Volunteers needed for Canada Day
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, June 7, 2016
By Eoin Devereux
Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press
Organizers of Neepawa’s Canada Day celebrations are hoping a few more people will come forward to ensure that this year’s event is one to remember. On Wednesday, June 1, the town’s Leisure Services manager Amanda Novak, along with representatives from several different community groups, met to go over the preliminary details for the day, which is set for July 1 at Riverbend Park.
As part of the deliberations, the need for more volunteers was discussed. Novak said that about a dozen additional people are needed, specifically to assist with security.
“For the volunteer security, no prior training is required. It’s really needed just to ensure people do not wander into the wrong areas of the park when the fireworks are being operated,” said Novak. “As well, a few volunteers for some of the children’s events would be very helpful. Overall, about a dozen people are required to fill those positions and help to ensure it’s a great day.”
As for the festivities being organized for the day, a pancake breakfast has been planned for near the school house in Riverbend Park. TNR Cat Rescue is overseeing the breakfast, which will also feature a classic car show organized by the Yellowhead Roadrunners Auto Club, a display of antique tractors and a stage for open mic entertainment. The breakfast is currently scheduled from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
Other activities being explored include a possible 5-km or 10-km run by the Neepawa and Area Off-Leash Dog Park Association and a concert stage with the musical group Prairie Outlaws doing the evening’s entertainment. A slide, the Little Valley Jamboree’s children’s train ride, a bouncy castle and petting zoo are also being planned for families. Fence panels are needed to ensure plans for a petting zoo can go ahead. Permits are required for some of the other planned activities and are being looked into. The Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op has also donated the use of its mobile BBQ trailer.
To date, about $10,700 has been raised to pay for the staging of the fireworks and adjoining activities. Included in that is $7,200 from the Town of Neepawa, a $2,000 donation from Canadian Heritage and just over $1,500 brought in from the combination of collection jars placed across Neepawa and donations from a few local businesses. The collection jars are located at the Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op, Tim Hortons, Fas Gas, Red Apple, Dairy Queen, Home Hardware, Shop Easy and Harris Pharmacy. Individuals can also go to the town office and drop off a cheque to aid with the festivities, which can be tax deductible.
Any individuals who are interested in volunteering their time are asked to contact Novak at 204-476-7614.
