If the smiles last weekend were any indication, the Canada Day celebrations across this township were a resounding success.
“On behalf of our committee I would like to say a big thank you to the sponsors, volunteers, and everyone that was part of Canada Day 2012 for making this such a memorable event,” said councillor Jim Curry, chairman of the Mapleton Communities Canada Day Celebration committee.
“There were so many that expressed their appreciation and desire to have an event again in 2013.”
To kick off the day, the Optimist Club of Moorefield served up breakfast. As one Optimist commented, “for several of us our day started at 5:30am as we prepared to open the doors at 7am – and we had a fun morning.”
The Alma motor-less parade started at the Alma Community Hall at 1pm and a wave of red and white made its way around Wallace Cumming Park to the playground. There were several horses, bikes, tricycles, and many walked the trail. The Alma Optimists provided refreshments for all in attendance.
In Drayton the Fairgrounds was a happening place, with the horseshoe tournament in full swing early. Organizer Dan Gallina was kept busy co-ordinating the 12 lanes of activity. Several participants from the U.S. made the trek to Drayton for the tournament, which was sponsored by the Chop House. The restaurant also ran a raffle for a dinner for four, with tickets sold during the month of June and on Canada Day and the winner drawn just prior to the fireworks.
The arm wrestling event was co-ordinated by Drayton’s Jeff Oosterveld, assisted by provincial champion and Moorefield native Tyler Robinson. The Drayton Food Market and Alva Cherrey Garage were co-sponsors of this part of the program.
Barb Driscoll and her team from Maryborough Public School provided games for the children, which were well attended and, based on the excitement, a big hit. The Figure Skating Club was busy with its face painting activity.
“The car show was a great success and we had more vehicles than I expected,” said show co-ordinator Ron Ellis. He added there were some real beauties on hand, and to see vintage cars in such great condition is a credit to the owners.
The Mapleton fire department was busy all day with its water ball challenge, safety house, and the fireworks – not to mention an emergency call to which they responded. Organizers would like to thank firefighters for all of their dedicated work.
Again this year, Rotarian Bob Bignell hosted an afternoon of beach volleyball. His volunteers kept the ball rolling well in to the early evening hours, with many athletes showcasing their skills.
The Drayton Rotary Club was kept busy throughout much of the afternoon and evening serving hotdogs and refreshments. The ice cream was especially appreciated on this hot summer day.
The Mapleton Arena Xpansion (MAX) committee’s chicken barbecue was a great addition to the day and approximately 300 hungry men, women and children had their fill. Officials say the MAX committee should be thanked for all of its hard work in selling tickets and serving the food.
The Drayton Kinsmen hosted this year’s beer gardens, and the Kinsmen were kept busy helping customers stay cool. They expressed that sales were good, and everyone “enjoyed a good time.”
The community church service was held at Centennial Park with the local ministerial looking after the program. One of the highlights of the service was an interview with Tina Hofstra that was conducted by Pastor Dave Tiessen. Hofstra immigrated in the 1950s form Holland and provided insight into what Canada has meant to her and her family. The Derek Moore family led the singing during and after the service.
At 10pm it was time for the fireworks, and Darryl Brodhaecker was master of ceremonies. On hand to assist with some special business were Rosie Joostema (representing The Chop House), councillor Curry and special guest Nick Spaling of the Nashville Predators. Spaling was gracious to draw the winner of The Chop House raffle (Warren Jack of Drayton), and also the $1,000 prize for the Mapleton Fire and Rescue Calendar draw (Doug and Marilyn Bridge of Drayton).
The evening culminated with what some say was arguably the best fireworks show ever held on Canada Day in Drayton. This may have also been the largest crowd, with people at the fairgrounds, across the river at Centennial Park, and at the Mennonite School on John Street. Organizers want to thank firefighters for the hours of planning, preparation and execution of this extravaganza.
Committee members in charge of the July 1 celebrations include: Darryl Brodhaecker, Kelly Culp, Jim Curry, Annette Curry, Barb Driscoll, Dave Geddes, John Hahn, Amanda Meyer, Ellen Papenberg, Jim Sannes and Lorrie Spaling.
The committee would like to hear from Mapleton residents on what they most liked about the day, if there are any improvements, or additional activities they might suggest for organizers of the next Canada Day celebration. Contact one of the committee members or email chairman Jim Curry at jcurry@mapleton.ca.
