It was not too long ago when Canada Day celebrations were very low-key affairs here in Taber.
For the most part, Taberites made the trip 20 minutes north to Vauxhall, when a demolition derby and a host of other events greeted them every July 1.
Vauxhall continues to put on a top-notch celebration to mark Canada’s birthday but in Taber, things have been stepped up considerably.
This year marked one of the best Canada Day celebrations Taber has had in recent memory.
The day was highlighted by a pancake breakfast and the now-traditional flag raising, compliments of the Taber Royal Canadian Legion.
But it was the activities in the park which really kept people in town. The stage entertainment, craft tables, face painting, astro jump and the popular slip and slide made for an enjoyable Canada Day afternoon.
The fireworks and the late-night movie also proved a hit, as popcorn was sold out for the movie just as it began, as people flooded one of the Ken McDonald Memorial Sports Park soccer fields to take in the show.
All in all, the events were well attended and well designed, and proved Taberites will stay at home if enough events are put on July 1.
It is important we take pride in our country and celebrate its birthday in style.
We may never be as patriotic as our neighbours south of the border, as American flags fly from nearly every home as their country’s birthday approaches on July 4, but as Canadians, we have a lot to be proud of.
Once a forgotten celebration in Taber, it is great to see Canada Day back.
Now the trick will be to sustain what we have and build upon it for future July 1 celebrations.
Without doubt, Taberites deserve a top-notch Canada Day event, and will come out to support the festivities.
Let’s hope future events can live up to this year’s.