CeOpeningremonies
Fun at the Fly-In Breakfast
‘Twas the night before Jaywalkers’
It was the night before Jaywalkers’. Most of the rides were set up, waiting and as we walked past, we could almost smell the cotton candy in the air. I told my kids the story of one fateful Jaywalkers’ from the past, and they listened patiently although they had heard the story several times before.
My parents had taken us camping one weekend in June with good family friends when I was about 10. It was only once we returned and caught up with friends at school that we realized it had been Jaywalkers’ weekend. And we had missed it entirely. It turned out that my mom and her friend had decided they didn’t want to volunteer for the dunk tank, a fundraiser run by the swim club at the time. And, well, the best way to avoid volunteering was to go away that weekend.
We were speechless; did our parents not realize the sheer glee that kids feel at this event? Stomach churning rides, once a year treats like snow cones, cotton candy and mini donuts, and that bustling atmosphere, carnival workers calling out that every player in their game is a winner.
My kids nodded sympathetically, taking in the full gravity of my sad tale–they could only imagine how disappointing this must have been. As an adult, I think it’s pretty funny that the moms concocted this scheme to escape selling balls for the dunk tank, and I harbour no bitterness. However, I don’t remember where we camped, what we did or if we had fun, but I certainly remember that we missed Jaywalkers’ that year.
Jaywalkers’, which began with simple roots of celebrating the end of seeding, brings back so many memories for local people. Maybe you held hands with a new crush there, or threw up through the bars of The Zipper (I didn’t say they were all good memories), or were in awe of the sight of a packed Main Street from the height of the Ferris wheel. We have walked the busy street with our children strapped to us. We have bought tickets for “just a couple of rides” for our young kids and then realized that they could go on the Fun House that had a slide exit 20 times each easily; wristbands became the way to go.
And now here we are, on the cusp of the 66th annual event on Main Street. Last year, we thought we were set; cash in pockets, sunscreen on, good walking shoes, and tickets for our wristbands. But wait, one friend had forgotten her wristband ticket at home so we needed to make a quick stop there. As we headed out, I was being a bit complainy about our late start–we were already supposed to be there when we were leaving the house.
My daughter brought me up short by saying, “Mom, it’s not always easy being the mom who everyone knows will help them out if they need a ride or anything.” I was speechless. It was one of the highest compliments anyone has ever paid me. What an honour and privilege to be that mom! I could complain no more because that is what I have always wanted, to be that mom who makes life a bit easier for all the kids she encounters. Need sunscreen or food between rides? I’ve got you covered.
We set a new family record last year for length of time in one day spent at Jaywalkers’ without going home for a break: 10 and a quarter hours. I was ready to get out of the wind by 2 p.m., but they most definitely were not ready to leave.
As we finally went to bed that night, my oldest son said in a crushed voice, “So I won’t be able to go on the Drop of Doom again for another 365 days?”
Maybe it’s the anticipation that makes Jaywalkers’ the outstanding event that it is.
May 25, the
as the
Club
its annual
Over 74 aircraft arrived, resulting in a total of 148 aircraft movements during the five-hour event. Pictured above are Linda and
from
On
Camrose Airport became one of the busiest in the country
Camrose Flying
hosted
Fly-In Breakfast.
Wayne Danser, who flew in
Rimbey to enjoy the delicious breakfast.
Tables were filled with happy families enjoying a nice Sunday breakfast together and the children enjoyed watching the airplanes arrive and depart. Pictured above, from left, are Olivia Grosfield, Ashley Michielsen, Iris Grosfield and Eliza Grosfield.
Approximately 1,300 breakfasts were served with the help of community volunteers and the Camrose Fish and Game Association. From left, Vince McConnell and Rylan Hein cooked and served the breakfast at the busy event.
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster
A troop of police officers and their horses perform intricate formations and drills set to music. Don’t miss this uniquely
Show
Jaywalks to Bailey
By Murray Green
The Bailey Theatre has a great lineup of upcoming shows planned. Pepperland will play its version of The Beatles music all night on June 6 starting at 8 p.m.
Founded in 2011, Pepperland is an Edmonton quartet specializing in the music of the Beatles. This is not a band of mop-top impersonators, nor is it a tribute band in the traditional or theatrical sense. Pepperland plays the Beatles as a celebration of music and spirit.
Godfrey Blaque will be supplying the music for the 1975 Class Reunion on June 7 at 5 p.m.
The Magic of Rotary is two shows featuring magic and illusion on June 14 at 2 and 6:30 p.m. The afternoon show is for families and the evening show will have spirits.
Tim Isberg is back with a show entitled Prairie Fire on June 21 at 8 p.m. Originally from southern Alberta, veteran soldier Tim Isberg is an accomplished singersongwriter.
OperaVision presents Un Giorno Di Regno in a streaming opera event on June 22 at 2 p.m.
Bailey Buckaroos return with a variety of country music on June 29 starting at 2 p.m.
The Hip Experience is a celebration of the music of The Tragically Hip. The international touring tribute is dedicated to celebrating the music of The Tragically Hip on July 2 and 8 p.m.
It is almost time for Jaywalkers’ Jamboree
By Adan Shaikh
Jaywalkers’ Jamboree will take place on June 6 to 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The City has already approved the road closures and the Jaywalkers’ Got Talents–Youth Edition registration has now closed. West Coast Amusements will soon be in Camrose to set up the rides for this year’s festival.
In Jaywalkers’ Got Talent–Youth Edition participants will compete for first, second and third place prizes. The first place prize is $1,000, second place will receive $500 and third place winner gets $250. From 2 to 4 p.m. the main stage will be used for this contest and all attendees can watch the local youth showcase their talents.
The Pancake Breakfast this year will take place from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on both June 6 and 7. The Camrose Arts Society will be volun teering at this breakfast and adding an artistic flair to the event.
Jaywalkers’ Jamboree is completely set up and run by volunteers. Camrose Chamber of Commerce, the organization responsible for organizing this annual event, is volunteer-run and rely on the community each year to make this event enjoyable for all Camrosians.
This year finding volunteers has been a challenge and the organizers are looking for more volunteers to help with the event. To volunteer or for more information email admina@camrose chamber.ca.
Advanced wristbands can be purchased until June 5, which come at a discounted price and can be purchased at the Chamber office located at Bill Fowler Centre, Canadian Tire, Save-on-Foods and Wild Rose Co-op.
Regular tickets and wristbands will be available on the day of the festival. The wristbands and tickets are required for the rides and games, but the admission to the event is free.
Jaywalkers’ Jamboree is the perfect way to enjoy a fun-filled, summer day with the family.
Bumpers
File Photo
cars are only one of the many exciting rides available at the Jaywalkers’ Jamboree.
ÉCCHS grads going to go far
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster
Dressed to the nines and glowing with pride, the ÉCCHS grad planning committee of 2025 sparkled like stars in the night sky as they head into the future. Pictured from left, front row,
Principal
presented the
Principal Shane Gau welcomed the class, their families and special guests with a heartfelt speech. He advised the class of 2025 to take on their futures with courage and determination.
Students Dawsyn
coordinated the ceremonies as emcees. They welcomed their fellow students and introduced the guests and speakers to the crowd.
The graduating class threw their caps in the air as the farewell ceremony came to an end.
Students Mya
gave a earnest tribute to their friends.
and
reflected on the lifelong friendships that they have formed over the years and the struggles and chaos of high school. They hope that their friends will find more friends, who are just as supportive, as they move on in their lives.
Aneya Steeves, Dawsyn Calhoon, Jordyn MacKinnon, Chloe Smith, Kenzie Tyson, Aunika Heise, Sadie Brisson, Hayden Vanoni, Tahairah Moore, Jaslyn Pozerniuk.
From left, back row, Makayla Dewald, Hayley Herder, Macy Parsons, Shayla Van Petten, Kara Lofgren, Reese Denham, Mya Bergstrom, Jabulani McKenzie, Mayla Berger, Maha Farooqui, Sevrin Lindstrand, Gabriel Mamuad, Emmanuel Pastolero.
Calhoon, right, and Jabulani McKenzie
Bergstrom, left, and Reese Denham
Mya
Reese
From left, students Chloe Smith, Sevrin Lindstrand and Tahairah Moore recognized the hard work of parents in their tribute. They thanked the parents for all the support they provide their children.
Gau
certificate to student Bianca Shackel.
Kiara Klammer wore a beautiful teal dress for the graduation ceremony.
Providing coverage to the communities of Camrose, Ohaton, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Botha, Bawlf, Kelsey, Rosalind, Daysland, Heisler, Halkirk, Strome, Forestburg, Galahad, Castor, Killam, Sedgewick, Lougheed, Coronation/Brownfield, Alliance, Hardisty, Amisk, Hughenden, Veteran, Czar, Metiskow, Cadogan, Provost (farms), Armena, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Round Hill, Kingman, Tofield, Ryley Holden, Bruce, Viking, Kinsella, Irma, Wainwright, New Nor way Ferintosh, Bashaw Bittern Lake, Gwynne, Stettler (farms).
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Local athletes compete in USA biathlon nationals
By Murray Green
Coach Leigh Heie was nominated and recognized as one of the three nominees for Nordiq Alberta’s Coach of the Year at the Nordiq Alberta banquet.
In the Junior Women’s Sprint, Allyson Thain placed first with Chloe Funnell coming in third.
In the Youth Women’s Sprint, Ava Heie won the event.
In the Junior Women’s Mass Start, Thain crossed the line in first, and Fun
nell was again third. In the Junior Women’s Super Sprint, Thain placed first and Funnell came in third. In the Youth Women’s Super Sprint, Heie placed first.
A week prior to US Nationals, Ava and Allyson went to Canadian Cross-Country Nationals in Canmore, and had some impressive results competing against some of the best skiers in Canada.
Valedictorian student Dimond delivers a moving speech
Submitted by
Eastyn Dimond, ÉCCHS Grade
12 student
Good afternoon, everyone. To Mr. Gau, our incredible teachers and staff, proud families, friends, and of course, the amazing Class of 2025: It’s surreal to be standing here today.
For me, this journey through high school wasn’t exactly traditional. I attended several different schools over the past
few years–each one with its own culture, new faces, and unfamiliar hallways. Starting over so many times wasn’t always easy. But what I gained was something I never expected: a deeper understanding of myself, and a growing sense of purpose. Each new environment challenges us to figure out not just where we fit in, but who we want to be. We have to learn to adapt, to
stay grounded in what matters most to us, and to keep pushing forward even when things are uncertain. And somewhere along the way, through all the change, we start to see that our purpose isn’t something we’re handed–it’s something we create.
Piece by piece, moment by moment, through the choices we make and the people we become. And that’s something I believe
all of us here can relate to.
No matter what your high school journey looked like–whether it was smooth, chaotic, or somewhere in between–we all had to find our way. And today, we’ve arrived at this shared moment: graduation. From here, our paths will continue in all kinds of directions. Some of us are heading to college, preparing to dive into new ideas, meet new people, and maybe even
change our minds a few times along the way. Others are entering the workforce, ready to bring talent and drive into careers that are already waiting for them. Some will pursue trades, mastering the hands-on work that keeps our world running–often behind the scenes, but always essential.
Continued on page 13
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Every choice counts. And that’s the beautiful part–we don’t need to have it all figured out right now. But we do need to stay curious, stay true to ourselves, and keep moving forward.
We’ve already proven we can handle change, shown we know how to adapt, grow and find meaning in the middle of chaos. That’s what makes me confident–not just in our ability to succeed, but in our
ability to lead with purpose. To the Class of 2025: go build something meaningful. Be brave enough to start over when you need to. And don’t forget that purpose isn’t always loud–it can be quiet, steady and deeply personal. But once you find it, follow it.
Congratulations, everyone. The future is wide open–and it’s ours to shape. Thank you.
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Valedictorian Eastyn Dimond addressed the graduating class, reflecting on a personal journey of discovering purpose during school years. The speech emphasized that life is about adapting and persevering through challenges even when things are uncertain.
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EDUCATION FUNDS
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Camrose branch of the Royal Canadian Legion vice-president Gord Pasiuk, back right, presented bursaries to Heather Durand (for daughter Emma), back left, Keeley Lamson and, front row, Shannon and Ed Ashton (on behalf of grandson Thomas Ashton). Each student received $1,000.
HAPPY TUMMIES
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Camrose Safeway/Sobeys employees helped raise $14,885 through its customers and matched by head office to support the Camrose Neighbor Aid Center’s Food Bank program. Sobeys helped provide food for 423 hampers at Christmas and raised $4,400 for Stuff the Ambulance, as well as helping Sobeys raise $250,000 across the country. Pictured are Camrose staff, from left, Noor Saleh, Kelsey Magee, Al Paquette, Neighbor Aid executive director Jamime Ocampos, Janice Maier, Safeway manager Michael Gallup, Teresa Kuefler, Christine Palmerchuk, Nolan Marshall and Brandy Francis.
HELPING HANDS
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Vision Credit Union supported the Silver Creek Agricultural Society with $2,500 for the upkeep of the multiplex and upgrades to the kitchen facilities through the Helping Hand Fund. Silver Creek Agricultural Society president Darcy Ledene accepted the cheque, while Vision Credit Union staff Sharon Nelson, left, and Trudy Iftody presented the funds. Camrose County also approved a Legacy Grant in the amount of $4,099 to the Silver Creek Agricultural Society for kitchen renovations and the rink improvement project, subject to confirmation of the balance of funding.
