The Best Place to Celebrate Canada's 150th birthday — HOPE150 in Calgary!

Where can you go on the Canada Day long weekend that has something for everyone — including a free pancake breakfast, stories of hope, activities for kids and performances from Juno-Award winning bands and artists?

Calgarians don't have to go far. On Friday evening and most of the day Saturday, a large, free, family and youth-oriented festival will take place at Shaw Millennium Park right off of 9th Avenue and 11 Street S.W.

“There are a lot of people searching for hope,” says Jason Caldwell, executive director for the event, who lost his twin sons — Jordan and Evan last February at Winsport — after the toboggan they were on crashed into a barrier on the bobsled run. “Jesus is the currency of hope!”

“We knew it would be a real shame to let the 150th birthday of Canada to pass without an opportunity for the Christian community and all of Calgary to celebrate the work God is doing in the lives of people.”

HOPE150 will feature a 100 percent Canadian playlist highlighted by "Stories of Hope" from inspiring Canadians who have faced adversity, accomplished great feats, and overcome life's greatest problems. Organizers have invited musical groups from across the country to join several local bands. The producers are including different music genres at different times of the program. There will be something for everyone: families, children, adults, young adults, and teens. Those attending are encouraged to check out the full schedule on the HOPE150.ca website or on Facebook @CanadaHOPE150.