Morinville centennial draws a full house

Mayor Lloyd Bertschi and MLA Ken Kowalski
By MorinvilleNews.com staff

Morinville – One hundred years to the day after Morinville became a town, Morinvillians came out in strong numbers to re-enact the occasion and to enjoy an evening of historical remembrance. Almost 200 residents attended the Morinville centennial evening held Monday night at the RC Parish Hall, a three-hour event that combined an historical meal, historical vignettes and musical numbers.

“I think it’s a great celebration,” said Mayor Lloyd Bertschi Monday night, adding it was the fourth or fifth centennial event he’d been able to attend so far this year. “I think it’s a great event for the community and good to see everyone taking part.”

Bertschi, together with fellow council members Nicole Boutestein, Lisa Holmes, David Pattison and Paul Krauskopf and a number of administrative staff attended the event in period costume, lending an authentic flavour to the evening.
One member of administration who participated in Monday’s event is Edie Doepker, Morinville’s Chief Administrative Officer. Doepker said she is amazed by the community response to Morinville’s centennial.

“We have a community grant that’s been available and almost 100 per cent of it has been requested,” Doepker said of the funding the town made available for groups to hold events like Monday’s centennial dinner and re-enactment. “The volunteers and the creative ideas helps to generate a positive feeling in the community. There’s a real buzz. It’s just fantastic to be working in an environment like that.”

Monday night’s environment provided attendees with a glimpse into Morinville’s past. The evening began with a traditional meal of the era when Morinville became a town – stew and biscuits. The program then moved upstairs to the hall where participants were entertained by the Chance Quartet, musicians Justin Perkins and Al Pangborn, Ed Bulger, the Morinville Minstrals and choirs from Notre Dame elementary School and Ėcole Georges P. Vanier School.

Between the musical numbers were historical presentations by the Morinville Historical and Cultural Society. The evening was capped off with Mayor Lloyd Bertschi and MLA Ken Kowalski recreating the presentation between the province and Mayor Omer St. Germain that transformed Morinville from a village to a town.

Council will hold its committee of the whole meeting at MCHS Tuesday night. Once again council will attend in period costumes.

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