Country singers Carolina East, (top) and Justin Fancy, (bottom), are among the entertainers playing City Days next weekend. Both will perform at the Mega Birthday Bash at the Ruth Avenue Sportsplex on July 23, along with The Punters, The Navigators and other acts.
By Mark Squibb / July 14, 2023
City Days is just around the corner, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy, says Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker.
“Everybody and anybody is welcome to come to City Days,” said Aker. “The final night, the finale (The Mega Birthday Bash) is when we attract the most people. But with all the events, there’s something for everybody, from young kids to seniors.”
The annual celebration has been held for as long as anyone can remember but was canceled a couple of times during the COVID years. Last summer, the City was forced to delay City Days because of the labour strike, and hosted a more stripped back celebration in the fall.
“I think this has become a part of the fabric and culture of the City of Mount Pearl,” said Aker. “After all of these years, people expect it… It’s called City Days, but really it’s less about the City as an organization and more about the community.”
This summer marks the return of City Days in full force, with the City offering a full list of events including an outdoor family movie, princess and superhero breakfast, pet parade, block party, trivia night, concerts, and more, all beginning next week.
New this year is an all-ages pride celebration at St. David’s Park Friday evening.
“I think Pride in the Park is going to be very nice, and that’s the Friday night,” said Aker. “We want the entire community to come out. It’s not an exclusive event. We want to make sure everyone here in the City of Mount Pearl feels welcomed. We encourage inclusivity and diversity. And we’re really, really happy that we’re able to offer this and hopefully there will be a big turn out.”
The City will kickoff the festivities with the Best in Mount Pearl Awards Thursday night at the Reid Centre.
“It’s a celebration of the people who have made a great contribution to our community,” said Aker. “It’s a good time to get together to celebrate where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
Aker said the celebrations often draw in folks from outside Mount Pearl, and noted the municipalities within the metro region are mature enough to not plan overlapping events.
“Its really good for the community to get together, see some friends you maybe haven’t seen since winter, or see folks who are visiting on vacation,” said Aker. “There’s really something for everyone.”
A full schedule of events can be found on the City’s website and on page 10 of this week’s Shoreline. The celebrations begin Thursday and run until Sunday.
