Photo Submitted By: Rhonda Hall
Residents form Wawota form (100) from a hillside north of the town

By: Darcie Thom

The past and present community members of Wawota will be gathering together for their town’s 100th birthday celebration from Friday, August 1st to Sunday, August 3rd of 2008. The Centennial Committee has planned this family, fun-filled, weekend with a variety of events, displays, entertainment and food.

The members of the Museum Committee and the Centennial Committee have worked together to provide a historical event across the town, highlighting the history on the businesses, homes and buildings that are within the town of Wawota. A pamphlet has been designed for anyone interested in taking self-guided tours in and around Wawota.

Friday evening will kick off the celebrations with a parade of vintage tractors and cars at the Ball Park at 7:00pm. There will also be a number of fires for weiner roasting, plenty of ice cream cones and cupcakes. Entertainment will be had by way of Hootenanny, a rockabilly music festival.

The Official Opening Ceremonies for the Wawota Centennial Celebrations will start at 8:00pm, along with the opening of the beer gardens on the grounds. The crowd of guests and visitors are expected to see a fireworks display at 10:00pm to finalize the opening day of events.

Saturday’s events will kick-off with a breakfast from 7:00am to 9:00am put on by the Legion. For those who aren’t afraid of heights, SaskTel will be providing Hot Air Balloon rides (weather permitting) for the early morning hours. At 10:00am, the early crowd will be invited to watch the parade led by His Honour the Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart; Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and Mrs. Barnhart.

Throughout Saturday, guests and visitors will be welcome to test their tastebuds at the “Taste of Wawota” Food Court, sight-see, and enjoy some of the many family activities that will be available. Activities for people of all ages are going to be available throughout the weekend including beach volleyball at the Sin Bin (no minors), beach volleyball in the Money Pit (minors allowed), old fashioned kid games, free train rides (after parade) and Pow Wow Dancers.

The museum will be offering some “old-fashioned” hands-on activities for the children such as using a butter churn, washboard and hand wringer.

Sometime Saturday afternoon, homegrown NHL star, Brooks Laich of the Washington Capitals, will be playing Street Hockey with children on Hill Ave. and Alexander St.

For those who have registered for the event, there will be a catered Roast Beef Supper taking place on Saturday evening between 5:00pm and 7:00pm (this event is for registered guests only, please have your I.D. Tag as there will be no tickets at the door).

Saturday evening, kick back, relax and enjoy the Musical Drama “Wawota - the first 100 years,” written by Wawota’s very own Nicki Ford.

A continental breakfast will be available at the Forum between 7:00am and 9:00am on Sunday morning to start the final day of events. Throughout the afternoon, there will be a number of activities such as the Petting Zoo on Main St., horse shoe tournaments, “fashions through the 100 years”, the Splash Park for the kids (located right beside the entertainment gazebo) along with the short Legion Parade.

Paint Ball enthusiasts will have the opportunity to compete on Sunday as long as they are signed up prior to the event. All of the protective gear will be provided for a fee of $10.00 and must be paid for in advance to reserve a spot. All participants must be 12 years of age or older.

“Southern Country” will be providing the family dance with entertainment and music from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. The closing ceremony will take place in the Forum with the Centennial cabaret, music and entertainment will be provided by the band “Uncolas”.

Keep in mind that there may not always be a lot of sitting room, so please feel free to bring along a folding chair, remember the heat and bring your sunscreen, and finally, bring and wear your name-tag and a smile!

For further information, please visit the Wawota website www.wawota.com or contact Debbie Eastland at eastland@sasktel.net (739-2169).