By Étienne Thevou
Gibbons – For a town of 2,800 people, Gibbons has a lot planned this Canada Day, and it’s all rooted around the family. That should come as no surprise to anyone who has been following the community’s train of thought as it has put together its municipal sustainability plan over the past year or so.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate probably one of the most important organizations in Canada, and that is the family,” said town manager Hank Taylor. “We have a lot of young families in our community; we’ve geared our activities to fostering family unity. Just basically have a good day and spend it with your family and the rest of the community.”
Taylor said that really is the simple philosophy behind Gibbons’ Canada Day presentation, although visitors to the town can expect all the usual Canada Day patriotic trappings as well.
The day kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Hall with a Seniors’ Breakfast. In addition to scavenging for breakfast goodies, Canada Day revellers will be able to pick up their scavenger hunt list to start their search.
Following breakfast, the Gibbons Town Office will be the venue for the l flag-raising ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
The town’s Canada day parade begins at 11 a.m., to be followed by lawn tractor races at the outdoor arena beginning at 12:30.
Throughout the afternoon from 1-4 p.m. the Gibbons School field will be alive with children’s games, crafts, face painting, wagon rides and some of those jumpy things that the grown ups are just too big to use.
For those adults disappointed about not being able to jump up and down in an inflatable balloon, the Community Hall will play host to the Kick-a-poo Dancers, who will demonstrate their talents. The demonstration will be followed by a talent show at 2:00 pm.
Those who plan to take part in the scavenger hunt will need to bring their items to the hall by 2 p.m. so that volunteers can count them.
The evening’s festivities begin at 6 p.m. outside the community hall, where a family street dance will be held.
Gibbons Mayor Bill Nimmo and Town Manager Hank Taylor gather together with town staff to show their patriotic pride June 29. Gibbons has a big Canada Day agenda lined up for residents and visiting families.
