Close to 200 people gathered on Main Street in Hafford to participate in a brief flag-raising ceremony at 11 a.m. July 1.
As committee chair Russ MacNutt welcomed residents and visitors, he thanked participating sponsors of the event as well as the centennial committee for making the centennial monument flagpole available for the flag-raising.
Vocalist April LaFreniere led the cheerful crowd in singing O Canada.
It was the first time in over two decades that the annual event has been celebrated in the town centre. Previously it had been held as part of an annual sports day at the old sports ground north of the residential area.
Downtown business owner Donna Thompson commented that a tradition was started in Hafford this Canada Day, being able to use the centennial monument for the ceremony.
"It was a great way to raise the Canada Flag and sing our national anthem in honour of the 147th birthday of our country. We are all proud to have been a part of making this legacy come to life, in a location which is central to where our residents live and gather."
As a special touch, for a penny a year ($1.47), hamburgers, souvlaki, pop and coffee were available so people could visit together in Millennium Park nearby.
Long-serving community volunteer Margaret Lommer cut and served the birthday cake. As one bystander commented, "I am sure Mrs. Lommer has volunteered for every one of her 92 years!"
Hafford can be a busy place. Beginning July 11-13, the town hosts the annual Polka Fest, drawing over 100 dancers (often with their motor homes, trailers and campers) from across the prairie provinces for three days of music and dance. A month later - Aug. 16 - Hafford Summer Sizzle will feature its annual day-long summer festival of entertainment and an artisan street fair, winding up with a street dance and fireworks.
