It was “a great band of volunteers” that helped create a wonderful Canada Day celebration for an estimated 1,500 people at the Kamsack Sportsground.
“We’re looking for ideas for next year when Canada will be celebrating its 150th anniversary,” said Kev Sumner, Kamsack’s recreation director who co-ordinated much of the Canada Day activities.
Canada Day began with a pancake breakfast served by parents of the Sadok Ukrainian Dance Club.
“They said they were very happy with the results,” Sumner said.
A four team slo-pitch tournament, with teams from Melville, Preeceville and Swan River coming to play with the Kamsack Royals, began later in the morning. The Kamsack air cadets’ parents operated the concession booth, while members of the Royals operated the refreshment booth at the beer garden.
“We did very well,” said Karen Bodnaryk, referring to the concession which sold 600 hamburgers during the day. Helping the cadet parents were several members of the community who pitched in when the group looked as though they were becoming overwhelmed.
One of the barbecue units caught fire, so a second one was obtained, she said, adding that the support from the community was “awesome.”
Money raised from the concession goes into the squadron’s general revenue which helps pay for various cadet trips including the one being planned to Europe next year.
Trevor Kerr of Stockholm, in addition to operating the sound booth at the beer garden, brought along two large inflatable structures for the children, Sumner said, adding that he thanks the swimming pool staff who worked that morning offering free time in the pool.
Lloyd Smith of Pelly did a fantastic job offering horse-drawn wagon rides around the sportsgrounds, he said. “He offered a nice, relaxing time for kids and adults alike.”
At 1 p.m. Mayor Rod Gardner and councillors Joe Kozakewich, Nancy Brunt and Rick Aikman raised the Canadian flag while the national anthem was sung. Council members cut and distributed pieces of three large Canada Day cakes, while members of the Kamsack Community Choir sang several selections which were reprised from their concert.
Later in the afternoon Kamsack’s Polka Pals were on stage as were Susan Day and her parents at an open mic. At 6 p.m. Megan Nash began her two-hour concert of country/rock music.
“Megan said she enjoyed the intimacy and rustic country feel of the venue and the community,” Sumner said.
Funds from Heritage Canada, the Town of Kamsack and Parkland Valley Sport, Culture and Recreation District provided Sumner with a budget of $10,000 to hold the event, half of which was spent on fireworks.
Members of the Kamsack Volunteer Fire Department did a great job with the popular fireworks display, he said, adding that hundreds of people were at the sportsground and in their vehicles watching the half-hour fireworks display.
Over $1,500 was won by Cara Shabatoski in the 50/50 lottery that was conducted by representatives of KamKids Daycare, he said.
Members of Kamsack’s public works department did a fantastic job getting the sportsground, including the ball diamonds and the beer garden and concession stands, in great shape for the event, he said.
Sumner said he is eager to speak with residents with ideas for next year’s Canada Day celebration.
“For example, should we continue with the main entertainer going on stage at 6 p.m., or should that concert have been held earlier, or later?” he said, urging people with ideas to contact him at the recreation office.
re represented when looking at the information service needs of all programs and services in the health region.
The Client Safety and Critical Incident Report was received. The top five areas of client safety concern are, in order: falls, medication, client care management events, and assault/altercation.
From October 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 there were 281 fewer incidents than the previous six months, the summary said. Critical incidents include situations with the potential for preventable harm or where actual death or injury occurred that could have been prevented. All critical incidents are thoroughly investigated and recommendations from each investigation are implemented to prevent the potential for future harm.
The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for September 28.
