The Badlands Community Facility was packed Wednesday afternoon as Drumheller celebrated the official day it was incorporated 100 years ago.
“It went awesome. I’m so thrilled. People came and enjoyed themselves. Everyone was in a great mood. Also, the people who came were all ages. We are 100 years now, so we want the youth to come out and support Drumheller,” said Sharel Shoff, chair of Drumheller’s centennial committee.
The afternoon opened with a barbecue and entertainment by local musicians Joe Vickers and Pat Parsons for Drumheller’s eldest residents.
“Today was interesting in that we had four people over 100 years old, one that is 93, and another that is 92. It’s pretty awesome to have them at our centennial,” said Shoff.
In a touching moment Blake Vickers and Dr. Brummy Aiello cut the centennial cake.
Afterwards, the general public arrived for the celebrations. Dignitaries gave a few words about Drumheller’s 100th birthday.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed this day in Drumheller. It’s been a real pleasure to be here,” said MP Crowfoot Kevin Sorenson. “This is a very special day. The exact day local officials secured the future of the Village of Drumheller. The date Drumheller was officially incorporated.”
MLA Drumheller-Stettler Rick Strankman congratulated Drumheller as well.
“One of my great pleasures in my newly elected position is going throughout the constituency and recognizing 100 years of residents or (municipal) incorporation. I really enjoy seeing these historical pictures that signify the values and the roots of the province of Alberta. Hardworking, honesty, and loyalty, I want to congratulate the town for its achievements and each and every one of the residents,” said Strankman.
The celebrations closed with a skit, performed by Michael Todor and Eric Neuman, reenacting the fabled coin toss that decided the name of the town, followed by another cake cutting with Mayor Terry Yemen and Strankman.
“I think it’s gone incredibly well. It’s a good day to be mayor,” said Yemen. “I’m very happy with the turnout, the events, and the weather is great.”
Though the official centennial day is over, there are more centennial celebrations planned.
“I know for sure Cathy Smoliak, our FCSS coordinator has started planning. We, as a (centennial) committee, will help her with that and do whatever we need to do. If people want to come down on Canada Day, they should come. That’s the weekend to come,” said Shoff. “We’ll probably have a meeting within a couple weeks. Then we’ll come out with more information about what’s happening.”
Mayor Terry Yemen (right) couldn’t wait to have a piece of the centennial cake after he and Rick Strankman, MLA Drumheller-Stettler, made the first cuts.
Pat Parsons (left) and Joe Vickers entertained throughout the centennial celebrations with songs reliving Drumheller’s mining history.
“It looks like it’ll be Drumheller for another 100 years,” said Sam Drumheller (left, played by Eric Neuman) after a redo of the famous coin toss that decided the name of the town 100 years ago. Drumheller tossed the coin with Thomas Greentree (Michael Todor) during Drumheller’s centennial celebrations on Wednesday, May 15.
Halleise Baker, 5, daughter of Tanja, grabs on of the centennial balloons as a souvenir.
