Weyburn celebrated many milestones over the past year. Here is a look back at 2010.
Several dignitaries were in Weyburn on September 10 to view the unveiling of the life-size Tommy Douglas statue, including Douglas? grandson and famous Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, federal NDP leader Jack Layton, Saskatchewan NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter, Souris-Moose Mountain MP Ed Komarnicki, Mayor Debra Button and the artist that made it all possible, Lea Vivot.
A large crowd gathered at the Riverfront Boardwalk to witness the historic moment.
"I've waited a long time to hold my grandpa's hand again," remarked Sutherland after stepping onto the statue?s base and grabbing its outstretched hand.
After the unveiling, a ceremony was held at the Royal Canadian Legion, where Sutherland spoke to the large crowd. He said he wanted the people of Weyburn to know about the impact they had on his grandfather. He explained that the struggles of Medicare, creating infrastructure and schools, balancing the budget and everything that was occurring during Douglas' time as premier was no light task and it took a community like Weyburn to support him.
This memorable day in Weyburn began five years ago when Vivot decided to commemorate Canada?s "Father of Medicare" and contacted the city of Weyburn where Douglas began his political career and ministered at the Calvary Baptist Church for several years. After Ross McMurtry and Isabelle Butters spear-headed a campaign to raise $30,000 to cover the cost of materials, Vivot waived her professional fee and got to work. The bronze statue was in the works for over two years by Czech-born artist Vivot, who said her work was "a labour of love."
Vivot is currently working on another Douglas statue for his birthplace, Falkirk, Scotland.
Local sisters-in-law Rochelle and Nicole Wendt spearheaded an initiative called Weyburn Rider Nation in 2010. Their goal was to win the "Where is Riderville?" contest launched by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in honour of their centennial year.
The women took on the initiative to support the community, particularly minor football, as the winning community received $25,000 for minor sports and a full-day football and cheerleading camp.
After hosting the Weyburn Rider Round-up, an event that was attended by 2,000 local Rider fans, the Weyburn Rider Nation committee had enough photos and video footage to submit for the Rider contest.
Weyburn made top-five amongst the submissions, along with Avonlea, Nipawin, Unity, and Yorkton.
Despite hosting another successful event, the Epic Rider Party, a song-writing contest, having "Rider Pride Day" proclaimed in Weyburn and declaring Main Street "Riderville Road," Weyburn lost the "Riderville" honour to Avonlea.
Souris School celebrated their 100th year in 2010, making it the oldest school still in operation in Weyburn.
The school celebrated with several events in May, including a supper for students, teachers, and their families, school tours, heritage displays, a community luncheon and birthday bash.
Weyburn's Graham DeLaet posted his best finish to date in 2010, earning him a whopping paycheck. The finish earned him $336,400, his best payout as a professional. DeLaet is currently 100th on the PGA Tour's money list with $954,011 in earnings.
DeLaet will return to his hometown in 2011 to participate in a charity golf tournament for the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation. All proceeds from the tournament will go to the building fund towards the future construction of a new Weyburn General Hospital.
"I?m a Weyburn guy through and through," said DeLaet via teleconference during the big announcement on August 10. "Even though I don?t live in Weyburn anymore it still will always be my home so it?s nice to be a part of this."
The Hospital Foundation received a substantial donation in 2010. A $100,000 donation was made by Helen Davidson on behalf of the Bill and Helen Davidson Foundation in June.
Another young Weyburn-native achieved a unique distinction in 2010. Musician Michael Froh?s album "Herbal Remedies" placed on the top 20 list of overall downloaded albums on the iTunes website.
The new album received an even higher rating on the site for the most downloaded electronic music, since he released it to iTunes in April.
"The first two days it debuted at number one on the electronic charts for two days straight," said Froh. "I couldn?t believe it. I wasn?t expecting to reach the top."
Other major achievements in the community included the 10th anniversary of Relay For Life, the formation of a Roller Derby team, and Weyburn?s first Walk to End Duchenne?s.
Although there were many events worth noting, these were the major points of interest for Weyburn in 2010.
