INNISFAIL - From seeking information to engaging friends and neighbours, the annual Fall Registration & Information Night has morphed into a special evening for the community.
“Events like Registration Night help foster the community-building that we experienced in an event like Canada 150, the farmers market, Eagles games and the like,” said event coordinator Kane Williams, who is the town's recreation and programs coordinator. “Not only do you get to see your neighbour and speak with them, but you get to hear about what they are passionate about and find out if you share that passion.
“Especially when new people and families are coming into town on a regular basis, events like this help them feel like they are part of the community and belong.”
The 2017 event was held during the evening of Sept. 5 at the Arena with members of town council just outside the front doors, barbecuing hamburgers for the expected rush of citizens. Just mere minutes after doors opened at 6 p.m. the venue was packed. The community was engaged; citizens chatting with each other and sharing news, and of course checking out the 70 vendor tables offering local programs and services.
“I can't tell you if it is a record, but I am absolutely pleased to see this much variety out there this year,” said Kane, noting just about everything was available for the community, from non-profit social service programs, to sports, recreation and culture activities. Toddlers were especially thrilled with the bunnies brought to the event by the Innisfail Nails, Needles, and Noses 4-H Club.
“4-H for me has always been community-based. It is all about what I can do, what I can get involved in,” said 15-year-old club member Katherine Gabert, a Grade 11 Innisfail High School student. “With the rabbits it gets everyone out here involved and interested in our club, and once they see the rabbits they get interested in all our other projects, and gets them all in.”
Linda Toews, coordinator for the Cottonwood Cougars Junior Forest Wardens, said the evening was an excellent way to recruit new members for her branch, formed six years ago by the organization that began in 1930.
“There are a lot of people interested in outdoor activities, and junior forest wardens is a family-orientated activity and it's all to do with the outdoors,” she said, adding her group, which now has about nine families, is based at Cottonwood-Gordon Hall, located about 23 kilometres west of Innisfail. “It is a great facility and we can do a lot of the outdoor activities there, so we are not restricted as we might be if we were actually in town.”
And while just about everyone left the event satisfied with finding the right activity and program for their family, they came home with bigger than usual smiles from the new and special community connections that were made.
“Every year this is an event that is well attended,” said Ray Bergeron, president of the Innisfail Hurricanes Water Polo Club. “There are other ways you can register, like online, but the vast majority of people do like to come down here, not only for the registration but for the social aspect of it.”
Kane Williams, event coordinator
"Not only do you get to see your neighbour and speak with them, but you get to hear about what they are passionate about and find out if you share that passion."
