Happy birthday: What’s happening on Canada Day in Regina?

Regina residents are set to enjoy the unofficial kickoff to summer in conjunction with a nationwide celebration of Canada's birthday.

Observed annually on July 1, Canada Day is a statutory holiday that honours the country's formation in 1867.

It's also the biggest outdoor party of the summer, assuming Mother Nature doesn't rain on the proverbial parade.

For those seeking entertainment options, the Lieutenant Governor's Canada Day Celebration at Government House starts at noon and is free to the public. It features indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, including performances by local entertainers, a petting zoo and a collectibles sale.

There is also a party planned at Wascana Park, starting with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and ending with the annual fireworks display at 10:30 p.m. Other activities at the park include a family fun zone, food truck alley, market, Apex Adventure Zone, Riderville, beer gardens, live entertainers, and a performance by athletes from the Canadian Gymnaestrada.

Opening ceremonies are slated for noon on the main stage near the legislative building.

Members of the Regina Police Service will be in attendance to enforce traffic regulations and assist with a "Next to Kin" program that helps keep children safe throughout the day.

Albert Street Bridge closes at 8:30 p.m. for the fireworks.

Below is a list of some local services and attractions that will be open (or closed) on the holiday Wednesday:

Bus routes operate on a Sunday schedule. The transit information centre on 11th Avenue and RIDELine will be closed.

Paratransit: Available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Landfill: Open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the gate closing at 5:15 p.m.

Household Hazardous Waste Material Depot: Closed.

Sandra Schmirler and North West leisure centres: Open 12-6 p.m.

Sportplex – Fieldhouse & Lawson Aquatic Centre: Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Buffalo Meadows, Regent and Massey outdoor pools: Open 12-8 p.m.

Maple Leaf pool: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wascana pool: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Spray parks: Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre: Open 12-4 p.m.

Riverside Memorial Park and Regina Cemetery: Offices closed, gates open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Royal Saskatchewan Museum: Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MacKenzie Art Gallery: Open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Slate Art Gallery: Open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

RCMP Heritage Centre: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Government House: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Floral Conservatory: Closed for summer.

Southland, Cornwall and Victoria Square: Open 12-5 p.m.

Banks: All branches are closed.

Government and civic offices: Closed.

Canada Day is considered a statutory and federal holiday, so Canada Post will not be delivering or collecting mail.

Some grocery stores may have reduced hours on the holiday.

City garbage, recycling and food waste pickups are on schedule as usual.

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