The birthday party Rimbey threw for Canada this year, was at least by some accounts, bigger and better than ever.
“There was an amazing, wonderful turnout,” said Cheryl Jones, administrator for the Rimbey Historical Society. “The weather was amazing and we had 46 volunteers helping out. “It was a good day all around.”
Jones said Legion members came out in full force and she was pleased Canada Day also marked the re-opening of the military museum at the park.
“It was very well received,” she said.
For Lucien Cloutier, the new CAO for the Town of Rimbey, the Canada Day festivities were truly enjoyable.
“We were all there for the pancake breakfast,” he said, noting that some members of his family returned home as they are in the process of moving.
However, he spent several hours at the festivities and was impressed not only by the event itself, but by the people who stepped up to the plate to make it all happen.
“I was overwhelmed by how varied and how many activities there were and the level of volunteerism,” he said. “It appeared to me that it was very well organized and included so many aspects and catered to all the different age groups. Actually, I was just blown away by the show of community spirit. I really enjoyed myself and I was very impressed.”
The Cultural Café with a focus on Korea, sponsored by the Rimbey Library, was the highlight of Canada Day for Junnie Chung.
Chung and her husband Steven Yoon own Rimbey Foods and this is the second Canada Day they have experienced while living in the community.
“Of course, we were excited about it for some time,” she said. “And we were also curious as to how many people would come.”
Chung said she was so pleased that a good crowd showed up and that the traditional dances and songs truly reflected the culture. She noted that Yeon-Sook Park, who owns the Grand Hotel in Rimbey with her husband John Um, directed the concert and is a most talented lady.
“We appreciated it and were honored for this opportunity to have the event here,” she said. “It was very meaningful.”
Librarian Jean Keetch said the cultural café was a great addition to the Canada Day festivities.
“It was wonderful. We had 182 people and everyone said they absolutely loved it.”
Keetch noted the library sponsored the event and received a federal grant to help with the costs, but the Korean community provided traditional Korean dishes.
“It was an amazing evening.”