ASSINIBOIA - Canada Day celebrations this year in Assiniboia were an absolute perfect storm scenario — without the storm. The weather man co-operated fully with abundant sunshine, almost zero wind, and perfect temperatures.
After more than two years of global pandemic, everyone who attended was more than eager to mingle — and mingle, they did. Residents from all over southern Saskatchewan descended on Assiniboia with family fun, relaxation and celebration in mind.
This year, the Town of Assiniboia workers and office staff went far above and beyond the call of duty, pulling out all stops to make the day a complete success.
The day’s celebrations and activities got underway at 9 a.m. with a tasty pancake/sausage breakfast sponsored by the Southland Co-op Association. Lineups for breakfast, at times nearly a block long, continued until well after the parade was over. The parade began at 11 a.m. Children, along with their moms and dads, grandpas and grandmas, friends and neighbours, all gathered to watch and enjoy an exciting, well-planned and colourful event.
After the parade, everyone dispersed to Centennial Park and the Civic Centre where car buffs and collectors proudly displayed their vehicles and wares for all to enjoy. Bouncy castles, large and small, a petting zoo and reptile display, a dunk tank, hula hoops and face-painting were all made available for the delighted youngsters. The Johner Brothers, a well-known Sask. country band, performed for dancers and listeners of all ages. Food vendors were on site all day to feed the hungry hordes and happy crowd, which, according to Stephanie VanDeSype, recreation and community wellness manager for the Town of Assiniboia, amounted to several thousand people.
The end to a perfect Canada Day was a spectacular fireworks display at the fair grounds when darkness finally fell.
