Creemore’s Centennial was a four-day celebration
When I began researching through June and July 1967 Creemore Stars to find out about Canada’s centennial celebration here in Creemore I was astonished to find nothing. What was wrong with my memory? I distinctly remember watching the Centennial parade and enjoying the fireworks at dusk in the field where the arena is now situated. Finally by looking some more I found that Creemore’s Centennial celebration was held over four days on the Civic holiday weekend in 1967.
Our village outdid itself in staging many events. Friday’s events included a minor baseball tournament at the park, the ladies’ softball team played against Utopia and in the evening a dance was held for teenagers on the new concrete floor at the arena. That was the one on Elizabeth Street. A Centennial Queen was chosen at the dance. Helen Wilson was our Queen and Diane Mercier was the runner-up.
Saturday’s parade was large taking more than an hour to pass, typical of Creemore parades. Special mention was made in the newspaper report of the replica of the Hamilton Brothers’ old mill established in 1874, Glen Huron. Several bands and a group of majorettes spiced up the parade. While the parade was going by I remember enjoying the originality and wit that went into many local entries.
Late Saturday afternoon a chicken barbecue was set up at the rear of the arena. My sons, Frank and Alex, and I joined the very long lineup to get our barbecued chicken. Imagine our disappointment when we were within six or seven feet of the food only to be told that there was no more chicken. We went home and I made sandwiches.
We did return to town to watch a stage show at the arena and how much nicer it was to have our feet on the concrete floor instead of in the sand which was there previously. The stage show included a Scottish entertainer, a comedian, and music by local people. The long anticipated winners of the beard growing contest were announced: Harvey Pettigrew, Bob Stephenson, Carman Gowan, Ben Hewitt and Barry Crawford. Harvey’s comment on hearing of his win was that it was too bad the hair wouldn’t grow as lushly on his bald head as it did on his chin.
Other Saturday events were more softball games and the official opening of the village’s new library in the building now known as the Bank Café. The library was previously in two small rooms above the Town Hall across the street.
Sunday saw people attending church services. A great many people with Creemore ties swelled the attendance at the churches. The Legion held a Drumhead service. In the early evening Bob Walker, who farmed on the Fourth Line South, conducted a demonstration of sheepdog work on what is now the Nottawasaga Creemore school playground.
When dusk came a torchlight parade was held down Ten Hill and an extravagant display of fireworks lit up the western sky. It was an evening to remember.
Monday’s only event was a senior baseball tournament. While just one event may not seem much after three busy days don’t forget that Creemore has always been a big baseball town. The tournament was a fitting last event for a busy little place that knows how to celebrate.
Helen Blackburn is a retired teacher, avid gardener and a long-time contributor to The Creemore Echo. She writes about local history.
