Children and adults had buckets of fun during the Canada Day celebrations in Vermilion on June 29. Communities in Bloom hosted a Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Hall to kick things off. Throughout the morning and afternoon, several businesses joined in the fun by offering special tokens or promotional products. The Credit Union Parking was full of several children’s activities including CLASS’s Indigenous drum making craft, a bouncy house, Kerplunk, a candy bracelet, Alberta Health Services with syringe painting which develops fine motor skills to strengthen fingers. The Wellness Coalition offered smoothies, and the Masons offered ice cream. A Beef on a bun lunch was held between Craig’s Cornerstone and Long’s Value Drug Mart, and The Good Life Institute held a beer tasting. With the heat and excitement building, the Bucket Brigade was much enjoyed by participants and onlookers. Water splashed all around with teams hoping to fill their bucket first. Vermilion’s Got Talent was hosted by the Vermilion & District Chamber of Commerce, and judged by Corinne Theiss, Bonnie Bauer, and Town of Vermilion CAO George Rogers. Of the many talented performers, Cassie Cameron placed 1st, and Jett Wilson placed 2nd. The enthusiasm didn’t stop there. Over at Lakeland Mall, the St. Jerome’s student council hosted a dunk tank, hotdogs and pop, and a pie-in-the-face. Both the students and competitors had a lot of fun. “We’re incredibly grateful to Mainstreet Hardware for the opportunity and to the community for the support. Proceeds will help subsidize sports teams, host guest speakers, and cover retreat fees,” said Allan MacMillan. Families continued to enjoy the fun on into the evening with a Show and Shine car show at Prairie Place, followed by Taste of Vermilion and beer gardens hosted by The Good Life Institute at the Vermilion Provincial Park. Old fashion games and cultural entertainment, as well as entertainment by Blackwater Crude, captivated the audience. Closing the evening, the outdoor movie, ‘Peter Rabbit,’ and fireworks created a grand finale.
