OLDS — This year, Canada Day celebrations in Olds are going ahead, despite decisions in some other parts of the country to cancel them due to the discovery of unmarked graves near residential schools in Kamloops and Saskatchewan and plans to look for unmarked graves near residential schools in Alberta.
In an email, Olds chief administrative officer Michael Merritt indicated that the town has shown its solidarity with Indigenous people and its sorrow for the discovery of those unmarked graves via a statement made by mayor Mike Muzychka and an online celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, which the town helped coordinate.
He also pointed out that council has approved a plan to become a more inclusive and welcoming community.
This year's Canada Day celebrations in the town will look a little different, despite the fact that virtually all provincial COVID-19 protocols expire by July 1.
Instead of the parade through town as well as booths, games and events that used to be set up in Centennial Park, there are a few events scheduled to be held throughout the community, according to information provided by the town.
The kick-off occurs the evening of Wednesday, June 30 when fireworks will be set off from the Rotary Athletic Park beginning at about 11 p.m.
Then on Thursday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hot dogs will be provided via a drive-thru set up at the Big Rack Cow Palace Event Centre. Timed tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Merritt noted that members of the Mountain View Moccasin House Society will be on hand to provide information about their society and provide information on Indigenous teachings as well as truth and reconciliation.
On Saturday, July 3, drive-in movies are scheduled to be shown at 5223, 54th St. — the soccer field south of the Megadome, across from 53rd Avenue. Show times listed are 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets for this event are also available via Eventbrite.
“The volunteer committee worked very hard to come up with Canada Day celebration that could be celebrated if our province was under any COVID regulations or was fully open,” Heather Dixon, who looks after special events as well as Family and Community Support Services for the Town, said in an email.
“Planning events takes a lot of preparation time and this group of volunteers has done a great job of planning something our whole community can take part in.”
"The Town of Olds believes after a tough year for everyone Canada Day represents a great opportunity for us to share a moment where we come together and celebrate our promising future," Merritt wrote.
Last year’s Canada Day celebrations were held virtually. That included a concert and a “reverse parade” which featured photos of residents sent in to the Town. Photos of fireworks were also posted to the Town’s website.
Dixon said committee members are looking forward to 2022, when they can once again organize and stage the parade and events in the park.
“However, they met the challenge of planning a different type of event for our community with enthusiasm,” she wrote.
There are also Canada Day activities planned for Didsbury, Innisfail, Carstairs, Sundre and Cremona.
