Celebrate Canada in Elk Point: The Right Place to Be

Elk Point is known throughout the Lakeland for its Canada Day celebrations, and this year promises to be another spectacular event, says Recreation Coordinator, Jena Colbourne. “We’ve added a few new features, and have been working hard on perfecting crowd favourite events.”

Some new features to this year’s celebrations, “we’re having everything at the Canada Day stage area, in and around the arena.” The popular Canada Day Idol singing competition had formerly been moved to another location; however this year the best singers in the Lakeland will be performing at the outdoor stage. “We’re also very proud to announce Olivia Rose is playing two shows. Thanks to our sponsors, B&R Eckel’s Transport, Tags Food & Gas, Elk Point Lions Club, Shamrock Valley Enterprises and Bumper to Bumper, we are able to bring Olivia home.” The talented singer hails from Elk Point but moved to Edmonton a few years ago to pursue a singing career. She opened for Brett Kissel last weekend in St. Paul.

“We looking for more contestants for Canada Day Idol, you can visit us on Facebook for more information on how to sign up. What’s really cool about this competition is that you win cash and recording time at Phunkin Groove Recording Studios,” the event is sponsored by Lakeland Connect Media Inc., as well as Lakeland Realty and Knotty Boyz Embroidery & Gifts.

“Our stage show is going to be fantastic, we have the Opening Ceremonies at 12:00 pm with MLA Dave Hanson addressing the crowd. Kehewin Dancers starting this off at 1:00 pm.” The Kehewin Dancers are world-renowned and feature The Gathering of Nations Head Young Lady Dancer, Jayda Gadwa. “We have performances from local artists and dancers; as well as a dog agility demonstration during the afternoon,” Colbourne says it’s a full day of fun for the whole family. “There’s bouncy houses, teen games, a dunk tank, and new this year, a Vendor’s Showcase at the arena from 12-5 pm.” Colbourne says the day wouldn’t be possible without sponsors, the Community Lions, Canadian Natural, Hahn Welding, Dr. Ayebami Oyebode, and The Lions Club.

Other attractions include the Pancake Breakfast at the Library from 8:00-10:00 am, followed by free ice cream at Lakeland Realty. The parade starts at 11:00 am, “anyone is welcome to join the parade,” Colbourne says there isn’t a theme for this year’s parade, “just Canada. So make sure there’s some red and white and national pride!” There’ll be food vendors at in and north of the arena, as well as a community favourite perogy dinner, thanks to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, at the Seniors’ Centre from 11:30 am -1:00 pm.

The Chili Cook-off judging is at 4:30 pm, thanks to Signatures Collision & Frame, EyeTech, Rona, and the Elk Point Chamber of Commerce.  Public eating at 5:00 pm. “The Beer Gardens will be open throughout the day, thanks to the ROCK Foundation and our sponsors K&N Liquor Store, Hometown Grocers, and Proudlove Mechanical. The ROCK Foundation is trying to raise money for an outdoor fitness centre, so make sure you grab an adult bevie (if you’re over 18 years old).”

There’s really no reason to go anywhere else, “Elk Point is the Right Place to Be,” states Colbourne. “We have an amazing fireworks show in the works for dusk thanks to the County of St. Paul and the Town of Elk Point.”

For a full list of events visit elkpoint.ca