The city of Thompson was set ablaze with patriotic fervor as thousands of residents and visitors came together to celebrate Canada Day in a grand and diverse spectacle. The day's festivities were expertly organized by the dedicated committee led by chair Darlene Dick, who has served as the events coordinator for an impressive 30 years. From free boat rides and captivating stage shows to a delightful pancake breakfast and the annual "Bring Your Bloomers" competition, the celebration brought together various community organizations, enticing vendors, and eager participants to honor Canada in all its multicultural glory.
“We have a committee, where we all come together to put this on” Stated Darlene, as she began to list off the collaborative team, giving honor to where it’s due; Ma-Mow-We-Tak, Thompson Seniors Resource Counsel, Howling Wolf Tours, TNRC, RCMP, And even the Concession that provided the free coffee. “But we have a committee and each organization comes with their own ideas and what they want to do”
Darlene also annually coordinates the beloved Winterfest celebration as well as various workshops in which her dedicated efforts shine bright. In a recent interview, she stated that though she has a love for all the events she oversees, what makes this one special to her is “The boat rides” Darlene quickly replied. “And then the chance to watch the fireworks from the boat”.
This year marked the introduction of the Boat Tours. Howling Wolf Tours generously offered complimentary boat rides throughout the day, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife and the stunning beauty of the river. Furthermore, in an effort to enhance the experience, tickets were made available for purchase, granting participants the chance to enter an exclusive draw for a captivating view of the fireworks from the Burntwood waters. Over the course of the day, Howling Wolf Boat Tours conducted a total of 30 invigorating trips, accommodating an estimated 180 thrilled passengers.
The thrilling game of mini putt and bouncy houses were generously sponsored and brought to us by the "Lock and Load people". Gracing the stage with lively performances, the Thompson Neighborhood Renewal Corporation (TNRC) organized a variety of entertaining shows, including jigging competitions for participants of all ages. Additionally, they orchestrated a lively bike parade, offering kids the opportunity to decorate their bicycles and have their imaginative creations judged for a chance to win first-, second-, or third-place prizes.
Thompson Seniors Resource Council also orchestrated the third annual "Bring Your Bloomers" draw, inviting individuals with a knack for nurturing plant life to showcase their greenery for a chance to claim the coveted title of winner in the plant-judging competition.
Thompson Seniors Board Member; Sandy Timmons expressed her passion on the event; “It’s just a fun win, there’s a few prizes. People can bring their pretty flowers to be seen by everyone”.
“I enjoy meeting with the committee and the committee members and seeing this all come to fruition the day of. I love seeing the whole town come together and celebrate Canada in different cultures” Darlene Added.
The Ma-Mow-We-Tak community made a significant contribution to the Canada Day celebrations by providing delicious pancakes for the breakfast event. Mayor Colleen Smook, along with city council members Fitzpatrick, Oberdorfer, and McIvor, took part in serving the tasty treats to the attendees.
Expressing her gratitude, Mayor Colleen Smook commended Ma-Mow-We-Tak for their effort in preparing and delivering the pancakes. She also acknowledged the hard work of Darlene and the TRCC staff in organizing the event. The mayor extended her thanks to all the vendors and participants who helped make the day memorable for everyone. She highlighted the diverse range of activities available for both children and adults to enjoy.
"On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and our dedicated staff, I wish everyone a Happy Canada Day, let’s enjoy" Mayor Colleen Smook shared, signaling the start of the day's festivities.
The Canada Day celebrations in Thompson were a true testament to the community's spirit and unity. From the engaging activities organized by dedicated committees to the generosity of local organizations and the enthusiastic participation of residents and visitors, the event truly captured the vibrant multicultural essence of Canada. With the remarkable efforts of individuals like Darlene Dick and the support of leaders like Mayor Colleen Smook, the festivities brought people together in a joyous celebration of national pride and diverse cultural heritage, making it a memorable and heartwarming occasion for all.
