Skip to content

Blue River celebrates its 100th anniversary on Canada Day

Blue River celebrates the birth of our country and the fact that Blue River itself was founded in 1912
31864clearwaterBrDnnr607Kid100th
Ruthie MacDonald sports a pair of Canadian flags as she sits in front of a sign commemorating Blue River's 100th anniversary. Over 100 people celebrated the event on Canada Day with a dinner and dance at the Blue River Community Hall.

Canada Day was particularly memorable in Blue River this year. We celebrated the birth of our country and the fact that Blue River itself was founded in 1912. A 100-year history includes major changes in technology and society. Our town  has survived the varied tides of fortune.

A display of photos and memorabilia made our Community Hall a very interesting place to visit. The exhibits included items that had been placed in a time capsule in 1993 and buried beneath a cairn at the corner of our Millennium walkway to the beach.  The capsule was unearthed in time for our 100th birthday party.

Rain drenches parade start

The folks who participated in our annual Canada Day parade needed an extra degree of dedication this year, as a torrential downpour soaked everyone thoroughly just before the parade ParadeJohnKendrawas to start. Our stalwart parade participants started off on cue and still cheered and waved despite their sodden state. Townsfolk and visitors gathered along the route to cheer them on, and the younger ones flung themselves into the task of retrieving thrown candy.

Following the parade, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at Lake Eleanor beach to sing O' Canada, led by Barb Quinn. As usual, a delicious Canada birthday cake, donated by Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, was joyfully consumed in combination with chocolate ice cream donated by Oakman's Store. At the beach house concession, the menu included mouth-watering burgers that the late Lolly Fehr would have been proud of.

A water balloon toss and a nail-pounding contest provided fun for the younger set as well as some very artistic sandcastle building. Canoe races provided a combination of observed expertise and comic relief for the onlookers. All canoeists should be commended for their good sportsmanship.

Dinner winds up Canada Day

In the evening, a tasty meal of ham, scalloped potatoes, salads and vegetables was enjoyed by a good crowd. Dessert was another Canada birthday cake and tasty squares. It was a treat to see the community hall well filled for the celebration. Our TNRD director Willow Macdonald was the emcee for the evening and had also served as chief cook for the meal. MLA Terry Lake LakePresentsPlaquemade a short speech and presented a commemorative plaque to the community. Many door prizes had been donated by local businesses for the occasion and added to the enjoyment of the evening.

A dance and a colorful fireworks display rounded out the dual birthday celebration. Many folk who had made Blue River their home in years past returned to have a part in this special day. The warm homecoming spirit added to the joy of the occasion.

– Becca West Beaton