From Sackville to Salisbury, communities in southeast New Brunswick will celebrate the nation's birthday with style

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Fireworks, barbecues and more cake than you would see in a lifetime worth of birthdays will be decorating each city and town across Canada this July 1st. Although the national holiday guarantees traditional entertainment and family fun, communities are set to mark this year's celebration as extraordinary.

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Sackville

Sackville, who have recently been tagged as the Cultural Capital of Canada, are lining up a day packed with variety.

"We have an afternoon of activities at the Bandstand Park on Main Street," shares Rebecca MacLean of Sackville. Old time country/bluegrass band Del Wheaton and Friends will provide the entertainment along with a short skit carried out by Festival by the Marsh.

For the children and parents, Science East will be presenting two shows and Bob the Builder will be available as a special guest. Sackville's most anticipated event will be in the form of family entertainment for the evening of July 1.

"The big deal this year for us is the Cotters from Cape Breton," states Rebecca, "With the Sackville highland dancers and bluegrass singers Naomi Doncaster and Kyle Legere, the show will begin at 5 p.m. on Bridge Street, and will go on rain or shine!"

If the weather does not abide, all events will take place at the Tantramar Veterans Memorial Centre. Many more events are planned for this special day, so visit Sackville.com for more information or call the Visitor Information Centre at 364-4967.

Salisbury

Salisbury will be feeding the crowd with their community BBQ on Canada day. With a cake for desert, live entertainment and contests for the kids, Salisbury's celebration is focused on community.

"From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Canada Day we will be having fun," says Dianne Ayles of Salisbury. "We will be celebrating rain or shine at the municipal office and best of all it's free." Dianne encourages families to come out later that evening to enjoy the fireworks at dusk.

Moncton

141 years is a birthday worth celebrating in Moncton. Featuring a multicultural percussion show and a traditional Canada Day concert showcasing local performers, Moncton is ready to paint the town red and white.

Beginning at 2 p.m. City Hall Plaza will host the percussion show, while Downtown Historic Walking Tours will be guiding sightseers throughout the area.

Inflatable games are always a popular destination for sugar filled kids, with free face painting and airbrush tattoos offered between 5:30 and 9 p.m.

Riverfront Park will host a gymnastics demonstration by the Beauséjour Gymnos at 5 p.m. With an impressive line up of musicians starting at 7 p.m. including; The Keats, Khalid El Idrissi, Chris Colepaugh & the Cosmic Crew, and Ode à L'Acadie, with a special celebration of Québec's 400th anniversary.

Fireworks will light up the skies at dusk, so bring out your family to enjoy the lights.

Petitcodiac

Petitcodiac will be looking after their sports enthusiasts this Canada day with an Adult Ball Hockey Tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A traditional Kiddy Parade will begin at the Fire Hall at 9 a.m. with local bikes, wagons and scooters parading the beat.

With relay races, skills competitions, a volleyball tournament, BBQ's, free public swim and a scavenger hunt, games are included for toddlers right up to seniors. From 2 p.m. until dusk music will accompany the day with Tom Burgess and Friends and many more bands to be featured. Fireworks will finish the evening at the arena.