Preparations are underway for the 13th Annual Brampton Day, set to take place on Saturday, September 22, from 9 am to 2 pm. It’s that time of the year again when residents, community groups, local businesses and City of Brampton staff gather in the downtown to celebrate our city and all that it has to offer.

Each year, the fervor, energy and enthusiasm of residents and City staff on Brampton Day is

unmistakable. The day is all about showcasing municipal services and fostering civic pride in our Flower City. The day will begin with the Farmers’ Market on Main and Queen Street, leading to an exciting lineup of events for Brampton Day that will be held across Gage Park, Ken Whillans Square and Garden Square. The highlight of Brampton Day this year will be the re-designation of our city as an International Safe Community by the World Health Organization (WHO). The re-designation will be made official in Garden Square, at a ceremony featuring international, national and local dignitaries. This will mark the second time that Brampton has received this prestigious recognition. Brampton will retain this designation for the next five years.

In making Brampton a great and safe place in which to live, work and play, it will be amiss not to

recognize the role of residents and community groups. After the official Brampton Day cake cutting ceremony, the Brampton Safe City Council will recognize and present awards as part of its Good Neighbours/Great Neighbourhoods program. And, at 1 pm the tribute band, “King Of Pop – The Michael Jackson Experience” will take to the stage in Garden Square.

Last year, more than 15,000 Bramptonians participated in a number of family-oriented fun activities as part of Brampton Day. Some of the popular attractions, such as the free BBQ, live entertainment and children’s games, will make a comeback this year. In addition, information about City departments will be available at various departmental displays outside the main entrance of City Hall. This is an ideal opportunity for residents to learn about departmental services and successes. Various community groups active in Brampton will also set up information booths in Gage Park. To make it all interesting, different departments will also be running some of the activities such as the Kids Zone, Carnival Games, BBQ, Kettle Corn, Face Painting, Human Inflatable Bowling, Classic Trains and more. Sponsors, including McDonald’s, Hydro One, Glacéau Vitamin Water, Redpath, Brampton Downtown Development Corporation, Bell Canada and Brampton Safe City, will also offer various giveaways throughout the

event.

While there are many free parking lots within the downtown, should a resident wish to take transit here’s the good news – it’s Ride for a Loonie (each ride) on Brampton Transit for Brampton Day! Road closures for Farmers’ Market will be extended until 3 pm. In addition, Wellington Street West will be closed from George Street to Main Street from 6 am to 3 pm.