LAC BELLEVUE — Fifty years of camping, community gatherings, volunteerism and support for veterans were celebrated this summer as the Lac Bellevue Legion Campground marked its golden anniversary.

Veterans, Royal Canadian Legion members, community leaders, volunteers and families gathered at the campground to recognize a history stretching back five decades and the generations of people who have helped keep it going.

For the Legion community, Lac Bellevue has served as more than a summer destination. The campground has provided a gathering place for veterans and their families, community events and fellowship, while maintaining a connection to the traditions of service and remembrance.

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr attended the anniversary celebration both as the region’s MLA and Alberta’s Military Liaison.

“Places like Lac Bellevue help keep that tradition of service, fellowship and community connection strong from one generation to the next,” Cyr said.

Cyr is also a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #211 in Cold Lake.

Five decades of memories

The anniversary brought together representatives from several branches of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Among those participating were Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 39 President Terry Kuzyk, Branch #11 President Darlene Carrier, District 3 Commander Bruce Marriot and Captain Brandon Philps of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

A significant part of the celebration was also dedicated to the people who have preserved the campground’s history.

Cyr recognized Memory Committee members Sheryl Jamison and Natalie Ewanchuk for their work collecting and maintaining the stories and memories connected to Lac Bellevue.

Looking back over the campground’s first 50 years also highlighted just how much of its history has been built by volunteers.

From maintaining the grounds to organizing events and keeping the campground operating, Cyr said generations of volunteers have played a central role in sustaining the site.

“That same spirit of volunteerism has helped sustain Lac Bellevue Legion Campground for 50 years and will be important to its continued success for generations to come,” he said.

New gazebo unveiled during anniversary

The celebration wasn’t only about looking back.

A new gazebo was officially recognized with a ribbon cutting involving Cyr and Lac Bellevue Lead Coordinator Karen Roberts.

According to Cyr, provincial grant funding secured with assistance from Minister Tanya Fir helped make the gazebo project possible.

The new addition gives the campground another gathering space and served as a fitting piece of the 50th anniversary celebration: recognizing the campground’s history while continuing to invest in its future.

Morgana Larsen served as MC for the anniversary, with a volunteer planning committee helping organize the milestone event.

Cyr thanked the committee, volunteers and everyone who has contributed to the campground over its five decades.

For a place built around service, remembrance and fellowship, reaching 50 years is as much a celebration of those people as it is the campground itself.

“Congratulations to everyone, past and present, who has contributed to 50 years of community, remembrance, service and fellowship at Lac Bellevue Legion Campground,” Cyr said. “This anniversary is an accomplishment worth celebrating and a legacy worth carrying forward.”