The Edam community centennial was celebrated over three days June 29 to July 1, drawing estimated crowds of 1,500 to 2,000 people to a wide range of activities culminating in the official opening, on June 30, of a newly renovated community centre.
Community members, well wishers from throughout the area and those who had returned to their former home, responded to the pull of the committee's slogan - Reunite with Family and Friends. They marked the 100th year of the village and rural municipality with food, a parade, grand opening festivities at the Washbrook Museum and Heritage Village and a full slate of activities designed by the organizers to entertain and to reflect the community's rich history and culture.
Those returning to the community came from many points in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba, Alliston and Ottawa, Ont. and Yellowknife, N.W.T.
"We would like to thank all of the individuals and community groups who came together to make the weekend events such as great success," said Edam Board of Trade president Arnold Poole.
"As a community we worked together so that as community we could celebrate together."
The fun began Friday evening and continued through jam packed schedules Saturday and Sunday, Canada Day.
At 8 p.m. Saturday the community celebrated a project that will sustain it as it moves forward into the future - the "twinning" of the Edam Community Centre.
Renovations connected the existing curling and skating waiting rooms under one roof. Other improvements have enhanced energy efficiency and strengthened infrastructure. The new facility will serve as a recreation centre and as a community hall and emergency/disaster centre. As it has a generator capable of supplying full power to the entire facility, it can be used to house and feed displaced residents should there be an emergency.
The $2.4 million project was supported by vigorous local fundraising and representatives of the provincial and federal governments - Battlefords MP Gerry Ritz and Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Larry Doke - were on hand for the official opening ceremonies to be acknowledged for their contributions.
The federal government provided $500,000 and the provincial government, $600,000.
Mayor Larry McDaid expressed his pride in the community's achievement.
"We are very grateful for the federal and provincial grants, as well as the support of RM of Turtle River and particularly the countless people who volunteered time and pledged financial support."
"Congratulations to the Village of Edam on the completion of the twinning of the hockey and curling arenas," said Ritz. "Our government is proud of this investment which has created jobs and growth locally, while improving the quality of life for the citizens of Edam and the surrounding area."
For many more photos from the weekend's events visit our photo galleries under the community tab.
