Vauxhall centennial postponed to 2021

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance
cparkinson@tabertimes.com

With the province’s announcement to cancel or postpone all events this coming summer, the Town of Vauxhall’s 100th birthday celebration has been pushed to 2021.

While council had anticipated this for the last several weeks, the announcement has made it crystal clear the event won’t be able to be held on the actual centennial of the town.

“I’m sure you’ve all heard the announcement from the province in regards to banning gatherings of more than 15 people this summer. The Calgary Stampede, Whoop Up Days, Cornfest…they’ve all been cancelled this year. And so we must also announce that our Centennial Celebration will not happen in 2020,” reads the Town of Vauxhall and BRID Centennial Facebook page. “We are disappointed, but we know this is for the best. Our biggest focus as a community needs to be staying healthy, and reaching out to our friends and neighbours in need. Our hope is to postpone the celebration until the summer of 2021, so please stay tuned for details! We still have some announcements to be made, and want to find ways to celebrate 100 years throughout the summer without a formal gathering. We’re looking forward to the day when we can gather together and celebrate.”

In terms of funding for the coming event, the town has secured the Heritage Grant for $15,000, Family and Community Support Services have put aside $6,300 for kid activities, Bow River Irrigation District will be contributing around $20,000 and the town committed $10,000. Council had also approved $10,000 in funding for a centennial clock which is anticipated to be completed this year with Americlock being chosen as the provider at a cost of $49,132.

Funding for the clock is coming from the Vauxhall Ag Society ($10,000), Columbia Seed ($6,000), BRID ($10,000), Claassen Farms $1,000 and $10,000 from the town’s Heritage grant.