4 minute read
Renowned Pysanka Celebrates Half-Century Mark
Renowned Pysanka Celebrates Half-Century Mark
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
The weather was picture-perfect, and the day was full of harmony and honour at the Pysanka’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at Pysanka Park (Vegreville Elks/Kinsmen Park) on July 26.
During the event, visitors commented on how well-maintained and stunning the Pysanka was.
Tradition drove around the park when people took rides in the OBIE CN Train.
In the early afternoon, Hunter, the Oilers Mascot, was a real hit with his playful humour while socializing and greeting attendees.
There was a lineup of impressive live local dancers and music performers, which included the Vegreville Line Dance Club, Kristen Baldwin, Brandon Hachkowski, Ukrainian Tradition Band, Abygale Durie, and the Off Ramp Boys.
Additionally, attendees enjoyed a complimentary pancake breakfast, a Kid Zone with a bouncy structure, a Farmers’ Market, food trucks, and free glitter tattoos featuring the big egg.
The Coloured Party with Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 39 and Vegreville RCMP commenced the Opening Ceremonies where President of Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce Eric Guilbault stated that in 1975, this remarkable monument was unveiled to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police-an organization whose legacy of service, integrity, and dedication to community safety has long been a cornerstone of Canadian identity. The Vegreville Pysanka was, and remains, a powerful symbol of peace, security, and cultural pride.
“On this golden anniversary, we honour those who brought the Pysanka to life, from its conception as a federal tribute to the RCMP, to the designers, engineers, and volunteers who turned a bold idea into a lasting legacy. We also honour the RCMP for their enduring role in shaping the fabric of our nation,” Guilbault said.
MP for Lakeland Shannon Stubbs reflected on how this extraordinary monument has captured imaginations and hearts—not only as an architectural marvel, functioning as an actual weathervane—but also as a symbol of unity, resilience, and the vibrant cultural fabric of our region.
“Over the years, the Pysanka has helped define Vegreville’s identity. It has welcomed more than 20,000 visitors annually, and stood as a powerful symbol of unity as the site for ceremonies to honour the resilience of Ukraine and to embrace newcomers who are now proudly making Vegreville their home.” Stubbs said.
Guilbault read Honourable MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk’s speech, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees, which echoed the same ideas in their messages.
Mayor of Vegreville Tim MacPhee stressed that this iconic landmark is more than a cultural treasure; it is an economic driver for our community, with over 68,000 visitors last year alone.
Reeve of the County of Minburn, Roger Konieczny issued greetings that echoed similar facts and sentiments.
After this, Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn, the daughter of Paul Sembaliuk, who was the Pysanka designer, spoke about how the egg was constructed and a brief history of it.
Then, Richard Sites mentioned that he was one of the volunteers who constructed and assembled the Pysanka, where he came from California with his wife, Lucey Bones, to attend this occasion.
In the early afternoon, a special moment was when RCMP officers flew in a 145 helicopter.
Additionally, many attendees expressed how honoured they felt to participate, volunteer, and commemorate such a momentous occasion.
Vegreville resident Nora Paquette shared that wherever she travels in Canada, people always know Vegreville by the big egg.
Gerri Ewaniuk and her sister Gayle Speidel reflected on when they attended the unveiling celebration of the egg 50 years ago and remembered how everyone was so excited. They were watching it being constructed before and were wondering how it would turn out.
When they first saw it, they thought it was awesome! “Our nephew and niece, Eli and his sister Dianne Zayatz were the Ukrainian dancers who performed for the Grand Opening Ceremony 50 years ago.”
This World’s Largest stunning Easter Egg measures 31 feet (9.4 meters) tall and 25.7 feet (7.9 meters) long, weighing in at approximately 5,512 pounds (2,500 kilograms).
The egg is constructed from aluminum, bronze, and stainless steel, and features a complex geometric framework beneath its outer shell.
It is driven by wind power.
Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce hosted this event with the help of community businesses and organizations.
