By Dan Walton
Pioneer Staff
The biggest annual celebration in Canal Flats will be even more memorable this year, as the 2013 Canal Days will be marking the centennial anniversary of the village.
Warming up to the main event will be a talent show to kick things off at the community centre at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30th. Event co-ordinator Lee-Ann Leachman said mostly kids dominate the contest, and reminded that a talent show doesnt have to be just for singers.
On Saturday, June 1st, the main attractions come to life. Beginning the day will be a pancake breakfast, organized by seniors, at the Civic Centre from 8 a.m. until 10 a .m. while floats start lining the streets for the grand celebration.
At 11 a. m., the floats hit the streets as the parade gets underway. Those participating in the parade have been asked to go with a nostalgic theme to commemorate the villages centennial.
I challenged everyone in town to go back in time, Ms. Leachman said. The newly formed youth group in Canal Flats will be showcasing a float with one half themed 1913, and the other half 2013.
Once the parade concludes around noon, Canal Days shifts into full gear.
For the first time, there will be a pie-throwing contest for which Canal Flats mayor Ute Juras and other members of council have pledged their faces as targets.
The winner of the annual Good Samaritan Award will be also announced during the presentation of a permanent sign commemorating the centennial.
During the evening on Saturday, an adult dance will take place at the community hall beginning at 9 p.m. Canal Days winds down on Sunday, June 2nd with a duct tape boat race at the beach that marks one of the final events.
Its a lot of fun and its part of our valleys history, Mayor Ute Juras told The Pioneer. Im excited to have as many people show up as possible to make them feel welcome.
