The committee in charge of the local Canada Day Celebration has finalized the program for July 1.
“Our goal was to co-ordinate a day of activities that would have something for every age and I believe that we are in a position to meet this goal,” said chairman Jim Curry.
“All that we need is some support from the weather department.”
The Moorefield Optimists begin the day with a breakfast at the Moorefield Community Centre from 7 to 11am. Optimist Wilf Stroetinga is heading that event.
Alma Optimist Dave Geddes and his team host the motor-less parade at the Wallace Cumming Park in Alma at 1pm.
Participants are encouraged to assemble at the community hall before 1pm, with their mode of transportation, whether it be a bike, wheelbarrow or bed – the funnier the better. Refreshments will be served following the parade.
The Drayton Fairgrounds events follow at 2pm.
Dan Gallina has invited some of the best horseshoe pitchers in Canada to a professional horseshoe tournament, supported by the Drayton Chop House.
The Mapleton Fire Department is organizing a waterball competition. Teams are asked to register with John Hahn Jr. at 519-343-5066.
Firefighters will have the safety smoke house on site.
The annual beach volleyball tournament, hosted by Drayton Rotary Club, is looking for three-player teams. To register call Bob Bignell at 519-638-2736 or email bignell@veritechmfg.com.
Jeff Oosterveld is co-ordinating an Arm Wrestling tournament including youths and adults. Moorefield’s own Tyler Robinson, one of the best arm wrestlers in the province, will provide some instruction. To register, call Oosterveld at 519-638-0217.
Maryborough Public School parent committee member Barb Driscoll is working with her team to host Youth Carnival Games including Plinko, a duck pond, baseball milk can toss, and several others. The cost for the games is $10 for 10 tickets.
The Figure Skating Club is providing a toonie face painting opportunity to celebrate the day.
The MAX committee has organized an antique and custom car and truck show. The admission is by donation, and anyone interested in participating should call Ron Ellis (day) 519-291-3791; (evenings) 519-638-3056.
A geocaching challenge has been organized by Curry, with instruction on the fundamentals of the sport. Participants require a handheld GPS unit and a basic knowledge of how to use it. Meet at the Rotary booth at 3pm.
The MAX committee will host a chicken barbecue at the agricultural building from 5 to 7pm. Advanced tickets are required. A half chicken dinner is $15; a quarter chicken dinner is $10. Tickets are available at Bloomingdale’s, the Wellington Street Cafe and from MAX committee members.
A community church service will be held at 7pm at the pavilion in Centennial Park, organized by the Mapleton Ministerial. The Derek and Maggie Moore family will lead music during the service and host a musical interlude after the service.
Canada Day will culminate with the fire department’s fireworks display, a family favorite.
Throughout the day the Drayton Rotary Club will be serving hot dogs, beverages and ice cream. The Drayton Kinsmen will run a beer garden.
Proceeds from all events will support local programs.
Organizers encourage people to park in municipal lots, the Drayton CRC parking lot, and Nieuwland Feed Mill (during the church service).
The event committee needs volunteers as parking attendants and to shuttle between parking sites. To help contact Jim Curry at 519-638-3363.
For more information visit www.mapleton.ca.
