Hamilton’s Canada 150 celebrations will kick into high gear on Friday.
Thousands are expected to gather at locations around the west harbour when 11 tall ships arrive for a Parade of Sail, starting at 2 p.m.
The city’s Pam Mulholland promises many great viewing locations.
“The ships have to stay 200 yards away from each other because of their limited turning radius, so they’ll fill the harbour,” she said.
All ships will dock at Pier 8 at 4 p.m Friday afternoon.
They will be open for free deck tours from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The city will be running shuttles from the downtown to the waterfront for the event.
Also on Canada Day, at Bayfront Park, the city will have seven hours of live music featuring headliner Jully Black leading up to fireworks at 10 o’clock.
For Canada 150, that display will be choreographed to a live performance by Maestro Boris Brott and the National Academy Orchestra of Canada.
It’s Your Festival 2017 begins Friday at Gage Park.
The Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council says it will have entertainment on four stages, through Sunday.
David Usher is the Friday night headliner. Ashley MacIsaac and The Sadies top the musical bill on Canada Day.
Other highlights include the Parade of Cultures, Foods of the World and a Canadian Citizenship Ceremony.