Four decades of service to the Icelandic community, as well as all cultures in and around Markerville, will be celebrated April 12 at the Spruce View Community Hall with a gala event to mark this year's 40th anniversary of the Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society.
The actual date of the society's 40th anniversary was Feb. 6, the same day as its annual general meeting, but on April 12 up to 200 members of the community will enthusiastically gather in Spruce View for a grand public celebration.
The society's roots go back to 1974 when a small group of Markerville men gathered to ensure the community's culture was not forsaken by time.
The newly formed group immediately began the restoration of one of the Markerville area's most treasured landmarks, the homestead of Stephan G. Stephansson, considered by Icelandic literary scholars as one of history's most important poets of North America.
The project took several years to complete and the homestead was proclaimed a provincial historic site on Aug. 7, 1982.
With that project completed, the society then turned its attention to the neglected Markerville Creamery, which was restored to its 1932 appearance and reopened in 1986.
Next up was the Fensala Hall, built in 1903, and restored in 2006. Attention was then given to the Markerville Lutheran Church, first constructed in 1907, and restored to its deserved full glory in 2009.
While the society today has moved on with a sense of pride for its accomplishments, leaving the Stephansson homestead's management and operations for the provincial government to maintain, it continues onward with a mission to promote and interpret Markerville history and community fellowship.
This weekend's celebration is considered an important milestone for the society and the community at large.
“It is a very important event, absolutely. We have come a long way in 40 years,” said Brooke Henrikson, operations manager for the society as well as for Historic Markerville.
“It is an amazing society that has restored and rebuilt history throughout the community and they keep going.”
The 40th anniversary celebration this Saturday will begin at 5 p.m. with Icelandic appetizers made by Vonin, a community-oriented ladies aid group established in 1903 that has partnered with the society.
“At one time they were all Icelandic ladies but they have now reached out to include others,' said Henrikson, noting Vonin means hope in Icelandic.
She said a semi-formal dinner will follow. The evening will also feature a live and silent auction, followed by entertainment by the Doll Sisters.
Tickets for the anniversary gala are $50 per person. Henrikson said last week 120 tickets have been sold for the event with another 80 still available.
For further information on the society's 40th anniversary April 12 celebration in Spruce View call 403-728-3006.
