collingwood is the only place to be to celebrate Canada's 145th birthday.

The fun starts on Saturday with a community Pancake Breakfast at the Farmers’ Market, and finishes on Sunday with fireworks on Collingwood's waterfront promenade.

Begin with a hearty breakfast of pancakes and sausages at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning, and then check out all the fresh produce from the local growers. After your visit to the market, head over to the harbour, as activities continue with the annual Optimist Kids Fishing Derby, on until noon.

You won’t want to miss the Georgian Bay Artisan Market from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Tremont, live entertainment on the Peak FM Stage between Second and Third Streets on Hurontario Street, the Free Family Carnival from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Museum grounds, the Collingwood Idol Competition from 1 until 5 p.m. at the Federal Building, and strolling buskers.

On Sunday, Pancake Breakfast will be on Hurontario Street under the clock tower. Join family and friends from 8 until 11 a.m. at this Collingwood Canada Day tradition as your flap jacks will be flipped by local celebrities. The Peak FM stage in the third block of the downtown, and the Collingwood Idol Competition qualifiers will be at the Federal Building in the first block.

At noon on Canada Day, you won’t want to miss the Citizenship Reaffirmation Ceremony, followed by the Giant Canada Day Birthday Cake in front of the Federal Building. Everyone is invited to reaffirm his or her Canadian Citizenship, receive a commemorative certificate and have a free piece of birthday cake. This is a great way to celebrate and recognize our great country. The Family Carnival will continue from noon until 4 p.m. at the Museum.

At 7 p.m., the community party shifts to the Collingwood waterfront Amphitheatre, starting with the Collingwood Idol Judges, ‘Showing Us How It’s Done’ concert. The Grand Finals of the Collingwood Idol Competition will follow; bring your cell phone as judging will be by text messaging. Winners will be immediately announced and then the fireworks will begin. The Collingwood Harbour promenade and Amphitheatre are the best viewing locations.

For more information on this event and all other activities happening in Downtown Collingwood this summer, check out www.collingwooddowntown.com, or phone 705-445-5595.

The Collingwood Festival for Canada is proudly presented by Collingwood Downtown and the Town of Collingwood, with the generous support of Heritage Canada, The Peak FM, Loblaw Great Food, and One Community Churches.