Mayor Frank Campion's monthly article for Welland.
Welland is Preparing for a Fantastic Summer on the Waterway
The Welland International Flatwater Centre (WIFC) is scheduled to host a long list of high-profile events at its state-of-the-art facility this competition season. On June 9, 2018, the WIFC is proud to showcase the 17th annual Welland Dragon Boat Festival. This multi-cultural festival gives locals an opportunity to engage in some fun competition, or simply enjoy the races as a spectator. The competition is a precursor to the Canadian Dragon Boat Championships, which will feature top athletes from across the country this June 28 to July 1.
Roughly 2000 athletes will pursue the Dragon Boat Canadian title right here in Welland. This multicultural display of competitors racing down the waterway to the beat of a drum has been a favourite for locals at the WIFC for years. Come out this year and discover this ancient tradition that has travelled from across the globe and found its way to your city’s waterway.
Welland will also take the international spotlight this summer when the ICF Canoe Polo World Championships takes the waterway by storm from July 31 to August 5. This event is one of the world’s most anticipated water events among the flat-water community. The World Championships unveil with an opening ceremonies show at Merritt Park, where Honeymoon Suite will entertain an audience and ignite six days of competition on the waterway. Locals are encouraged to attend the opening ceremonies to enjoy the show and welcome the world to Welland.
Bridge 13 won’t be the only spectacular display lighting up the waterway this summer. The floating stagewill showcase a long list of performances with the return of Concerts on the Canal. The series features ten performances this summer with Steve Strongman being the first to take the stage on June 22. This gifted performer’s album No Time Like Now was nominated for a Blues Album at this year’s Juno Awards.
Steve Strongman’s performance is just one of many that is sure to lure locals to the Merritt Park Amphitheatre from June to August. Also scheduled to keep the city entertained is a thread of tribute bands that range in musical genre, including award winning artists who delight the crowds with everything from Blues to Funk. Visit the City of Welland’s website calendar to stay current on these events and discover more at welland.ca.
