WESTLOCK – Canada Day in the Town of Westlock will, at the very least, start with a pancake breakfast at the Legion and conclude with a spectacular 20-minute fireworks show that’s been dubbed ‘Reigniting the Spirit of Westlock.’
And depending on the COVID-19 restrictions in place July 1, the day may include a free swim at pool, plus a day-long outdoor community showcase for groups like the dance clubs, pickleball and the Thunderbirds football team at the Altador Athletic Field until the fireworks begin at 11 p.m.
At the Town of Westlock’s May 25 council meeting, community services program and marketing supervisor Travis Darling walked councillors through the municipality’s Canada Day plans, stating they’ve tried to remain flexible considering the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. On May 26 the province announced its three-step plan toward the relaxing of all the COVID-19 measures — Stage 3, which would see most of the regulations eliminated, is slated for early July, or two weeks after 70 per cent of eligible Albertans have received at least one dose of vaccine.
“I really focused on planning this activity with the goal that we’re trying to move past COVID-19, that we’re hopefully through the next checkpoint and we can come together as a community and not on Zoom anymore and actually see each other in person,” said Darling, noting that as the event draws closer they’ll ensure the public knows exactly what they’ll be able to offer via advertising, social-media posts and even a physical presence at the Farmer’s Market.
“At the end of the day I want to use this event to reignite the spirit of Westlock.”
Added mayor Ralph Leriger: “I like your theme and this town has proven over the years that it likes a big fireworks show. I think our community is sitting at almost 50 per cent vaccinated which is a wonderful thing because that is what gets us our freedom at the end of the day.”
Councillors, who also volunteered their services if needed at the event, appreciated the plan and built-in flexibility, while community services director Gerry Murphy applauded Darling for his work.
“This was a mountain of a task. To plan for all age groups, to plan for different regulations, changing standards … we don’t even know what July 1 will hold. So I can appreciate that this was a many-faced puzzle and you’ve risen to the task,” said Coun. Murtaza Jamaly.
“There have been obvious challenges around trying to plan for festivities during COVID-19 and Travis has risen to the occasion. We have been strategic in our planning process by focusing on outdoor activities as it’s proven the province has historically opened outdoor activities before indoor,” Murphy noted. “We are excited at the prospect of friends and neighbours being able to get reacquainted in a safe and socially-distanced outdoor setting.”
The pancake breakfast and fireworks are events Darling characterized as “COVID-certain activities.” The breakfast can be a sit down or drive-thru event, while the fireworks are an outdoor event that lends itself to social distancing.
“We’ve organized the pancake breakfast to either take place as a drive-thru event or if restrictions do allow we can modify it right up until the day we have to serve. So everything will stay the same, it runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., but how it actually runs could change dependent on where we are at the time with COVID,” Darling explained.
The fireworks show, sponsored by the Westlock & District Chamber of Commerce, will rival the one held for the town’s 100th anniversary celebration back in 2016 and is actually being done by the same company, Star Storm Fireworks, said Darling.
Aside from the major events, they’ll be handing out individually-wrapped Canada Day cupcakes, instead of having a cake, and kids activity packages which include a Canada flag and stickers — the delivery method will be determined by COVID-19 restrictions.
