It might seem like summer’s just begun, but Barb Barker and the rest of Jasper’s Canada Day organizing committee want people to start thinking ahead two weeks.

That’s when Canada’s 139th birthday will be celebrated in grand style, but to really put their best foot forward, the volunteers behind Jasper’s bash need a little help.

“All of our major fundraising comes from community businesses,” said Barker. So far, the group has only made it one third of the way to their fundraising goal of $12,000.

“We only have about $4,000 raised,” she said. “We always, well usually get there, but it can be a little nailbiting at times!”

Barker has been involved with the organizing committee for five years, has seen Jasper’s Canada Day party continue to grow in size and spectacle. Most of the committee’s budget goes toward the fireworks display that is launched from Centennial Park every year, but 2006 will see three featured groups performing and entertaining on the day.

Faces of Fire, the award-winning Parks Canada interpretive theatre production on fire management, will take the stage in the late evening, just prior to the fireworks. Meanwhile, Kamloops’ Rube Band, a crowd favourite from years past, will return to play music and entertain during the parade. For those wanting a bit of traditional culture mixed in with their flag-waving and frosted donuts, the Kupalo Ukrainian dance troupe will be arriving from Edmonton for two displays of athletic and aesthetic prowess.

“The whole day is exciting,” said Barker. “From the pancake breakfast, through to the parade at one and then all afternoon until the fireworks.”

That pancake breakfast, which costs $2, is sponsored by the Municipality of Jasper.

Another highlight of the day is the “Mini-Mounties” a select group of local kids who have the honour of spending the day in elaborate RCMP ceremonial costumes, participating in the flag raising and the parade.

The organizers have yet to confirm the schedule of events for the day, and they are still securing an honourary parade marshal for the promenade of floats, bands and dignitaries that will take to the streets in the early afternoon.

The parade will last up to an hour and a half, Barker predicts, and it’s a highlight of the day for more than just Jasperites.

“I remember I asked our (former) bylaw officer Doug Rodwell how many people were attending the parade and he said 25 to 30 thousand,” she said. “And there are more for the fireworks. You can hardly find anywhere to stand around Centennial Park.”

So far, the committee has arranged for a six-minute display to light up the night sky, but Barker said that the goal is to have enough cash on hand to be able to bump that up to a ten minute show.

“We like to have it run a little longer. In past years we’ve had up to 12 or 13 minutes, but those were in years where we had some external funding, like for Alberta’s Centennial last year.”

At a cost of $1,000 per minute, just how many roman candles the Jasper crowd will get to enjoy this July 1 is largely left up to the generosity of the local business community.

Beyond donating money as a business or an individual (there are collection tins out around town now) there are other ways to get involved with Canada Day.

There are still concession spots open for the day at Centennial Park. Business or community groups interested in providing hot dogs, popcorn or similar carnival-style nourishment are encouraged to do so. Volunteers are also required for all elements of the celebration.

“It’s a lot of work, but a lot of fun,” said Barker of the committment it takes to organize the big day.

“We’re in a very unique situation here, because everything is done by volunteers. In most communities Canada Day is organized by the town, or the Chamber of Commerce.”

Anyone wanting to sponsor the fireworks or volunteer their time can contact Barker at 852-5162. Inquiries about the concession stands can be directed to Laurie Buck (852-5024) while Beryl Cahill takes the lead on the pancake breakfast (852-6503). Any group wanting to get in on the parade needs to contact Lauren Korogonas at 852-5302.