It is a party 100 years... and then a couple more...in the making.
The Morrin centennial homecoming is coming up on the weekend of August 5. Plans are being made, invitations have been sent, and fireworks have been ordered. All the makings for an incredible celebration.
The homecoming was initially scheduled for 2020, but was postponed until this year due to ongoing concerns with COVID-19 and restrictions. The interim years appear to have been used to make it even bigger and better.
“We’re on the home stretch, and it looks like it is all coming together,” said one of the organizers, Sharon Coles.
She tells the Mail there are about 500 people registered, heading into this week, and they keep coming in. She expects close to 600. Of course, registering helps with meal planning, but those wishing to celebrate can still come to the village and enjoy the festivities.
Morrin was incorporated in May of 1920 and named after John Morrin by Malcolm H. MacLeod, General Manager of the Canadian Northern Railway.
The Morrin family is prominent in Canadian history. John Morrin was born in Scotland in 1828, the same year the family immigrated to Canada and settled in Quebec. Prior to being incorporated, the community existed as a hamlet for a decade, under the administration of the Improvement District and then by the Municipal District of Starland No. 307. Interestingly enough, Starland County will also be marking a milestone.
“Starland County is also celebrating its 80th anniversary that same day, so they are celebrating the homecoming as well," said Coles.
Things kick off on Friday, August 4, with registration, a meet and greet and a good old-fashioned wiener roast. There is an area for RV parking for those who bring their home with them.
Saturday and Sunday are filled with every activity imaginable. There will be a bouncy house, and sand pit for kids as well old fashion games and races. There will be bread baking at the sod house, train and horse wagon rides, a fireman challenge and show and shine.
The parade will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. and they are looking forward to all kinds of entries to celebrate the community.
There will be a slo-pitch tournament as well as an alumni volleyball tournament.
Saturday night will see a dance at the arena featuring the Cat Country Band and a fireworks display, sponsored by MWC Trucking at 11 p.m.
This is just a taste of all that will be going on. Most importantly, visiting and reminiscing with those in the community, past and present.

For more information, go to www.morrincentennial.com

Listeners in Southern Alberta to the Rangeland Derby at the Calgary Stampede this year heard a familiar voice on the airwaves as Drumheller’s Jason Blanke had the opportunity to host the show.
Blanke, who is a morning show host and a newsman for Boom FM, was hired by the WPCA to host the Rangeland Derby for Country 910. It is a highlight of his broadcasting career.
“Everyday I was there, I had to pinch myself,” he tells the Mail. “You are standing up there in the Eye in the Sky and looking over 20,000 people watching the show, and you get to be there working.”
He hosted eight of the 10 performances during the Stampede. He was the host, and was joined in the booth by Bryan Hebson of the WPCA and broadcaster Darby Rae Crouch. Les McIntyre called the races. He had a little bit of chuckwagon experience when he would call the WPCA events when they were held in Drumheller.
Country 910 serves most of Southern Alberta and is the go-to for many rural listeners south of Edmonton.
“They are very intent listeners and pay attention to everything,” he said. “I was going into this as a greenhorn, because of course, I don't know much about chuckwagons, other than as a fan and watching the chucks. Some of the cool parts of it was actually getting to know the drivers and teams. Chuckwagons are all about family and it is really cool.”
He had the opportunity to interview many of the drivers, including legendary Mark Sutherland, who is retiring this season.
Prior to this experience, one of Blanke’s career highlights was calling a WHL game.
This surpassed that experience.
“This is the biggest thing I have ever done announcing-wise. People asked me, ‘hockey or chuckwagons, what is your favourite?’ Still hockey.”