Centennial celebrations have a way of making people within communities work together despite differences. Centennial celebrations July 29 to 31, 2011, marked the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the village of Marcelin and the community of 180 residents put on a show like no other!
The centennial committee consisting of Melissa Verbonac, Kiley and Jessica Podhordeski, Krista Verbonac, Sylvia Clouthier, Lee Rejc, Lynn McCormick, Linda Nelson, Fran and Dennis Ferster, Karen Grenier, Mitchell McCormick, Wanda Joanette, and Norm Desjardins had been preparing and organizing for two years. Their hard work and the efforts of all the volunteers was a rewarding and gratifying experience.
"We also want to acknowledge and thank all the participating service groups for their involvement in the process," commented Lee Rejc, centennial committee member.
"The service groups volunteered to oversee some of the activities, which was a tremendous help for our committee," added Melissa Verbonac. "It was nice to witness how visitors pitched in to assist with set-up and even take shifts working when we became shorthanded." It was a warm hometown feeling that never goes away.
Over 800 people attended the two and one-half day event.
"It was exciting to see people arrive on Wednesday evening with their campers and RVs" said Melissa, indicating that it was these individuals who had returned to their hometown and voluntarily assisted with setup.
Friday evening began with a registration social and music supplied by Radio Active Dance Party.
Visitors and organizers were greeted to blue skies and warm temperatures as they awoke Saturday morning. RCMP in red serge attire led the well organized parade and Dennis Leask on horseback carried the Canada flag. Many local and surrounding area businesses entered floats and local children entered their decorated bicycles and wagons. Every entry in the parade received a participation ribbon. Steve Puto, John Priestley and Jim Joanette were parade announcers.
A village market on Main Street provided an opportunity for over 20 exhibitors to display their wares. There were also a variety of activities to keep the children busy, everything from face painting and tattoos to a petting zoo and play structures. Allan Folden provided horse-drawn wagon rides on a pre-determined route throughout town.
The Senior Centre was a hub of activity throughout the weekend as it served as a teahouse. Decades of memorabilia were on display and newsprint articles were hung on the walls for everyone to view. It was a focal point of socializing and reminiscing. A PowerPoint presentation set to music was played throughout the day to show the photographs of yesteryear.
Saturday evening concluded with a catered banquet, followed by fireworks and a dance with music provided by DJ Radio Active Dance Party.
"It was an amazing display of fireworks for a small community," was a comment made by one guest. The centennial committee recruited the expertise of the trained firefighting personnel to discharge the fireworks.
On Sunday, over 250 people gathered for the pancake breakfast followed by an interdenominational church service at the historic St. Joseph's Parish. The steeple of this magnificent heritage site can be seen from the highway and is a significant landmark for the community.
Sunday afternoon was full of family related events such as a community family picnic, local musical entertainers, old-time sports day events, and children's play structures. It was a quiet afternoon as many visitors packed up and headed home. It was a nice celebration enjoyed by all.
