This year’s May Long celebration offered the traditional events that locals enjoy—pancake breakfast, Grad 2016 BBQ fundraiser, 3rd annual Slo-Pitch tournament, beer garden, community garage sale, Haymaker Rodeo, bouncy houses and face painting, and the noon hour parade which commenced under cool, damp and windy conditions.
Parade float prizes were sponsored by Thorsby District Chamber of Commerce and were awarded in three categories: Community—Leduc County, Business—Twisted Lime Liquor Company, and Fun—Britt & Luuk Sholten (gorilla and explorer).
The bike parade was started by Jenn Ferguson and sponsored by FCSS. The winners are: 1st—Brantley Horn, 2nd—Shelby Horn, and 3rd—Layla Ferguson. St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse rode his old-timey bicycle also known as a penny-farthing.
Over at the fire station, Thorsby Fire District members gave away 360 hot dogs--an estimated 400 attended. Kids enjoyed two bouncy castles and treats. District Fire Chief Rob Krueger said they are happy to serve the community and host the May Long open house. Krueger added recruitment is coming along—a couple more recruits joined during the last training session and applications have gone out to eight potential recruits. “Another 6 recruits would be great,” said Krueger. So, if you are contemplating making a positive contribution to your community, please consider joining the fire department. Once accepted, you will receive expert training and experience a camaraderie closely akin to family.
Something New
Thorsby & District Cultural & Historical Society debuted its very affordable “Saturday at the Movies” with showings of “Sponge Bob Out of Water”, “Jupiter Ascending”, and “Kingsman.”
Hankin Street was cordoned off as Thorsby and District Public Market launched its weekly Saturday street sales.
While windy weather forced the cancellation of the hot air balloon rides, in the arena, kids waited patiently in two long lines to experience the gravity defying EuroBungy. As they bounce on the trampoline, EuroBungy participants wear a special harness attached to bungee cords to safely control movement while allowing them to jump to greater heights and safely attempt daring mid-air flips and somersaults.
Public Works open house
Phil Varze, Lead Hand with Thorsby Public Works, said nearly everyone who walked past the shop stopped in. “Public Works does what it can to make residents happy,” said Varze, “whether it is taking care of water breaks, clearing snow, or flushing the sewer and hydrants.” The public viewed, up close, the equipment that keeps the town running smoothly—including the newer 2014 loader. Also on display, the 1928 fire truck that Phil fondly describes as the “Little Red Relic—one of the first fire trucks that Thorsby ran right up into the 50s.”
The Water Treatment Plant offered tours also.
Canadian Armed Forces
More than a few wondered why there were no horses in this year’s parade. It certainly was not because the Village passed a bylaw forbidding it. Well, if the horses didn’t show, at least something new and high tech filled their spot (Edmonton’s Light Armoured Vehicle 6.0 (LAV)) and it made quite an impressive sight as it rolled down Hankin Street on parade.
Afterwards, in the Community Hall parking lot, kids stopped to take a look at the CAF display of guns and the LAV. Some tried out the driver’s seat and perhaps dreamed of the day when they too may serve their country. LAV 6.0 can carry 3 crew and 7 dismounts. MCpl Steven Wilkinson, CFB Edmonton, said this upgraded version of the LAV lll still uses a 25mm cannon with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun but with an improved integrated fire control system; it also offers better protection from mines and IEDs.
Thorsby & District Chamber of Commerce President Nathan Raymond said it was good seeing so many community organizations coming together for this event. The Chamber made good on its promise to deliver the fireworks show at the “May Long” after the Christmas in the Village fireworks were cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Raymond said the Chamber may consider running two fireworks shows per year in the future.