A couple of perennial Canada Day events in southeast Saskatchewan have made decisions about their status.
The first is the annual Canada Day celebrations in Bienfait. Activities have been postponed until September, but have not been outright cancelled.
Among the highlights are the annual parade that makes its way throughout the town, activities throughout the town that happen in the late morning and into the afternoon, and a fireworks show after dusk.
But due to crowd restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Bienfait has had to shelve their plans, as they all attract more people than what’s allowed.
So they hope to have some of the events later this year, possibly in September, if the restrictions are eased.
Canada Day is a key fundraiser for the Bienfait Rec Board each year.
The other event is the Canada Day bash hosted by the Estevan Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs at their playpark in the Hillside subdivision, which has been cancelled. Kinsmen Club president Preston Majeran said it’s because they aren’t allowed to have large public gatherings, and the national headquarters said the local clubs wouldn’t be insured for the event.
“It was a disappointing decision due to the fact that this is Kin Canada’s 100th year, and we wanted to make it a special celebration in conjunction with Canada Day and the celebration of Kin Canada’s 100th anniversary,” said Preston Majeran with the Estevan Kinsmen Club.
The Kin Canada Day celebration typically attracts about 300-400 people. Local Kin Club members usually cook 800 hot dogs for the crowd. Other highlights include free popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy. Kids get to enjoy swimming and a variety of games. Many families use the day as a chance to have a picnic.
“It’s us saying thanks to the community for all of the donations and the support that we receive all year round. Every year the Kinsmen and the Kinettes hold this function at the park,” said Majeran.
They won’t have a make-up event, so the Kin Clubs will look to use next year’s July 1 bash as a chance to mark 101 years of Kin Canada.
