Stoughton
Canada Day celebrations were held in many communities across the prairies, and this included the Town of Stoughton.
The celebration took place at Taylor Park, which is located at the west end of Stoughton. It has a small lake with a fountain in the centre. It has a walking path around the lake, which leads to a playground and sitting area, and this is where the festivities were held.
People began to gather around 4 p.m. to enjoy the live music by Caragana Ramblers, a local band from Forget.
The Town of Stoughton supplied the food and entertainment, while the Stoughton Lions Club organized and prepared the food. Burgers, hotdogs, drinks, cake and ice cream were on the menu.
When the event began there were well over 100 people of all ages, and they continued to come and enjoy the afternoon.
Clarence Hoffort, mayor of Stoughton welcomed the crowd and told everyone to sit back and enjoy the celebration. He also reminded people to come back at dark to see the fireworks, which would take place at the park as well.
Del Coderre, secretary of the Stoughton Lions Club, donated $2,000 to the Stoughton Tecumseh First Responders. Zandra Slater, reeve of the R.M. of Tecumseh, was on hand to accept the donation on behalf of the committee. She said that these funds will help people from babies to seniors and that it is a much-needed service in our community and area. Slater thanked the Lions for their generous donation and the community for the continuous support.
It was at this time that the Lions also held their reverse draw, with James Young of Leduc, Alberta winning the $1,000. Michelle Richardson Raynard of Stoughton would win the $200 prize and $50 went to Teague Holzer of Radville.
Stoughton Coop donated the use of their barbecue, and a fridge and freezer to keep food cooled. Ed Young supplied the trailer to haul everything in and Deric Reaney supplied the power from his home.
As the barbecue came to an end, people could remain and socialize or return later for the bright display that would happen later in the sky.
The fireworks did not disappoint the crowd, as cheers and shouts of joy could be heard throughout the park. The brilliant colors lit up the sky followed by loud bangs that made the youngsters jump.
With the fireworks finished, friends, family, and neighbour’s packed up their belongings and went home.
It was another Canada Day celebration in the books.
