Every July 1st for the past ten years, Virden has been host to a Canada Day celebration in Victoria Park. The event is free to the public and features a parade, opening ceremonies, free Canada Day cake, children’s activities, bouncy castles, afternoon entertainment on the Chevron Stage, and an evening band. The event wraps up with a fireworks display after dark.
The committee that works to organize the event is comprised of 10 tireless volunteers, who, beginning in November, meet once a month to put together everything that is needed to make the day a success. Their only income is the revenue that is generated from the food booth, which serves up delicious burgers and hotdogs, along with cold drinks and treats all day long. The committee relies upon generous donations and sponsorships from companies and businesses in Virden and surrounding area to fund the event. They work hand in hand with the Town of Virden to coordinate all aspects of the day.
Unfortunately, this year’s Canada Day Celebrations committee is faced with some tough decisions. Of the 10 volunteers who make it up, eight have voiced requests to step down from their positions for various reasons.
It is time for new voices and fresh ideas, which equates to new members coming aboard. Various pleas for new membership have been made on a multitude of social platforms, including the committee’s Facebook page and the Town of Virden pages, but thus far the committee has not received an outpouring of interest.
At the last committee meeting, they discussed the very real possibility of this July 1st being the final event that the committee will host. Unless new committee members can be found, the committee is prepared to deal with that reality.
Are you interested in seeing the Virden Canada Day Celebration continue for years to come? Are you willing to be a part of a committee dedicated to putting on a fabulous, family oriented event? The committee needs your input! Please join us at a public meeting on Tuesday, February 25th, in the upper meeting room of Tundra Oil and Gas Place at 7:30. Please attend!
