Neepawa Canada Day deemed a success

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Published on Thursday, July 7, 2016

Photo by Eoin Devereux. The lawn games at the kids’ carnival in the afternoon were a popular attraction.

By Kira Paterson

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

After what many felt was a less-than-exciting Canada Day in Neepawa last year, the town had a very successful day of activities on July 1, 2016. “We had a really great Canada Day,” said Neepawa Leisure Services manager Amanda Novak, adding that she’s heard no complaints so far and many compliments on the day’s festivities. She estimated that there were about 1,000 people in total that came down to Riverbend Park for the celebrations throughout the day.

“I’m very pleased with the participation of the community and the people that came out of the woodwork to volunteer,” she said. Novak estimated that there were between 75 and 100 volunteers out in total, including security and activity organizers. There were a lot more volunteers than the town has had in past years and some community organizations took on the bigger events. 

“TNR Cats Rescue did an excellent job [with the pancake breakfast]. All the pancake mix was donated by Farmery and the pork was donated by Trail Meats,” Novak said. She estimated that there were about 150 to 200 people at the breakfast and they ran right out of food.

“The [kids’] carnival that went on from 1 to 5 was a huge hit,” she added. The carnival activities, organized by Leslie Dyke and the United Church pastoral, offered a range of activities, including face paint, an animal farm, lawn games, a bouncy castle and a duck race.

Novak continued, “The train from the Polonia [Little Valley] Jamboree was a huge success... the band [the Prairie Outlaws] was well received by everyone.” 

The fireworks display was also enjoyed by many, despite having a tighter budget than usual due to inflation. “Even though it was 26 per cent [less than previous years], we heard people say they thought it was the best [fireworks show] ever,” Novak noted.

With next year being Canada’s 150th birthday, Novak said the plans will be bigger than this year. “Everybody’s looking forward to Canada 150,” she said. “I can guarantee that Canada 150 will be even better.”