You may not realize it, but some of the most hospitable festivals take place in small towns. The Town of Morinville, with a population of just over 10,000, features a variety of events in unique themes, and ranging in size and scope.
Its latest offering, Morinville Festival Days on June 21 to 24, celebrates its multi-tiered heritage. It showcases Aboriginal Flag Raising Day, Freedom of the City Military Exercises, a parade, midway, pancake breakfast, car show, firefighter challenge, entertainment and helicopter rides.
“It’s a look at the community’s lasting memories and it’s an opportunity for people to come together for the weekend. It’s a very social event and there’s something for everyone. We want everyone to feel included and to have a great time,” said Chantal Godberson, Town of Morinville culture and events programmer.
The Thursday kickoff salutes National Peoples Indigenous Day with drummers, singers, dancers and ending with a Friendship Round Dance at St. Jean Baptiste Park. Alexander First Nation will participate and an estimated 300 students will attend. The event runs 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
On Friday, the tempo picks up as Wild Rose Midway launches its amusement rides on the festival grounds near Ray McDonald Arena at 4 p.m. The accompanying beer gardens open at 6 p.m. with proceeds going to breast cancer research.
The evening slides into a spirited volleyball game and an old-time fiddle concert with Alfie and Byron Myhre and special guests Ed Bulger and Paul Smith.
Saturday gets underway early with a pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Mayor Barry Turner and councillors are whipping out flippers to cook for the highly anticipated crowd.
Once everyone is fed, the First City Battalion will march through Morinville to perform a historic Freedom Of the City exercise.
“The soldiers knock on the doors of Town Hall three times with the pummel of a sword. The mayor comes out and will inspect the guard,” said Godberson.
Immediately after the military exercise finishes at around 10:30 a.m., a parade with about 20 local floats will travel down 100 Avenue.
“We recommend people sit close to City Hall so they can see the parade and the military exercise.”
The rest of the day is jam-packed with activities including the Bumper-to-Bumper Show and Shine, the firefighters’ combat challenge, and a hotdog fundraiser for the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation.
The Alexander Band sets up an Indigenous Village at the festival grounds and Synergy Aviation offers visitors a bird’s eye view of Morinville in an eight-minute helicopter ride at the Fish and Game Pond. Cost is $75.
“Riding in a helicopter is one of the most amazing feelings. You feel so small and so large at the same time. It’s one of those surreal moments.”
Other events include Musée Morinville Museum displays from Vimy Ridge to Juno, a Garrison vehicle display, children’s pavilion entertainment and an evening concert from the Polyester Coyotes.
Bright and early on Sunday morning, the 6th annual Jessica Martel Memorial Run starts at the Rendezvous Centre. Sign up at the Running Room.
