REDVERS - The Canada Day activities in Redvers had been dwindling over recent years, according to Jena Cowan, the assistant chief administrative officer, while places like Carnduff and Alida had highly successful homecomings.
Those two communities became an inspiration for the town, and after having several meetings, they planned to make this a big event.
Redvers is celebrating 120 years and the town wanted to put on an event that was going to attract people of all ages and locations.
They wanted the homecoming to include a Canada Day celebration and since this year July 1 fell on a Monday, it was a perfect time for the events they had planned, as it could be extended over a long weekend.
This will be the first of many homecomings to be planned for the future. Included in the organizing was the Town of Redvers, the Redvers Public Library, the Redvers Lions Club, Redvers Tourism, the Redvers Golf and Country Club, Redvers Recreation Centre Board, the Redvers Arts Council and many volunteers.
From June 29-July 1, Redvers held their first homecoming, and it was a tremendous success, with events happening every day.
Cowan said they were pleasantly surprised to hear that the weekend was also being used for reunions, and the campgrounds were fully booked.
June 29 was a set-up day, in which committees set up tables for the trade show and ensured all organizations that were involved were ready.
A slo-pitch tournament began on June 28 with 14 teams entered and was held during the day June 29 and 30, with both the ball diamonds' and pool's concession booths open for snacks. There was also a beer garden and food trucks.
The trade show held at the Redvers Curling Rink had 30-plus vendors and there was something for everyone to check out.
On June 29, a motorcycle and vehicle show and shine took place. Many polished up their vehicles to be displayed for all to see, and they gave the organizers some great pointers for next year’s show. More than 60 entries were received.
Ron Rabe won Best in Show for vehicles with his 1969 Z/28 Camero car, while Nicole Dube took Best in Show for motorcycles with her 2000 Harley Davidson Heritage Classic.
There were plenty of activities for the kids with colouring, bouncy castles, toonie swimming, sand and water stations, face painting and a tractor derby, which took a little longer than anticipated. They handed out prizes to the winners and hope to streamline the derby next year.
Also downtown was an art show and sale. Visitors could sit and rest, enjoy a beverage and view the many pieces of art, then hop on the Town of Redvers transit van for a tour of the town. This was available on both days.
Surround Sound Music played all day at the baseball tournament and into the cabaret on June 29. This was also the night that the Redvers Volunteer Fire Department lit up the sky with a spectacular fireworks display.
On June 30, a catered meal by Rising Phoenix took place with 130 tickets sold, and after a "horse race", the band Quinton Blair took to the stage and sang well into the night. A total of 260 guests enjoyed this.
The horse race consisted of eight people dressed up in inflatable horses and having to maneuver a course; this proved to be quite entertaining, with 300 people cheering them on. Matthew Magotiaux was the champion.
A ranch rodeo was also part of the events on June 30 and July 1, drawing a full house on both days. It also gave people the opportunity to see the daring rides by the Truco Trick Riders, who performed three times during the weekend. This group of five riders had the crowd cheering with their acrobatic moves on top of their horses.
On June 30, breakfast was served by the Knights of Columbus before a parade, and it was also the official presentation of the new Hometown History highway signs, recognizing Christian Sutter, Jim Lewthwaite, and Howard Wright for their dedication to the community. Family members of each were present to say a few words at the gathering.
These signs were donated by Bill and Jan Murray, and once a permanent location is found, Bedec’s Ready Mix is donating a portion of the cement for pilings.
The parade's starting point needed to be moved due to the considerable number of entries.
The street was lined with spectators as the RCMP escorted the Studio A dancers, led by instructor and owner Amber Sylvestre, down the street, followed by 70 floats, with participates honking their horns and throwing candies to the kids.
Organizers are incredibly pleased with the way the weekend went and the number of people who came out and supported the activities. The Town of Redvers is incredibly thankful for all the sponsorships they received, and the volunteers were amazing. So many of the residents also stepped up to help.
Next year's dates have been set for June 27 – 29, and they are excited to see what it will bring.
