The Rumsey Fire Department has been selected to be the parade marshal at the Rumsey Centennial celebrations.
    In just a few weeks, the community of Rumsey will be holding a celebration of the century, hosting its centennial.
    Member of the organizing committee Rob Richmond, says they have been planning for about a year to make it a party to remember. They have sent out invites to as many residents and former residents as they could find who have played a role in shaping the community.
    Richmond said selecting the Rumsey fire department is a natural fit.
    “They’re the one staple, that has been there since day one, and while Rumsey is the home of the volunteer and we have all the different groups out there, we thought the Rumsey Volunteer Fire Department, these guys, and girls have always been there. It doesn’t  matter if it an emergency situation or doing a pancake breakfast or charity event, they are always there for everybody,” said Richmond.
    While life on the prairie goes back centuries, the Crooked Lake Cattle Company set up in Rumsey area in the early 1900s, and there were businesses in the community as early as 1909. In 1919,  Rumsey became a municipality. While today it is a hamlet in Starland County, the community spirit remained.
    They have all kinds of activities planned kicking off Friday, July 12. This is a good day for people to come, set up and get registered. They are planning a community campfire hosted by the Cawiezel family.
    Saturday kicks off with a pancake breakfast by the Munson and Morrin Fire Departments.
    The parade will go at 11 a.m. and after that there is something for everyone to celebrate.
    There will be a Rumsey School reunion, and the hall will be set up with displays and presentations on the history of the community with memorabilia of yesteryear. They have reprinted the first Rumsey community history book and they will have all three books for sale at the celebration.  
    Outside there will be kids activities including bouncy houses and concession.
    Following dinner, there will be dancing into the evening to the music of Precious Cargo followed by fireworks.
    On Sunday there will be a pancake breakfast hosted by the Rumsey Fire Department. There is also a church service, followed by cake and coffee.

It is the celebration that Drumheller waits for every year and with some hard work by the new organizing committee, the Canada Day parade will go on.
    A committee has been busy to make sure the tradition of Drumheller’s premier parade will continue in a safe and fun manner.
    This year Drumheller is celebrating the centennial of the Drumheller Fire Department and parade goers are asked to show their support by wearing red to honour the men and women who keep the community safe.
    The parade forms up in the Riverside community with judging at 9 a.m. and then the parade heads out at 10 a.m. following the established route. Safety is paramount for the committee while at the same time, they are maintaining the flavour of what makes the Canada Day parade special.
    Of course, candy and promotional items are an important part of the parade. One rule that will be strictly enforced is that candy is to be handed out to parade participants walking beside the float to patrons sitting or standing on the curb, not thrown. To keep participants the parade safe, those handing out candy are asked to be prepared and have candy bagged and packaged to minimize time spent refilling at the floats.
    To keep revellers and participants safe, the committee is recruiting volunteers who will line the parade route with a safety vest and stop signs. These ‘deputies’ will have the authority to stop the parade at any time they see an unsafe situation. There will also be the RCMP bike patrols on the route ensuring everyone has a safe, fun time.
    There are still many opportunities to volunteer for the parade. Go to www.drumhellerparade.org for more information further clarification on safety requirements, to enter a float, or to volunteer.