WESTLOCK – Although rainy weather cancelled much of the Canada Day celebrations in Westlock, organizers were happy with what they were able to put on and vowed 2024 will be even better.
Several activities were cancelled and opening ceremonies were delayed by about an hour, and in a Facebook post July 1 organizer Fiona Campbell said, “unfortunately we’ve had to cancel our bouncy castles. The ground is just too wet.” While there were still other things on, including the barbecue and music on the outdoor stage, she noted it was weather dependent. “We’d love to see you all out … next year we’ll do it better and we’ll have a back-up plan.”
Presented by the Town of Westlock Community Events Committee the day included face painting, a free swim at the pool and free barbecue by the Westlock and District Chamber of Commerce, a youth market, a dog show presented by Dynamo Dogsports from Edmonton and several stage acts including the Westlock Vrozhay Ukrainian Dancers, Family Taekwondo, local musician Ian O’Brien and tribute artist Jaedyn Pilon.
“We were battling the weather the entire day,” said stage organizer Tina Wold. “And though, I do understand that Barrhead got to do all of their events, it just worked out for them, it did not work out for us. At 5 p.m. when we had that (afternoon) storm, we lost the crowds … at that point we just said we’re going to cancel everyone.”
Wold, who is also part of the town’s community events committee said they will have to consider plans for Canada Day next year.
“We were thrilled with the people who did show up, but I think we need to look hard and long on Canada Day for next year and we’ll see what the committee comes up with,” said Wold.
