MANITOU BEACH — Manitou Beach commemorated its 100th year since incorporation with a fun filled afternoon that ended with the cutting of the town’s birthday cake by Mayor Gerald Worobec.
Included throughout the centennial date were pow-wow dance performances by Dancing Horse Dance Troupe, music performances by singer Guy Anderson and the band The Garry’s, and the culmination of this years Maple Madness carving competition.
Local and provincial dignitaries, such as MP Tom Lukiwski and Watrous Mayor Ed Collins, also made remarks in honour of Manitou’s centennial.
“We've got an amazing group of people here and amazing residents,” Worobec said. “The Centennial committee just did a marvelous job this past year, getting all this going.”
Worobec said he had talked during his speech about the history of Manitou Beach, and it’s popularity during the ’20s.
“It would swell to 15,000 people here,” he said. “Then the dirty ’30s hit, and people just couldn't afford to go and pamper themselves. We're just trying to get that back. But we’re just excited to be here and have our 100th birthday.”
The Maple Madness chainsaw carving competition also finished its three days on the date of the centennial. Of nine competitors from as far as Halifax, Nova Scotia, Marina Cole of Marina Cole of Medicine Hat was awarded first place, as well as carvers choice and peoples choice, for her sculpture of a “Manitou cannonball”.
The next event recognizing Manitou’s Centennial will be a First Nations pipe water ceremony to be held on Aug 17.
“It's the First Nations blessing of the lake, to thank the lake for providing the healing that it does, and to give back to the lake,” as per First Nation tradition, said centennial committee volunteer organizer Garry Jay.
“It's just been a fantastic four days, we've got some beautiful carvings at the end of it, and lots of good memories, and it's just been great,” Worobec said.
