Community News Bites

Morinville public works employee Dan Getzlaf hangs a sign along 100 Street June 24, finishing touches to show off the town during this weekend’s St. Jean Baptiste Festival.

By Étienne Thevou

St. Jean Baptiste Festival begins tomorrow

Not that you will want to miss a moment of what is going on in Morinville over the next three days, but there are some highlights you definitely won’t want to miss on any of the three days.

On Friday night there will be a community children’s / family street dance running from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., immediately followed by a Rock ‘n’ Ride by Michael’s Midway, located behind the Notre Dame Apartments.

Saturday morning you can fill your belly for a long day of activities at the Council breakfast from 8-9:30 a.m. and then grab your spot along the parade route for the flotilla of floats coming up 100 Ave. between 10 and 11:15 a.m. Exactly 12 hours later, the Morinville Fire Department will be letting off the fireworks, an event for which there really is no bad spot in town.

Sunday will give everyone a time to wind down and reflect with a community breakfast sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The feast runs from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Those wishing to fill their souls instead of their bellies can attend Fidelity Day church services at St. Jean Baptiste Church from 9 a.m. until noon.

For a complete list of festival events, visit the Town of Morinville website.

Gibbons ready for Canada Day

Those looking to take in some national pride could do worse than dropping into Gibbons July 1. The town has an impressive roster of events schedule to show the community’s “True Patriot Love.”

The day starts at 8:30 with a seniors’ breakfast at the community hall, followed by a parade at 11 a.m. Those who miss out on breakfast will be able to drop by the Legion after 10:30 for burgers and home-made fries.

The afternoon’s events kick off at 12:30 with lawn tractor races at the outdoor arena. Children will be able to take in a wide variety of games at the Gibbons School field between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Those looking for a little home-grown talent can take in the talent show starting at 2 p.m. at the community hall.

The day’s events will wrap up with a family street dance in front of the community hall beginning at 6 p.m.

Gibbons Mayor gets the chair

Word has it that Gibbons Mayor Bill Nimmo has been given the chair for Community futures Tawatina Region, replacing Robert Clark in the position. Nimmo was, prior to his elevation, vice-chair of the 12-volunteer board. Community Futures offer a wide range of services to entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations in the Tawatina region.

Hair Massacure hits $1 million

Tammy MacDonald is wearing a pretty big grin these days. The Morinville resident and head of the annual Hair Massacure is delighted that the campaign raised more than $1 million this year, a new record.

MacDonald said that she didn’t set a target this year due to the economy and the Haitian earthquake, but was pleased with the overwhelming support. The fundraiser received a donation cheque for $1,600 fours hours before closing on Apr. 31, an amount that put the total $400 over the million dollar mark.

The annual event was inspired by MacDonald’s youngest daughter Kalli, whom was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was 2.

More than $3.5 million has been raised by the charity since the annual event began in 2003. Funds raised are split 50/50 between the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta.