The Mapleton Communities Canada Day Celebration 2012 Committee is encouraging everyone to mark July 1 on their calendars and plan to take in the festivities throughout the township.
“So many people commented on the fun they had at Mapleton’s 10th anniversary celebrations on July 1 a few years back, that it was decided to initiate plans for a fun day this year,” said Jim Curry, a Mapleton councillor, and Drayton Rotarian.
“Our committee has been busy coming up with events that will be enjoyable for all ages. This year July 1 falls on a Sunday so we wanted to work around the times that churches tend to have their worship time.”
The Moorefield Optimist Club will start off the day by hosting a breakfast at the Moorefield Community Centre from 7 to 11am.
Next the Alma Optimists will host a motor-less parade at the Wallace Cumming Park in Alma at 1pm.
The scene then switches to the Drayton Fairgrounds for a 2pm start with several events throughout the day. This includes a professional horseshoe tournament, featuring many of the best pitchers in Ontario as well as the U.S. Dan Gallina of Drayton is organizing this event and it is generously sponsored by Peter Egger, owner of the Drayton Chop House restaurant.
The Mapleton Fire Department is organizing a waterball competition so groups are invited to make up a team and register with John Hahn Jr. on Canada Day. This can be a fun sport, especially on a warm day.
The firemen are also planning to have the safety smoke house on site during the day.
An annual event is the beach volleyball tournament hosted by the Drayton Rotary Club. It is organized by Rotarian Bob Bignell and to enter a three-player team call 519-741-7595 or email bignell@veritechmfg.com.
Jeff Oosterveld is coordinating an arm wrestling tournament featuring Mapleton’s own Tyler Robinson. Those with a strong arm and wanting to join can contact Oosterveld at the event.
Maryborough Public School parent committee member Barb Driscoll is working with her team to organize carnival games, which are expected to be a big hit, especially with youths.
The MAX committee is working on an interactive Mighty Machines exhibit for youths that will be set up in the parking area at the fairgrounds.
A Geocaching event is also being organized by Curry, who will teach the fundamentals of the sport. Then a Canada Day geocaching challenge will be open to all interested. All that’s needed is a handheld GPS and a basic knowledge of how to use it.
The MAX committee will be selling advance tickets to a chicken barbecue from 5 to 7pm. Rotary will be serving hot dogs, beverages and possibly ice cream. The Drayton Kinsmen will be having a beer garden as well.
A community church service organized by the Mapleton Ministerial with music lead by the Derek and Maggie Moore family is also being planned, as well as a time of singing after the service.
Additional details on the July 1 event will be published closer to the date.
Organizations interested in participating, with proceeds going to their charity project, can call Jim Curry at 519-638-3363). Please note: the committee is avoiding duplication of events and food offerings.
