Despite the rainy, blustery afternoon on July 1, Canada Day festivities held at Pas Ka Poo Park in Rimbey were well attended with people coming from as far away as Berlin, Germany, England, Mexico, Texas and Nova Scotia.
Park administrator Cheryl Jones said more than 350 people were served at the fundraising pancake breakfast.
The event went smoothly, largely due to the large group of volunteers who stepped up to the plate, she said.
“We have a wonderful group of volunteers. They are the core essential group that keep the passion of history alive at the park.”
During Canada Day all the historic buildings were open and some of the volunteers dressed in costumes that were fitting for the era and the building at which they were stationed.
Children attending Canada Day festivities were invited to take part in donkey rides courtesy of Keith Kendrew. There was also face painting, a bouncy castle and other activities.
The Rimbey Legion also participated, marching in the colours. Legion member and Sgt. at Arms Gareth Jones gave a short speech. MP Blaine Calkins, MLA Jason Nixon, Ponoka County Reeve Paul McLauchlin and Rimbey Mayor Rick Pankiw were also in attendance.
Following the opening ceremonies cake, ice cream and watermelon was served.
The Canada Day committee consisting of Cheryl Jones, Cindy Bowie and Katherine Winter and Gayle Rondeel work hard to make the event run smoothly.
“A lot of work goes into making the yard look beautiful,” said Jones, noting there are two summer students hired this year.
Guided tours of the park and the historical buildings are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from the May long weekend until October.
Maintenance and beautification projects are ongoing.
Presently there are four memorial garden beds around the pond at Pas Ka Poo Park complete with plaques. More work is planned for the pond. A new liner was inserted last year to help keep the pond free of debris.
The truck museum is open year round. It is closed on Sundays during the winter months. Volunteers have recently restored a couple of tractors at the museum.
