Canada celebrates 145 years

Canada Day saw celebrations of plenty, including a barbeque fun day in Kisbey and one in Manor.

The volunteer fire department in Kisbey held a luncheon to raise money for upgrading their equipment from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Currently using items from the 1960s, they hope to get at least 10 new kits. Each kit costs $1,700 taxes included. Having at least 10 to start with and working their way towards a few more would ensure the safety of the volunteers.

The day saw much fun at the Rec Centre as the fire trucks, both the old and new, were out for people to inspect. Youth were excited to sit in the driver's seat. Many attended the face painting table and were walking around with Canada flags, fireworks, and butterflies were on many faces.

With hamburgers, hotdogs, a variety of salads, Canada Day cupcakes, and freezies everyone enjoyed the meal. Inside also held a money tree and raffles. For $2 one had the chance to pick an envelope leaf off of a cardboard tree to win as much as $20 or as little as a penny. A raffle for a Canada flag cooler and chair were available or a pair of water guns.

Manor also had a great Canada Day planned out, which was a full day of celebrations and fun. Beginning at the museum at 8 a.m. was a pancake breakfast. Lots of people came out for the morning feast and to look through the museum. There was face painting as well as horse and buggy rides happening throughout the morning.

At 1 p.m. the party moved over to Main Street, where a whist tournament got started. A bouncer was also set up and children enjoyed playing in it until the water showdown at 4 p.m. Between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. the Manor Fire Department were selling barbequed hot dogs and hamburgers. They also had raffle tickets to sell on a Roughrider print.

After a few threats were thrown between the firefighters and a few children throughout the day the big water showdown began. The fire truck was out and despite the youth's threat they were on the losing side of the battle, but they gave the water fight a valiant effort. Going up against the firemen and their hoses proved a difficult battle, but laughter could be heard from afar.

There were many other celebrations had around the area with lots of fun, barbeques, and even parades. Canada's 145th birthday was a great day had by all.