July 1, will mark Canada's 149th birthday, and this year there is an extra special event in Cochrane to celebrate.

The public is invited to witness 40 adults and 10 children from Britain, China, Gambia, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Tanzania, Sudan, USA and Vietnam take the Oath of Citizenship and receive their citizenship certificates.

The ceremony will take place at 3 pm at Mitford Park.

The Town of Cochrane in partnership with the Cochrane and Area Events Society will also host its 17th annual Canada Day Festival, which has been expanded this year.

Tracy Brooker, Manager of Recreation, Culture and the Arts, explained there will be a variety of different activities throughout the day.

"It runs from 1pm-9pm, and it's free this year. We're doing interactive games, bouncy houses, a climbing wall, a children's entertainment stage, and live music. We're doing a sneak a peak of the Canada 150 Mosaic, and a variety of food trucks and concessions."

Fireworks will start at dusk, usually around 11 pm, and a free shuttle service will be offered as parking is limited in the area.