As 2013 unfolds, so does the planning and organizing of celebrations for Sylvan Lake’s centennial year-long party.
To help keep the public updated regarding centennial celebrations and to provide an opportunity to sign up as a volunteer for the exciting events, an information meeting regarding the centennial was held at the library, Feb. 2.
Brenda Dale chairman of the task force said she was pleased with the turnout.
“It was good. We had the meeting as we want people to know there are lots of opportunities out there for a variety of things to volunteer for and we want them to be aware of all the fun things we have coming up.”
She said the task force has planned several activities for June, beginning the week before 1913 Days. The first of these is a civic ceremony to be held June 8 in the multiplex which is to depict 10 decades of Sylvan Lake’s history through theater and music, much of which will be provided by the H. J. Cody school band.
“We wanted to do our Sylvan Lake version of a civic ceremony and show off our talent,” she said. ”We have so much talent out there, we really need to showcase it.”
The Sylvan Lake and District Archives Society will provide pictures and the town’s history story for the musical production.
The fun will continue with a street barbecue to follow the ceremony.
On June 12, Centennial Park is to be re-dedicated.
“In 1967 when it was first dedicated as Centennial Park there was only 13 people,” said Dale. “We can do way better than that”
The event is to be a huge outdoor picnic with an open invitation to everyone. Dressing up in the appropriate attire for the decade of one’s choice is encouraged.
The events continue June 14 when a ‘meet and greet’ will be held in the multiplex.
The evening promises to be a fun filled activity with former Miss Mermaids and members of the Chamber of Commerce on hand to greet everyone.
And, to add authenticity to the evening, backdrops will be set up, each depicting one of the 10 decades in the centennial. These backdrops will offer a perfect setting for a photo shoot.
On June 15 the public is invited to put on their dancing shoes and dance the night away in fine style.
The band, Jazz Explosion, will be the first to entertain, followed by The Falcons.
Dale didn’t divulge any of the names of the band members, but she said some people who attended dances at Varsity Hall may recognize them.
The final band to play is The Boom Chucka Boys, whose rock ‘n roll tunes from days gone by is sure to rock the room.
Centennial celebrations are to continue into the summer with a dazzling display from the famous Snowbirds tentatively scheduled for July 17.
The town’s youth will do their part to help make the centennial celebration one to remember.
Kathy Inglis is heading a commemorative art project which will involve Grade 7 students in Sylvan Lake.
The project will tell Sylvan Lake’s story through poetry, artwork and photos.
A history walk which involves setting up community display boards throughout town which show the history of local organizations is ongoing.
Judy Scanland, who heads the group said about 35 boards are being rotated throughout town.
“We know there is more history out there and we would like to get it up to 50,” she said. “Anyone who has a board out there, get it back to me so you can be part of the action.”
For more information check the Facebook page at Sylvan Lake 100th Birthday Celebration.
The task force can also be reached via email 100b@sylvanlake.ca.
Dale may also be reached at 403-887-3937.
“We have lots of opportunity for a variety of things for volunteers. Volunteering is great and gives you a chance to connect with people you haven’t seen for a while.”