2016 is almost at an end, and the City of Yellowknife will be holding a free New Year’s Eve celebration at the Multiplex to ring in the new year.
Across Canada, it’s no surprise that other communities will do the same; but this year, things are a little different.
We’re ushering in Canada’s 150th year, and hoping to do so with a bang.
“This year, because it is Canada’s 150, we’re actually having an event,” explained Holly Ferris, special events coordinator with the city.
Normally, Yellowknifers welcome in the New Year with a fireworks display, but this year we’re going all-out.
Starting at 4 p.m. and running until just after midnight, the Multiplex will be open for a free party, with family skates, performances from Yellowknife’s Dene First Nation and the circus club, as well as other activities.
There will also be free musical performances, featuring Yellowknife Dene-Canadian singer Leela Gilday, former NHL defenceman turned country music artist Chad Brownlee, and the NWT Pipe Band.
“Our theme was multiculturalism and celebrating the diversity that’s in Yellowknife,” said Ferris.
Besides the array of music, how else will they be celebrating multiculturalism? Through food, Ferris says.
The celebration will have food trucks from different associations in the city, including the Vietnamese and African Caribbean Canadian associations. Unlike the rest of the event, the food will not be free.
At exactly 8:17 p.m. , fireworks will go off above Frame Lake, a little early tribute to the new 2017.
Canada 150 years old
Funding for Yellowknife’s big celebration came from the Canada 150 fund, Ferris said, a fund aimed at helping communities build a sense of pride and look forward to the next 150 years.
“Thirteen capitals across Canada are participating and having these large Canada 150 celebrations for New Year’s Eve,” Ferris explained.
The fund comes through Canadian Heritage, and minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly says these New Year’s celebrations are only the start of what 2017 has to offer in Canada.
“This will be the first in a year of celebrations,” Joly said in a video. “A year of special activities and projects to make 2017 a year to remember.”
The city is still looking for volunteers to help out. Anyone interested has until 5 p.m. Friday to apply. For more information on the New Year’s celebration, visit the city’s website.
