The committee in charge of the local Canada Day Celebration has finalized the program for July 1.
“Our goal was to co-ordinate a day of activities that would have something for every age and I believe that we are in a position to meet this goal,” said chairman Jim Curry.
“All that we need is some support from the weather department.”
The Moorefield Optimists will start off the day with a breakfast at the Moorefield Community Centre from 7 to 11am. Optimist Wilf Stroetinga is heading up this event, which he says will be a great way to the begin the day.
Alma Optimist Dave Geddes is working with his team to host a motor-less parade at the Wallace Cumming Park in Alma at 1pm. Participants are encouraged to assemble at the community hall just before 1pm and bring along their mode of transportation, whether it be a bike, wheelbarrow or bed – the funnier the better – or they can simply walk. Refreshments will be served following the parade.
The Drayton Fairgrounds is the next location, starting at 2pm with a host of events.
Dan Gallina is bringing in some of the best horseshoe pitchers in Canada to a professional horseshoe tournament, which will be supported financially by the Drayton Chop House restaurant, owned by Peter Egger.
The Mapleton Fire Department is organizing a waterball competition. Groups are invited to make up a team and register with John Hahn Jr. (519-343-5066) on Canada Day. Firefighters are also planning to have the safety smoke house on site during the day.
The annual Beach Volleyball Tournament, hosted by the Drayton Rotary Club, is returning again this year. It is organized by Rotarian Bob Bignell – to enter a three-player team call 519-638-2736 or email bignell@veritechmfg.com.
Jeff Oosterveld (519-638-0217) is co-ordinating an Arm Wrestling Tournament including youths and adults. Oosterveld encourages youths to learn the proper technique and bring along a friend to challenge. Moorefield’s own Tyler Robinson, one of the best arm wrestlers in the province, will also provide some instruction. The ladies world champion lives in Drayton, as do many other top competitors, so Mapleton is a good place to host an arm wrestling tournament.
Maryborough Public School parent committee member Barb Driscoll is working with her team to host Youth Carnival Games including Plinko, a duck pond, baseball milk can toss, and several others. The cost for the games is $10 for 10 tickets.
The Figure Skating Club is providing a toonie face painting opportunity to celebrate the day.
The MAX Committee has organized an Antique / Custom Car and Truck Show. The admission is by donation, and anyone interested in participating should call Ron Ellis (day 519-291-3791; evenings 519-638-3056).
A geocaching event is also being organized by Curry, including instruction on the fundamentals of the sport, and then a geocaching challenge open to anyone interested. All that is required is a handheld GPS unit and a basic knowledge of how to use it. Meet at the Rotary booth at 3pm to take part in the challenge and a chance to win a prize.
A chicken barbecue will be held at the agricultural building from 5 to 7pm hosted by the MAX Committee. Advanced tickets are required. A half chicken dinner is $15, and a quarter chicken dinner is $10 with tickets available at Bloomingdale’s, the Wellington Street Cafe and from MAX committee members.
A Community Church service is being held at 7pm at the pavilion in Centennial Park, organized by the Mapleton Ministerial. The Derek and Maggie Moore family will lead music during the service and host a musical interlude for 45 minutes after the service.
Canada Day will culminate with the fire department providing what it has become known for: a fabulous fireworks display. Every year we draw families from near and far to enjoy this extravaganza of light.
Throughout the day the Drayton Rotary Club will be serving hot dogs, beverages and ice cream. The Drayton Kinsmen will be have a beer garden as well. Proceeds from all events will be used to support local programs.
On-site parking is somewhat limited, so organizers are encouraging people to use local municipal lots, the Drayton CRC parking lot, and Nieuwland Feed Mill (during the church service).
The event committee is in need of volunteers as parking attendants, and to shuttle between the parking sites and the fairgrounds. To help contact Jim Curry at 519-638-3363.
Details are also available on the Mapleton Township website at www.mapleton.ca.
