By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
Sunny weather and a plethora of activities made for a very successful Canada Day celebration in Osler, which was attended by hundreds of both residents and out-of-towners.
“We have heard nothing but great comments about this year’s event – as many people have said, best Canada Day ever or best Canada Day event yet,” said Town of Osler Chief Financial Officer Sarah Sims, who was involved in putting on the event along with her co-workers and the town’s events committee.
“It’s the one thing that Osler does every year that seems to attract a lot of people. Osler is known for its Canada Day celebration.”
Sims added that she personally appreciated the town putting on a big Canada Day celebration, as she hails from a small community that doesn’t do anything for July 1.
“It’s kind of nice to have the option for people (who) don’t really have anything going on in their community,” she said.
The day began with a pancake breakfast put on by the Osler Firefighters Association (OFFA) at the fire hall, which reportedly drew approximately 500 people.
As many as 1,500 people then lined the streets of Osler for the Canada Day parade. Many then made their way over to the Osler Community Church, where there was a community market and a show n’ shine.
In the afternoon, there was a kids’ carnival in the field beside the Osler Mission Chapel featuring activities like pedal bike rides and slip n’ slides. Food booths and a bingo were also hosted at the Osler Community Hall.
In the evening, there was a mini-circus at the Memorial Field featuring some local performers, followed by music and a fireworks display.
Sims noted that Osler’s Canada Day event wouldn’t be the success it is without the people who participate, both in terms of volunteering to put on events and the support of the town and surrounding communities.
Members of the Herds of Thunder Light Horse 4-H Club march in the Osler parade.
The Town of Osler councillors decked out their float with all manner of flags.
Two vehicles owned by Reg and Pat Schultz, a 1961 Chev Impala and a 1977 Ford XLT, were entered in the show n’ shine by the Osler Community Church.
Milo Peters sits in the cockpit of a yellow plane parked at the show n’ shine.
Peyton Forrest flashes two peace signs while riding a pedal bike.
A young fellow named Habib goes down a slip n’ slide across the road from the Osler Community Hall.
A boy named Vincent participates in axe-throwing.