Legion gearing up for Canada 150
Legion volunteers are hoping for a bigger-and-better-than-ever Canada Day celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of confederation.
Creemore is already known for its Canada Day fireworks display and this year, the goal is to go bigger. A fundraising campaign is underway and all proceeds will go to enhancing the Canada Day event. The Legion lost some of its funding this year so it is looking to the community to make up the shortfall. Volunteers are distributing donation jars to businesses throughout Creemore and an online account has been set up to accept funds.
They are asking everyone to decorate their homes and businesses for the occasion.
“In 1967, the centennial was a huge deal,” said Legion member Norm Nordstrom, “So far it doesn’t feel like much is happening.”
Canada Day organizers are hoping to build some excitement.
The local festivities start with brunch at the Legion and continue with a three-on-three ball hockey tournament, and a barbecue lunch.
Through a community effort, events are being added to this year’s celebration. A parade is being organized to follow the annual Harold Crawford Memorial Bike Parade at 1 p.m. In the afternoon, there will be “Olde Thyme Games” (races, scavenger hunt, water balloon toss, lawn bowling and the always popular dunk tank, to name a few). Organizations are invited to get involved. The Scouts and Cybergnomes have already signed on to show off their talents.
As with any good birthday party, there will be cake and live music, with the firefighters grilling in the evening.
At 8 p.m., the singing of the National Anthem will be sung before the presentation of the Man and Lady of the Year awards.
Steve Baker will perform a magic show at 8:30 p.m., before the fireworks at dusk.
Of course this all costs money so in addition to passing the boot at the fireworks display, volunteers are asking people to contribute in advance by donating to the collection jars or sending a cheque to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 397, 27 Wellington St W, Creemore, ON, L0M 1G0. Cheques can also be dropped off at The Creemore Echo.
People are also welcome to donate online at www.gofundme.com/150th-anniversary-of-confederation.
Anyone interested in getting involved in any way is asked to call Nordstrom at 705-466-6748 or Jim Richards at 705-466-2835. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help run the children’s games.
