A small resort village’s annual tradition proved once again that community spirit doesn’t carry a price tag.
Read more: Village of Marwayne marks historic 100th anniversary
The Resort Village of Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay hosted its 13th annual Canada Day celebration on June 28, drawing both local residents and seasonal visitors for a day of entirely free family entertainment.
Started in 2013 as a simple idea for a park picnic suggested by the mayor’s wife, the event has grown into a massive community milestone. Over its 13-year run, the celebration has raised well over $400,000 through donations, raffles and silent auctions.
Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source
Mayor Steven Nasby said the funds are poured directly back into the community, covering infrastructure upgrades like playground equipment, swimming docks, a new stage, public washrooms with plumbing and a three-court pickleball facility that doubles for basketball and tennis.
“The funding goes towards whatever (we need) so then it doesn’t have to come out of our tax dollars,” Nasby said. “For such a small village, that’s pretty huge.”
The village has just 136 full-time residents, but its population swells significantly during the summer months with seasonal visitors, many arriving from nearby Lloydminster.
Despite the threat of less-than-perfect weather, attendees turned out for a packed schedule of events, including a golf cart parade, a live band, face painting, a magician and full-sized horse rides. A crowd favourite was the “money pit,” sponsored by Mitchell Brothers, which hid $500 for local children to dig up.
Village administrator Amanda Bischler emphasized that the entire event is designed to be accessible, open to everyone and completely free for young families.
“We try to get everything sponsored so that it is all free for young families, which we don’t find there’s a lot of events out there for (them) to come to that have free entertainment,” Bischler said.
Organizers credited local and regional businesses for keeping the tradition alive, noting that many corporate sponsors from Lloydminster step up year after year. Nasby encouraged attendees to return the favour by shopping locally.
“These events do not happen without local businesses,” Nasby said. “If we’re not supporting the local businesses, then these (events go away).”
Beyond the fundraising and infrastructure, Nasby noted the day is ultimately about bridging gaps within the community, especially following years of pandemic-related isolation.
“It’s just to get everybody together in a community. That’s what we want it for,” Nasby said.
“It’s all about the kids, is what it is — the families. And our older residents, too. This is a big event for them to get out and actually talk to each other.”
Nasby and Bischler also had a hard time putting into words their appreciation for the various sponsors that help put on the event.
“Without them, this amazing day wouldn’t be possible,” he said.
Read more: Lloydminster firefighters raise more than $18K in Calgary stairclimb challenge
