A performance by Saskatchewan Express will be among the highlights of a three-day celebration at the end of July that will mark the centennial of Arran.
Being held July 29, 30 and 31, the celebration, being staged by the village council and a committee of volunteers, begins on the Friday evening with registration, said Mayor Rick Nahnybida, who is keen to have persons planning to attend to pre-register by mid-June.
Although initially a part of the RM of Livingston, the village, which at its height had a population of about 300, was incorporated in 1916. Today about 40 residents call the community their home.
Registration should be completed by early afternoon on Saturday when a program will be held, Nahnybida said. Among persons being invited to attend are Terry Dennis, Canora-Pelly MLA, and representatives of the rural municipalities of Livingston and St. Philips.
Saskatchewan Express, which has been singing and dancing in concerts throughout Saskatchewan for nearly 35 years, will begin a concert of two 45-minute sets beginning at 2 p.m. in a tent to be set up north of the Arran gym.
A supper, catered by In Good Taste of Togo, will be served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the gym and tent. On the menu will be barbecue ribs, corn on the cob and three salads.
The meal will be followed at 9 p.m. with a dance to music by 3rd Degree Burns, a group which specializes in country and old rock tunes.
Sunday is to begin with a pancake breakfast to be served from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Nahnybida and his committee are working on organizing a “small parade” to follow.
He said Glen Sterzer of Kamsack is interested in organizing a car show for the afternoon and in the invitations being distributed by word of mouth and via social media on the Internet, people attending are being asked to bring ball gloves or instruments so that ball games and a stage jam session could be held.
Marcie Griffith and the Trick Riders of Norquay are expected to perform at about 2 p.m. and efforts are being made to attract the team penning group of Benito to demonstrate what they do with cattle from horseback.
During the weekend a couple inflatable bouncing structures will be erected for the children, and the committee has acquired special centennial caps and T-shirts that will be available.
A special centennial fireworks display at dusk will end the day.
Nahnybida encourages persons to visit the website at www.arran100thanniversary.
Registration for the weekend is set at $30 per person and the Saturday night dinner is to cost $21.
Proceeds from the event will be put towards “fixing main street,” he said.
