Eastend celebrates with party of the century

The ‘Party of the Century’ for the Town of Eastend was held on the August long weekend, Friday, August 1st to Sunday, August 3rd. The population of Eastend more than tripled when campers, tents and motorhomes filled almost every available space!

The celebration weekend began on Friday morning at 10 a.m. with registration in the Eastend Rink Lobby, and ran through the day until 9:30 p.m. There were kid’s crafts and facing painting at the green space by the rink from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and an artists and registration social with drinks, food and displays from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Eastend Rink Lobby.

A scenic train ride from Eastend to Ravenscrag, via the Frenchman River Valley, gave passengers the opportunity to ride a historic rail car along the tracks that were built in 1914. This was running on Friday, throughout the day.

Friday evening ended with spectacular fireworks at the Eastend Town Park.

Saturday morning came with the famous pancake breakfast, from 7 to 9:30 a.m., attracting almost everyone, in town and out of town visitors alike.

The Official Opening Ceremonies started a bit late due to the foggy conditions at Shaunavon Airport, where Lieutenant Governor Schofield was to arrive, but were underway by 10:45. The dignitaries included Lieutenant Governor Schofield, MLA Wayne Elhard for the Cypress Hills Constituency, MP David Anderson for the Cypress Hills – Grasslands constituency, Eastend Mayor Alan Howard, Shaunavon Mayor Sharon Dickie, and the Mayor of Harlem, Montana. Emcee at the ceremonies was Dennis Webster.

The parade got underway as quickly as possible after the opening ceremonies and was considered by everyone as the finest parade Eastend has ever seen. The floats and vintage vehicles, including cars, tractors and other farm equipment over the years, was enjoyed by the throngs of people that lined Red Coat Drive and Pottery Street.

Saturday continued with many other events including a Street Fair, Monster Truck rides, Old School Tours, New School Tours, bouncy castle and kids’ activities, a slow-pitch tournament, which ran all three days, mini chuckwagons at the rodeo grounds, team demonstrations and of course the trick riders, Jenn Sych and Shelby Fulkerth from Lloydminster, known as J & S Trick Riding.

A delicious ‘roast on a bun’ supper was held at the Eastend Rink Complex from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday evening. This was later followed by the dance/cabaret at the rink from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Old Time Dancing was also held, starting at 8 p.m., at the Eastend Memorial Hall.

Sunday, August 3rd started off with a breakfast sandwich from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Rink Complex.

An ecumenical church service was held at the Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. for anyone wishing to attend.

Sunday afternoon continued with the street fair, bouncy castle, kids’ activities, a ‘beef on a bun’ at the Town Park for lunch, and the finals in the slo-pitch tournament.

At 2:30 p.m. the Bob Milne Concert was held at the Eastend Memorial Hall. Milne played to a sell-out crowd. What a wonderful afternoon of music.

Even though everyone had a busy and exhausting weekend, there was a good turnout for the Sunday Night Fireworks at the Town Park to bring this great Centennial Weekend to a close.

Great job done by all those involved in the planning and organization of Eastend’s 100th Birthday!!!

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