Chris Clegg
South Peace News
The upcoming weekend and Canada Day Tuesday, July 1 sees six major events occurring in the region. Following is a list:
Indigenous People’s Day June 27
The High Prairie Native Friendship Centre is celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day June 27.
First scheduled for June 20, organizers decided to postpone the event due to the threat of inclement weather. Events occur from 5-9 p.m. inside the centre and on the street at 51 Ave. and 49-50 St.
The street fair kicks off with an opening prayer at 5 p.m. with a barbecue from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. At the same time, diners can enjoy Metis dancing and jigging, drummers and powwow dancing. Following from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. is a hoop dancer. Sandwiched in-between events is the popular watermelon eating contest at 6 p.m. and moose call contest at 8:30 p.m.
Attendees are asked to please bring hier own lawnchairs.
Spruce Point Park Rodeo
Rodeo action returns to the Lesser Slave Lake area June 28-29 when the 7th annual Spruce Point Park Rodeo occurs.
The rodeo is free to attend courtesy of Spruce Point Park Association, Tolko Industries, Secure Waste Infrastructure and Green Leaf Fuel Inc. Action begins at 2 p.m. each day.
A parade kicks off the two-day event at 11 a.m. at Kinuso.
A family Dance June 29 with Kiveli at 9 p.m. occurs, $15 general admission with everyone under 14 years free.
Midnight Thunder reunion June 27-28
The Midnight Thunder Reunion will take place at the Sucker Creek ball diamonds June 27-28. There is no charge to attend.
The band has played since 1992. Present players include bass/lead/vocals Thomas Willier, lead guitar/vocals Harold Willier, rhythm/lead vocals Patrick Calliou, drummer Darian Badger, and rhythm/vocals Cory Cardinal. Founders of the band were Cory Cardinal, Harold Willier Garrett Courtorielle and Richard Woodman.
June 27 there will be bouncy castles, face painting, cribbage and poker tournaments and a bean bag toss. Karaoke occurs from 5-7 p.m., open mic from 7-8 p.m. and D.J. Russell Cardinal from 8-9 p.m. Midnight Thunder plays at 9 pm.
June 28, all activities continue with karaoke from 5-7 p.m. and open mic from 7-8 p.m. Midnight Thunder plays at 8 p.m. under an open stage format.
Summer Carnival at Manoir Du Lac
Manoir Du Lac is preparing to celebrate its second annual Summer Carnival fundraiser June 28.
The carnival will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with a variety of activities for the entire family. There will be a silent auction, carnival games, bouncy house, face painting, show and shine, photobooth, dunk tank, food and drinks and so much more.
There will be live music throughout the day provided by local artists and admission is free. If attendees would like to participate in carnival games, there is a charge of $3 per ticket. Ladies Auxiliary will also be holding a 50/50.
Kimiwan Lake Naturalists 35th anniversary
The Kimiwan Lake Naturalists are celebrating its 35th anniversary on July 1 and everyone is invited to visit one of McLennan’s gems in the Bird Capital of Canada.
Events begin at 11 a.m. with the singing of O Canada followed by a concert featuring Joel Lavoie. Shortly after at 11:30 a.m. a barbecue occurs at the museum followed by guided hikes along the trails. Christopher Smith will highlight the society’s 35-year history and the evolution of what it has become today.
Face painting will delight the children beginning at 1 p.m. and a scavenge hunt at the O’Mahony Conservation Area begins at 1:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the scavenge hunt.
Joussard hosting Canada Day bash
The popular bicycle parade highlights Joussard Canada Day celebrations July 1 at the Joussard Community Hall and nearby grounds.
The popular bicycle parade kicks off event at 2 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to decorate their bicycles, strollers, carts, etc. and parade around the hamlet led by the fire truck with sirens blaring.
At 3 p.m. bean bag, pickleball and cribbage tournaments all begin at the same time. Races and children’s activities also begin at 3 p.m.
DJ and karaoke by Amanda Anderson occur throughout the day. Supper is at 5 p.m. at a cost of $25 per person. After supper, a moose calling contest occurs.
Fireworks is planned at 11:15 p.m. and will occur unless a fire ban is in effect.