The Town was host again to another celebration at John Peake Park. This second of the three annual town sponsored events took place on Saturday starting at 11 am.
This event draws many visitors and residents who come to partake in the many activities planned through the day. Hats off to the Town’s Events Coordinator Nancie Huneault who had a busy time keeping the day’s events on track and having to deal with the additional havoc that was caused by a few hours of windy weather. The windy weather rolled into town around 1 PM delaying events on the water and creating chaos with the tents. Some vendors in the artisan market had no choice but to leave. The Show N’ Shine car show also shut down earlier.
By the time YELL’S Duck Race took place down at the canal at the Lake’s southwest corner the day turned around setting the scene for an evening filled with a wonderful summer ambience for those who then could enjoy the lake, sun, beer gardens and entertainment at the Summer Music Showcase.
The Chestermere Historical Foundation held a ceremony in the morning down by the library to officially unveil the new Murals that are now mounted on the Lift Station as we drive into town. These pictures have come about through the vision of President Jen Peddlesden and the Historical Foundation in collaboration with Dan Skidmore of EPCOR, CUI, and the Town. A somewhat ungracious looking structure has been transformed into a water themed photo album featuring our lake’s history.
Hyperactive Water Sports, now open on the town’s east side was the sponsor for the second stop of the Alberta Wakeboard Tour. This year’s event marks their first year on site as a local business said owner John Kitter. They were also able to provide sound for the event and offered complimentary boat rides throughout the day for a tour of the lake. Kitter said,”Many people that live here never have been on the lake.” The demand from last year encouraged Kitter to increase the number of available boats for rides. He sees the day becoming bigger and better each year through his experience of an ongoing 4 year sponsorship.
The competition itself drew about 20 participants who could find a category from a choice of 13 divisions starting from beginner to advanced and on to the extreme. Official Jeff Blanchard from Edmonton said that age groups and gender are also considered. The reasonable entry fee is always returned well above in prizes for each participant adding a bonus for the showmanship and daring of these wake boarders. Blanchard said, “Judging is based on a scale of 10 that considers intensity, competition and showmanship. The first rider sets the benchmark which can change as the completion moves through.” A five minute routine out on the water at today’s show is like 8 hours on a trampoline Blanchard said of the intensity of the run on the body.
As the wind continued to crash waves over then lake retaining wall a decision to cancel the pro division, the water regatta and wipeout contest was made. In hindsight Kitter said it was unfortunate as the turn in weather came about, but will be on the plate for next year.
As always events for the kids were provided at EPCOR’s Kid’s Fun Zone with the usual busy fare of inflated slides, mini golf, and children’s entertainer Captain Jack. Still on the scene were a couple of organizations raising funds and donations for Flood Relief. Alberta Strong was selling their $2 blue wrist bands with all funds raised at the event given to the town’s Community Services for distribution in High River. This idea came from a group of friends headed by Janet Gilkes that came together to buy 10,000 wrist bands and sell them at different locations throughout the summer. Gilkes said that Monashee also donated water for the group to offer patrons of the festival and the Town donated space for their tent. A previous “flood raiser” was also held at the Bottlehouse in Kensington.
The Clothing Line Truck which is supported by the Canadian Diabetes Society was also taking donations of bagged clothes which it sells to Value Village. For every bag received $2 was given to Flood Relief. The day was slow perhaps because it required forethought and there may have been not enough promotion about the drive.
The Chestermere Firefighters and RCMP continued to support the community through their visibility and presence at the Festival. Investigating a fire truck never seems to lose its appeal even for the “older” kids. The Firefighters also were advertising their Gala which will be held October 5. This formal Champagne and Cigar Evening which supports the Chestermere Schools Breakfast Program will include the launch of their first Fireman’s Calendar and includes an auction to “buy” a firefighter as a waiter for the night.
The Chestermere Lions Club hosted their annual Beer Gardens on center in front of the Pavilion with this major fundraiser of the year donating all money to projects and organizations in the community. The club’s website said that $75,000 has been raised so far since its inception in 2003.
Live entertainment was provided throughout the day under the Pavilion with both new and familiar acts in a showcase that had something for everyone. Bands hailed from the east coast to the west with most acts coming from the more local area. Earlier acts appealed to the younger set with grunge and pounding while blues, Celtic twists and classic rock took to the stage as the day unfolded.
Salsa on the Lake also returned to Chestermere with a performance by La Rumba Cuban Dance School to entice new learners at the evening dance lessons. This was followed by a Social with funds allocated to Alberta Flood Relief Efforts.
The evening headliner was charismatic Drew Gregory, the young country singer who hails from Standard. This hometown boy who always was seen with guitar in hand growing up still lives at his family farm while churning out original songs. His debut album Country Hurricane was released while living in Nashville.
If you heard the fireworks from your bed, in your dreams or were able to take them first hand at the lakeside it was truly a grand finale for Chestermere’s unique Water Festival.
