Elkwater ready to celebrate Canada Day in style

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

Heather Cameron

The community of Elkwater, Alberta will be quite busy on the weekend of July 1, 2024.

“We have lots of individuals stepping up to volunteer and are just looking forward to another event in this beautiful park,” said Valerie Pearson, Director and volunteer with Elkwater Community Association. “Whether 200 people show up or 1000 people it’s just nice for a gathering to celebrate Canada and what better place to do so than Elkwater, one of the most beautiful parks in Southern Alberta.”

The excitement, Pearson says, will kick off at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, with a Dark Sky Program at the Learning Centre, a program that will feature Rod with the Eagle Butte Observatory. Following that, outdoor movie ‘Spirit Untamed’ will be shown at the amphitheater at dusk.

Bingo, Pearson says, will be held at the Elkwater Community Hall on Sunday, June 30, 2024, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the game beginning at 7:30 p.m.

On Monday, July 1, 2024, Pearson says, the day will begin at 9 a.m. with a bike decorating event at the Learning Center and participants will receive a free treat from the 12.34 Café for which they can pick up their coupon at the guestbook table. The Bike Parade itself, Pearson says, will follow from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and be held at the Learning Centre.

Following the Bike Parade, Pearson says, there will be a cake cutting and free refreshments at the Entertainment Stage from 10:30 to 11 a.m. 

From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Pearson says, the Learning Center will offer events including sandcastle building on the beach, a Canada Day tattoo booth, a photo booth, a coloring contest, a pastel Canada Day craft, loom bracelet making, a constellation marshmallow craft, and a painted rock scavenger hunt. 

From 12 to 3 p.m., Pearson says, the Learning Centre will also play host to a Slip and Slide hosted by Cypress County Fire Services, who will be on site from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Silver Springs Guesthouse and it will also host Canada Raffles, which can be entered by signing the guestbook, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The green space in front of the Learning Center, meanwhile, will play host to blow up obstacles and entertainment offered by Fun Timez Entertainment from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. while the Upper parking lot by the Visitor Center will have pedal tractors available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pearson says, 

The Learning Center will also host Canada Day Bingo at the Learning Center from 1 to 1:30 p.m., Pearson says.

On top of all the recreational events, Pearson says, the Elkwater Rodeo, which will be hosted by the Elkwater Roping Association, will be held at the Rodeo Grounds from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be several locations to eat in and around the park and to purchase food, Pearson says, and those include Shy’s Food Cart, which will feature Bannock hamburgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, and poutine; Kona Ice Mini Truck; 12-34 Café and Pub, which will feature pizza and refreshments; Elkwater Lake Lodge; Elkwater Park Golf Club; Elkwater Rodeo Grounds; and Historic Reesor Ranch where reservations are required.

Many sponsors and small businesses have jumped on board to help with the event, Pearson says, including The Elkwater Community Association, who funds most of the event and Cypress County, who is also a great sponsor for the bike parade.  

“We encourage you to come out and enjoy the day whether you participate in one activity or several we do hope that the feeling is the same. We are blessed to have this location to gather in to celebrate Canada,” said Pearson. “This event is just so fun!  It’s planned by volunteers and run by volunteers.  We’d love for you to join us! We are just looking forward to gathering.”