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Vol. 16, No. 32, Wednesday, July 7 , 2021 www.LamontLeader.com
Lamont County communities celebrate CANADA Downsized Canada Day still successful in Bruderheim BY JANA SEMENIUK While a Canada Day fireworks display was cancelled in Bruderheim even before other towns and the County of Lamont declared a fire ban, the evening neighbourhood Canada Day parade went ahead as planned for the second year in a row. Chief Administrative Officer Patty Podoborozny said although the province announced an Open for Summer Plan that included lifting restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings July 1, town council opted to exercise caution in delivering Canada Day activities. “The neighbourhood parade was planned as an exercise of caution to avoid people gathering in close proximity to each other on Queen Street,” she said. Podoborozny added that the idea, initiated during last year’s Canada Day, was popular among residents. “We did it last year and people really enjoyed being able to gather on their front lawns with family,” she said. “We had a lot of positive feedback about it.” A total of 11 entries made up the parade ranging from dressed up heavy equipment and trucks from local BM Services, to participation from some local politicians including Strathcona ward five councillor Paul Smith, and interim leader of the Alberta Party Jacquie Fenske. Rounding out the procession was horseback rider Diane Braden on Brownie, children driving decorated quads, and fire trucks sounding their alarms. Bruderheim council members, including Bruderheim town mascot Brud the Bear, also communicated a special message by wearing identical orange shirts during the parade emblazoned with a logo created by 10-yearold Kennedy Bruno from the Sampson Cree Nation in Alberta. Continued on Page 11
Mundare fireworks show goes ahead to appreciative crowd
Andrew Mayor Gary Leppek catches one water balloon in mid-air, before finally succumbing to the next one as it breaks dousing him with water. Leppek, along with town councillor Ken Hamaliuk, stepped up for children to throw water balloons at them during Canada Day celebrations last Thursday. Photos: Jana Semeniuk
Andrew celebrates dual birthdays on Canada Day BY JANA SEMENIUK Canada Day was special for the little village of Andrew this year. Not only was it Canada’s 154th birthday, but July 1 also signalled the end of an 18month long pandemic that caused businesses and residents alike to suffer with public health restrictions, while simultaneously saving lives. Alberta’s Open for Summer plan, which lifted restrictions such as mask mandates and capacity limits on indoor and outdoor social gatherings began on July 1. Andrew’s Mayor Gary Leppek was overjoyed with the turnout for their outdoor Canada Day celebrations. “It’s great. We’re having a party,” he said laughing. “I’m so happy that it’s finally over.” Approximately 100 people attended the day-long festivities which included live music, a balloon animal maker for the kids, free cake, hotdogs and pop, a 50/50 draw, games and prizes for the kids, as well as some water shenanigans by the Andrew Fire Department keeping the crowd cool in the 30 C
weather. Sparky, the Fire Department mascot, joined in the fun by not only spraying the crowd with water, he also performed the chicken dance along with the crowd. Leppek said having a large community event like this would help connect the community. “Everyone wants to be here,” he said. “I really believe it will help bring people together again.” When asked if he felt concerned with public health in terms of it being the first day of the lifting of public restrictions, Leppek’s answer was solid. “Any concerns? We do not,” he stated. “I think the warmer weather has kept some of the seniors at home and that’s unfortunate because it’s such a beautiful day. But I think most people were looking forward to getting out of their houses, visiting with neighbours and friends.” Leppek added that typically Andrew puts a bit more effort into Canada Day than other holidays for a very good reason. Continued on Page 11
BY JANA SEMENIUK Mundare residents were treated to a 20-minute display of fireworks on Canada Day in spite of fire bans across the county prompting cancellations. Bruderheim cancelled their fireworks on June 25 in light of hot dry weather ahead of the Lamont County fire ban announced on June 28. Mundare Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla explained that Mundare was not included in the Lamont County fire ban and therefore allowed to conduct fireworks. “We are separate from the county so if the county puts it on (fire ban) we evaluate for ourselves. We talked with council and decided to go ahead with it,” he said. Although the decision was made to proceed, Zyla said some factors had to be considered. “We look to see how hot it is and what condition the grass is in, and it’s still quite green. And the fire department is always on scene when we do fireworks,” he said. Zyla added that people were also looking forward to the lifting of COVID restrictions on July 1. “I think that (in light of) everything with COVID, this is a chance for people to get out,” he said. Zyla smiled as he described his feelings around the first day of no mask mandates. “I was very happy. It was nice going into stores without any masks and seeing people’s faces,” he said. The fireworks were well received by the residents who gathered on sidewalks and in the street to take in the display. The popping, whistling and flashings were greeted with plenty of gasps from the crowd as well as a round of applause at its conclusion.
