What began as a way for the Boutin family to honour their late father and grandfather - Lionel Boutin - has grown to become a touching tradition which allows anyone in the area to honour a loved one who has passed on.
Carlyle's Prairie Dog Drive-In held its third annual Memorial Night on Saturday, June 3 and like other years, the unique event attracted a large crowd and also raised money for local charities.
“Dad was a fixture at the drive-in,” says Ray Boutin, the Prairie Dog's proprietor. “He really liked hanging out at the theatre and he was an awesome greeter at the gate. And as part of Memorial Night, we do a slide show on the big screen - and I know Dad would really enjoy having his picture up there.”
Prairie Dog owners Ray, his wife Frances (Boutin) and daughters Janelle and Simone are also delighted that the event benefits local charities - the Mya Fehrenbach Memorial Fund, the Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge, Carlyle Fire and Rescue, and the Kenosee Boys and Girls Camp.
“Chinese lanterns are $5 each and The Pearl Boutique in Carlyle is kind enough to sell them in advance and of course, we sell them here at the drive-in the night of the event,” says Ray. “The proceeds from those lantern sales and matching contributions from some local businesses allow us to make this a memorial night with a lasting legacy for our community.”
“Every year during intermission, we pause the show for at intermission for a dedication. If you want to, we'll project a picture of your loved on on the drive-in screen during this time,” says Ray. “But you don't have to. If you like, you can just join everyone in launching a lantern.”
“It was a great turnout this year,” he adds. “The wind died down enough to set the lanterns off. It's a beautiful moment when they soar,” says Ray. “And it's one of the feel-good evenings of the season.”
“We personally, have found that lighting and releasing lanterns to honour special people in our lives is very meaningful to us,” says Frances. “And we're happy to share our family tradition with the community.”
“We get people from miles around and every year,” says Ray. “I can't help but think how tickled my dad would be to see that we'd filled the place with people.”
