The Town of Irricana is looking for volunteers to step forward to organize Canada Day and Sports Day celebrations.
ìVolunteers are absolutely welcome and needed in order to pull off the kind of events we pull off,î said Irricana Councillor Larry Martin. ìWe encourage anyone to come out and be a volunteer and know that they will be heard and they will be an integral part of it.î
According to Martin, who was chair of the Sports Day Committee for the past two years, volunteers will be in charge of every decision regarding the annual event.
Two lead roles are needed on the committee including chair, who will help coordinate the volunteers and make sure the group is staying on track, and parade manager, who will be responsible for getting entries and organizing the event.
According to Martin, for many years Sports Days included a parade, a show and shine, a car rodeo and a baseball tournament.
Recently, the committee has expanded the event to include a ball hockey tournament, show jumping demonstrations and kids games.
Last yearís centennial event was well attended with a large parade complete with horse-riding groups, heritage vehicles, rodeo royalty and a large contingent of Shriners.
ìThis has been going on for generations,î said Martin. ìIt is an event we celebrate every year, so we certainly hope it is going to keep going but we need the volunteers to do it.î
This yearís first volunteer meeting will be held on March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Irricana ATB bank.
ìAnyone who is interested in helping at all with Sports Day is welcome to come out,î said Martin.
A committee of four to five volunteers is also needed to organize Canada Day celebrations in the town, according to Cathy OíDonoghue, Community Services director.
Volunteers are needed to decide on a budget, secure sponsorships and grants and organize the celebrations, which may include fireworks, childrenís activities, entertainment, food and birthday cake.
In past years, Canada Day has had support from several businesses, the Lions Club, Scouts, Community Services and many volunteers.
ìWe had about 50 volunteers last year,î said OíDonoghue. ìWe want to invite anyone new to the community to volunteer, it is an opportunity that they can reach out.î
For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities, contact the Town of Irricana at 403-935-2672.
