Duck race just one highlight

Tina Kennedy
South Peace News

One of the highlights, and the last scheduled event, for the upcoming Alberta Centennial Celebrations, over the Sept. 2-4 long weekend, is the second annual Duck Race.

Organizers are busy registering the individual racers, giving each a number corresponding with a matching on a ticket. That, says Norma Brodrick, High Prairie Beautification member, is where they want to get the public involved.

1,999 tickets are available. Each person buying a ticket, is also purchasing the progress of the corresponding duck.

"We'd like to see people get out and buy more of the tickets."

Anticipation was so high last year that hundreds lined the highway bridge waiting to see what bright yellow duck would make its way to the finish line first.

It was a bit of a comedown as the water didn't move quickly enough and the ducks found eddies in which to lull around in.

Organizers made a few calls to other groups who hosted such races to discover that the four closest ducks were finally chosen as the winners.

For more information or tickets call Norma at 523-3412.

The duck race is just one of the many events lined up throughout the weekend.

It starts on Friday, Sept. 2. M.D. of Big Lakes councillors are vying to dish up a few barbecued delights from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the M.D. office.

Other Friday events include youth projects and community displays at the Elks Hall downtown, a guided bus tour of area churches, leaving from the Sports Palace parking lot at 1 p.m. The Sept. 2 highlight is expected to be in the tour of the nearly-ready High Prairie Regional Aquatic Centre. Tours run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and viewers have the opportunity to see what committee members describe as one of the best facilities in the Peace Country.

The night ends with a family campfire and sing-a-long at Jaycee Park from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"To date over 30 groups and organizations have stepped up to the challenge of providing an activity or event for the celebration. And thank to the generosity of these local groups and the sponsorship of many community-minded businesses, most events will be completely free," writes Centennial Committee publicist Michelle Strebchuk in a news release.

Saturday promises to be another great day with the third annual Street Festival. Unlike previous years, this time events take place at the Sports Palace. Inside events such as the baby crawl and toddler race, dunk tank, creamed, Centennial Idol and air tattoos take place. Outside, High Prairie Beautification will host a fall garage sale.

Other scheduled events outside include children's activities, hosted by Brighter Futures, Enilda Firemen's Market, and community displays.

Heading north to the Elks Hall Stampede Grounds, an antique car and tractor show takes place. A Centennial Agricultural mini bench show and gymkhana tare taking place simultaneously.

Hikes of the Grouard portion of the Trans Canada Trail, hosted by the Grouard-Peace River Trail NET Society, start at the Hilliard's Bay old park office site beginning at 1 p.m.

If that's not enough, don't forget to stop by the Elks Hall downtown, says Strebchuk. For $1, you have the opportunity to get a Taste of High Prairie. Area groups come together to provide homemade bannock, Saskatoon pie and perogies for every High Prairie connoisseur.

High Prairie Firemen are hosting a $10 steak dinner at the Elks Stampede Ground later in the evening, at 5 p.m. and following that is the $10 Centennial Ball in the same building.

Sunday morning Centennial celebrants have the opportunity to chow down on pancakes on a Town of High Prairie sponsored pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m.

An ecumenical service at the Elks Stampede grounds at 11 a.m. is followed by a stage show hosting repertoire, Ukrainian and Aboriginal dancers. Tae Kwon Do demonstrations and fiddlers promise spiritual and cultural delights to fill every soul.

To finish the weekend off, the annual Duck Race promises to be just as exciting.

Prizes for this year's event include a 12 piece patio set for first, a Ducks Unlimited wolf print for second, and a Ducks Unlimited mini outdoors package for third. Fourth place winner gets a two horsepower compressor and frame nailer. Fifth place gets an old fashioned popcorn maker, a hobby chest and stand while sixth places gets Nautica men's and ladies sports watches.

It doesn't matter what you're looking for during the Centennial Celebrations you're sure to find them. Things most didn't know High Prairie had to offer will be on full display, ready for all to see.

"Please come join us in celebrating this great province and this great community. Pick up your Centennial Celebration schedule of events at the town, M.D. offices or the tourist booth. You can also find it online at www.highprairie.ca, Join us for the celebration of a century," writes Strebchuk.