In preparation of Canada’s 150th birthday, a silent auction has brought Mike Fabrick one step closer to reaching his goal of having a Powwow for Canada Day.

The silent auction held on June 3, raised approximately $4,000 towards the powwow competition.

“Overall, it went good but we could have done better,” said Mike Fabrick, Powwow event organizer. “There was so much going on in the valley that day.”

With Canada Day fast approaching, the next steps have been to extend to corporate sponsors for specific dances. More sponsorship opportunities like teepee village banners and prizes are now up for grabs as well.

Dancers are in eight different categories which they can compete for prizes.

Before Drumheller was founded, the actual location of Drumheller used to be a meeting place for tribes to trade and deliberate topics. The area acted as a neutral ground for everyone.

“It has a significance to it,” said Fabrick. “That’s where they would gather and celebrate and do their bartering, and then afterward they would go their separate ways and get back to life.”

Three artists were in attendance for the auction to give an authentic touch to the fundraiser.

The one Siksika Nation artist was doing behind the scenes work like organizing dancers and getting teepees ready for the event.

The second artist does rebranding of items and she creates pictures and paintings. The third artist does amber carving where he was able to demonstrate his craft outside the store on the day of the auction.

“It’s neat for people to come by and see,” said Fabrick.

Quality items were donated by the community for the auction, giving Fabrick a great opportunity to resell to raise funding.

“It was amazing how the community gave us donations for the silent auction, it was overwhelming of all the stuff that we had,” said Fabrick.

Besides the communities many donated items, the overall approval for the powwow has been nothing short of support.

“The community really stepped up,” said Fabrick.

The event is meant to be a large part of the day by allowing everyone to participate and enjoy.

“It is meant to be a celebration and we want it to be free for everybody,” said Fabrick.

This Saturday is parade day, one of Drumheller’s long-standing Canada Day traditions. However, to enjoy it to the fullest, there are a few things to remember.

This year the theme to the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce’s Parade is  Canadiana to Mark Canada's 150th birthday. An important detail to note is making sure know the route. It will muster and take off from the neighborhood of Riverside, but will conclude along Railway Avenue. This will hopefully alleviate congestion near the Drumheller Memorial Arena following the parade.

Because of the length of the parade, there are myriad of places to take in all the action. The parade begins winding through the valley at 10 a.m. so it is a good idea to stake your claim early. Please be respectful of property owners.

A great way to start the day is with a hearty breakfast, and the Kinsmen Club of Drumheller is hosting its annual free pancake breakfast at Riverside Value Drug Mart.

Before heading o to the parade route a few good things to remember is to bring lots of water and make sure you lock up before leaving home.

For the little ones, make sure they have a bathroom break before leaving home and make sure they have hats and sunscreen. Rain is rare at Drumheller’s Canada Day Parade, but be prepared nonetheless.

The Canada Day parade is all about fun, so make sure you clap, cheer and have a ball. Also, be aware the parade has animals and vehicles, so keep an eye on younger revelers.

Once the parade is complete, the day has only just begun. Before heading out for the day, however please be courteous and clean up your area.

Enjoy your Canada Day and have fun!