The birthday party for Canada in Rimbey turned out to be a gala affair with lots of out-of-town guests enjoying the festivities.
Pas Ka Poo Park was a busy place with a huge crowd taking advantage of the warm, sunny day to come and enjoy good food, visiting and plenty of games and entertainment for young and old alike.
Linlee Landsiedel from Red Deer came out to the park with her baby nephew, Carter.
“This is fantastic,” she said, as she stood in the huge line up for birthday cake. “We are definitely coming back next year.”
Cathy Fiddler, who lives in Calgary, but was camping at Gull Lake with her grandchildren, said the friendly atmosphere in Rimbey brings her back again and again.
“We’ve been coming here for years. We love it. People are so pleasant and generous and make us feel so welcome.”
Residents of Rimbey rubbed shoulders with out-of-towners happy to be close to home, enjoying the fellowship of friends and neighbors.
Ivette de Bruyn was at the birthday party with her husband, Dr. Juri de Bruyn and their children, Jurie-Hendrik, Carlie and Erika. The de Bruyns moved to Rimbey from South African several years ago.
“Canada is our home. We don’t have family here, but we have friends who are like family,” she said.
De Bruyn said the Canada Day celebration in Rimbey is well worth attending.
“It’s lots of fun and there is lots of things to do for the kids.”
Eileen Poulsen from Rimbey, who was volunteering at the school set up at Pas Ka Poo Park on Canada Day, was pleased to see the young families show up for the holiday.
“I think it wonderful for the park and wonderful for the families. It is so nice to see them all turn out and have fun.”
“It’s so neat for the kids,” said Donna Heilemann, who attended the celebrations with her husband, Len. “I’m very impressed.”
The celebration at Pas Ka Poo Park included speeches and presentations from the Rimbey Legion, a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Rimbey Historical Society, children’s entertainment, games, music and cake and ice cream.