White Bear First Nations and the White Bear Cottage Owner Association hosted a successful Canada Day Celebration.
The crowd started lining up before 9 a.m. for a free breakfast and didn’t dissipate until after fireworks at 10 p.m. It was a full day of events with well over 500 people sharing the day together.
White Bear First Nations funded the events for the day with the Cottage Owners Association assisting with cooking of breakfast and Element Technical Services setting up the cooking station.
Shawna Maxay from White Bear played an integral role in keeping the games and activities running smoothly. Curtis Clark was Master of Ceremonies.
The beach front road was lined with a crowd of all ages in anticipation of the parade which did not disappoint. The parade started with Chief Pasap in his “Every Child Matters” golf cart and ended with the Carlyle Fire Department. The balloons, candy, water pistols and music left everyone with happy smiles.
Youth volleyball, egg toss, horseshoes and gunny sack races were organized with lots of opportunities to win prizes. Kerr’s Bouncers from Yorkton set up several large bouncers and inflatables keeping children lined up all afternoon.
Despite the hot 29-degree Celsius afternoon, Teagan Littlechief and Cadillac Jack played for hours keeping everyone entertained.
Drumming was heard while the crowd watched several traditional dancers wearing regalia dance to the Ochapowace Drummers from Round Lake.
A small group of ladies from the White Bear community were tasked with the preparation of serving hundreds of hungry guests. Barbecued burgers and hot dogs, salads, watermelon, chips and a beverage were served complimentary of the White Bear First Nations with support from the Cottage Owners Association. Shawna Maxay would like to acknowledge this group of ladies: Ayisha Maxay, Shanna Pewean, Alyssa Jacques, Elaine Maxay, Kayla Maxie, Sondra Shepherd, Nomi Maxay and Kristin Maxay.
Max Delorme from Kahkewistahaw First Nation serenaded the crowd over the supper hour.
Fireworks completed the evening.