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Vol. 17, No. 32, Wednesday, July 6, 2022 www.LamontLeader.com
Canada Day events succeed despite changes in plans BY JANA SEMENIUK The villages of Andrew and Chipman adjusted their Canada Day activities considering an ominous weather forecast of heavy rain, but large crowds still flooded both events. Andrew’s plans included a children’s parade, free barbeque, live music, several activities for children, plus a dunk tank for party goers to try their luck throwing balls to dunk the village councillors. However, at 11 a.m. on Canada Day, with clouds rolling in and a dark forecast, Deputy Mayor Merwin Haight knew plans might need to change. “Marty (Stewart) brought up the weather report and we (with councillors Tammy Pickett and Benny Dubitz) all talked and decided to move everything inside the arena. We made a quick call to the AG society and Carrie Hrehorets and their supporters were very helpful. From 11 o’clock, we took this from being an empty arena to being fully decorated with the bouncy house and everything in a couple of hours,” he said. All events went ahead as scheduled with at least 150 people attending. A barbeque, donated by Andrew firefighter Marty Stewart’s farm Nifty Meadows, gave away free hotdogs and bottled drinks, while a large Canada Day decorated cake was donated by Andrew Originals. Haight led the children’s parade around the arena on his decorated three-wheeled bike in place of the fire department which was slated to lead the parade outdoors. All the while, music filled the air from local guitarist and vocal talent Steve Hillis. In terms of the dunk tank, all councillors were soaked repeatedly with a healthy line of people paying $5 each for three balls to throw at the target. Proceeds, which totalled over $300, were donated to the Ukrainian relief effort. “In my 52 years this is probably one
of the best Canada Days that I can actually say I've had in my life,” said Haight. “I'm very proud to be of service to my community doing this.” Meanwhile, Chipman opted to move their entire Canada Day schedule to Sunday, July 3, which included a parade, bouncy house, several children’s activities, free hotdogs, watermelon and banana bread, and a spectacular fireworks display courtesy of Rob and Cindy Lindemann. With temperatures hovering in the low 20s and crowds of children laughing and crawling through the inflatable structures, Chipman Mayor Morris Langevin said things turned out. “I’m extremely happy. It’s excellent. You know, for having to postpone it and get a turnout like this is huge,” he said smiling. Families came from across Lamont County, including the Clarkson family from Bruderheim. Jana Clarkson brought three of her five children to Chipman for the Canada Day festivities. “I heard it was rescheduled for Sunday, so I thought ‘that’s good! The rain will be gone’,” said Clarkson. “It’s actually pretty awesome and the kids are loving it!” As kids lined up for face painting, others beat the heat on a slip n slide or challenged each other to the bungee run game and jumped in the bouncy castle while waiting for the treasure dig to begin. Mayor Langevin said he is grateful for the support of the town’s donators and volunteers. “Rob and Cindy Linderman took care of the fireworks. He’s a person that can shoot them off, so we didn't have to hire anybody. They also brought all of the bouncy stuff in and made it a good day for the kids,” he said. “The AG society, Lions Club, and the Hotel also donated. It’s appreciated.” Canada Day Photos Page 2
Olympic gold medalist Emerance Maschmeyer and Bruderheim Mayor Karl Hauch pull the cover off a new street sign renaming 51 Avenue after the local hockey star. Deputy Mayor Judy Schueler and Councillor Dayna Jacobs are in the background.
Bruderheim hockey hero Emerance Maschmeyer has street renamed for her on Canada Day BY JOHN MATHER A steady rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm that was shown July 1 for Bruderheim’s Golden Girl Emerance Maschmeyer. Maschmeyer helped the Canadian Women's Hockey Team win the Olympic Gold Medal at the China Olympics this past winter. She is one of the goalies on the team. “What an incredible day to celebrate Canada,” exclaimed Maschmeyer when she took the podium. “I know it’s raining but everyone is having such a good time. “I’m extremely honoured and humbled to be standing here in front of you being honoured by the town of Bruderheim. “It one thing to be honoured for succeeding at something I love,” she said. “But it is totally a different feeling to be bringing this gold medal back to the community that has shared so much with me and helped me attain my
dreams.” She thanked her family, many of whom were in the crowd and chuckled as she said her dad couldn’t stop crying. “Bruderheim has always been my home and I owe it so much for helping to shape my hometown values,” she stated. “Thank you to Mayor Karl, Patty and all the council for your unwavering support. We felt your support all the way over in China and we knew there were a lot of watch parties going on during our games. “I never thought I would ever get a street named after me, especially one which runs past the arena that honours my grandmother. She stated that was the rink where her hockey dreams began and where her father watched her play her games. “To the young kids I hope this medal is something that will help you know that if you work hard you can attain your dream. Continued on Page 6