By: Darcie Thom

The Wawota 100th Birthday Celebration is showing future success through the number of people who have pre-registered for the Centennial event. Well over 1125 people have pre-registered for the 3-day celebration, welcoming over 650 distant visitors.

Expectations are high for a good turn-out, but are very realistic. Pre-registered people from B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, various States in the U.S.A., and people as far as Australia and New Zealand will be participating in this year’s celebration.

The cost to register for the weekend is $30.00 per adult, $20.00 per child (6-12) and free for preschool children.

Nametags have been issued to the pre-registered people and will also be issued to people who register during the event. The nametags will get the individuals into a variety of events throughout the weekend but not all events will be covered by the registration fee.  The Beer Gardens on Friday night and the Saturday lunch will not be covered, along with Sunday Lunch and Supper.  A fee of $10.00, per event, will be expected if people partake in Paintball and/or Beach Volleyball. On Sunday visitors will be welcome to participate in the “Family Dance” ($10.00 per family) and the Cabaret (price to be announced).

There have been a few changes to the weekend line-up for Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, Beach volleyball has been scheduled to take place at noon, requiring 4 person teams, and a draw will be made by the players for prizes following the event. Brooks Laich, NHL Hockey Player, will also be available on Saturday. He will be playing street hockey with children 12 and under at 4:00pm. There are hopes that a Pow Wow and music performance by the Piapot Dancers and drummers will take place sometime after the Saturday Parade. Children 12 and under will have the opportunity to dig for $200.00 in the sand at the Money Pit, which will open on Saturday.

Baseball enthusiasts are welcome to watch the first game of the SBA playoffs featuring Wawota and Carnduff at the Wawota Ball Park at 3:30pm. A vintage vehicle parade will be held at 4:30pm in downtown Wawota, and P&A Meats will be providing a cold plate supper, which is not covered by the registration fee.

The Town of Wawota is hoping for a good turnout along with good weather to provide an exciting and fun-filled three-day family event. The Town of Wawota invites the visitors and town locals to visit the Town Hall to sign the Centennial Book, pick up souvenirs and look at the Memorabilia displays.