Family & Friends--Centennial New Year's Eve Bash--Final Event of the Year

This event has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales.

Sept 1st...Go Fly a Kite.

Well we've all had a bit of a breather after the huge July Celebration...but the year's not over yet.
Keep tuned for more events.

2012 Centennial Celebration Pictures.

Click here to view the photo's taken by the The Capital

Here are just a few.

100 hr. build--Elks/Town of Three Hills/Habitat for Humanity

Another reason to Celebrate....

Our town is celebrating 100 years, with numerous events....such as this awesome endeavor that saw co-operation between the Elks of Canada, Town of Three Hills and Habitat for Humanity, plus numerous other volunteers....

The goal was to build a house in 100 hours....we did it in 87

Take a look....

 

 

Centennial Fireworks!!

Just in case you missed them.

And after Trooper...

I just couldn't resist....cause I know a few people that personified this song

Happy Centennial

Today, Friday July 20th
it all starts.....
Register at the Arena & pick up your map of the town with the schedule of events

and then tonite head down to the ball diamonds around 9pm and enjoy  some entertainment on the stampede stage and then FIREWORKS!!!!

Sat Morning 11am the Parade

And much, much, more.....so HEAD FOR THE HILLS, Three Hills, AB, and enjoy the celebrations

Only days left

Until the

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WEEKEND

It all starts Friday, July 20th

Registration opens at 1pm

take a tour of the town in a Model A Car

Visit the model railroad display in the Old Firehall

tour the Arts and Crafts Display

See who you can meet at the Meet & Greet

and much, much more

visit the
 "July 20, 21, 22  tab" at the top of the page

 for  a complete list of all the events

or
check the Three Hills Capital

100 Year of Yesterday

Well, it’s official. It is now--July. And the Centennial Celebration is just a couple of weeks away. Planning and organizing this celebration has been a bit like riding a roller coaster with a steaming hot cappuccino in your left hand. One of the things that I have learnt on this ride, is that our town is like a huge family, and not all of us like the same things. Some of us are a bit radical and unconventional and like to stir up the waters. While others prefer to stand on the bank and just enjoy the view. Our committee is aware that our town is made up of people with different backgrounds and different interests and thus we have tried our best to put together a weekend full of entertainment that will appeal to everyone.

So here we go.
Starting Friday, July 20th. Stop in at the registration booth, located on the main floor of the arena and pick up your souvenir booklet, schedule of events and map of the town. Armed with this (and a few other goodies we’ve tossed into the package) you are ready to plan your weekend. You might start off Friday nite, with FREE Teen Swim or if you’re not a teen you might want to take in Bruce Innes and the Original Caste singers. Then around 9pm you might decide to head over to the ball diamonds where local talent will perform for about an hour and then you might decide to stay for the FIREWORKS!! (Who doesn’t like fireworks)

Saturday morning you can enjoy the Street-side pancake breakfast (in front of IGA) while listening to local talent perform on the Stampede Stage. But don’t linger too long you will want to get a good spot for the Parade. Did I mention that the route has been extended from 1 ½ km to 2 ½ km. (don’t worry I will update you on the extended route.) After the parade head off to one of the various activities that will be happening around town. Do you like old tractors--head across the tracks to the watch the “antique tractor pull” or if you always wanted to be a fireman--head to the Battle of the Axes. Maybe you just want to reconnect with some old friends, then head to the Meet and Greet on the second floor of the Arena. Need a space where your little ones can burn off some steam--head to the Free Kids’ Carnival at the curling rink (sponsored by the Three Hills Chamber of Commerce.) If you’re not into any of those activities, but you like model trains--stop in at the Old Firehall and see what the town looked like in 1912. These are just a few of the options you have.

Saturday evening brings more entertainment. Ben Crane is a family orientated event and starts at 7pm. At 9, when the sun goes down, you can choose between two adult only venues--The Emeralds, or Trooper. Tickets for both of these events are still available at the Town Office. (Did I mention that the cost of bringing these two groups to town is covered by the ticket sales)

Sunday morning begins with a huge inter-denominational Centennial Church Service at 10:30 a.m. (Honestly, I don’t think my eyes will be open then) However, I am sure many of you will choose to attend this service. After Church there are a number of events still happening. You can visit the Arts and Crafts Display upstairs at the Arena or maybe take a tour of the town in an Model “A” car. 

 And don't forget to listen to Q91 Radio, Friday mornings at 8:10 for our “centennial minute”

Okay, I know I have harped about registration, and I know, it is a bit of work on your part. I mean, those of us on the committee are a little technically challenged so you can’t actually register online. You have to print the form off and then fill it out (the old-fashioned way with a pen or pencil) and then--just like in the old days you have to either buy a stamp and mail it in, or walk over to the Three Hills General Store or the Town office and drop if off. Yah, it is a bit of work on your part, but if it’s any consolation we will be tracking all this info--manually.

So please, make work for us and register.

I would also like to remind that you must register to buy tickets for the Saturday Nite Roast Beef Buffet Supper and that you must purchase your supper tickets by July 10th. Your meal tickets will be included in your registration package and will be available for pick-up at the registration booth on July 20th & 21st.

Okay, one last reminder--history books--contact J Kanderka @ 403 443-7388 or D Enzie @ 403 443 5625 to order yours.

My random thought for this week is a quote from Dr. Suess....“I’m glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone.”
― Dr. Seuss

Parade Route

View Larger Map
This year the Parade route has been extended to 2 1/2 km.
       (please note: the map above is just for a visual reference...
       ....the actual route extends beyond point B as explained below)
The Parade begins point "A" at the west end of Main Street (near the community center) and continues east, down the whole length of Main Street to point "B"
Then turns North on Tamarack Road (past the Elks/Habitat for Humanity 100hr Build House)

Then turns back West on to 1 St. N to 6 Ave N.

Then North on 6 Ave N to 2 St N (also know as the highway 583)
Then West on 2 St N to 1 Ave E
Then South on 1 Ave N to Main Street...this is where the parade disperses.

100 Years of Yesterday

This week, I am going to ask you to dig through your closets, your attics and your basements, anywhere you have stored those bits and pieces of Grandma’s or Grandpa’s handicrafts. Then dust them off and consider which ones you would like to display at the Centennial Celebration. Do you have an old rag rug, or a tatted tablecloth? Or perhaps you have a little spice shelf your grandfather made. It doesn’t really matter if it is in pristine condition, it only matters that it was made by someone from the area. Part of the Centennial Celebration will be remembering the past, and what better way to remember them than to showcase their handiwork.

Shirley Adams is organizing this Arts and Crafts Display which will be held in the Encana Room (above the Arena) so please give her a call or drop me an email at tdiack@telus.net

Another area of the celebration that will be focusing on the past is our “Meet and Greet”. This will also be held in the Arena Complex on the Second floor and it will be a chance for you to browse old yearbooks and pictures. A quiet place where you can meet up with old friends and then if you are wanting to reminisce a bit more, you can mosey next door to the coffee bar that will be located in the curling rink lounge.

Tickets for Trooper and The Emeralds are still available, call the Town Office @ 403-443-5822 to get yours today. Are you wanting a Three Hills History book? Consider pre-paying, this will allow you pick up your book right after the ceremony on Saturday, July 22nd.
Call J Kanderka @ 403 443-7388 or D Enzie @ 403 443 5625 for more information.

Last week’s random thought generated a bit of interest, which unfortunately, I have been too busy to collect. So, I can not share any tidbits with you this week.
But I will leave you with this thought...how many of you grew up without indoor plumbing and actually used an outhouse on a daily basis??

100 years of yesterday

 Tyralee Reynolds was the lucky winner of the early bird--registration--gift basket. And all she did was fill out a registration form for the July Celebration weekend. To date we have less than 300 people registered. Are you one of the 300 or one of the “others”? I know I keep flogging this horse, but I am sure that next week everyone who lives here and is planning on taking part in the festivities will have registered. ( I am going to be like the little engine that could and keep repeating, I think I they will, I think they will and then they will)

I know after last week’s full page list of activities (which I hope you clipped and saved) you can hardly wait for July 20, 21st & 22nd weekend. I can’t believe that it is just over a month until the big PARTY. Not sure which event I am looking forward to the most. Could be the firework, or the parade or the awesome entertainment line up. If you are wanting tickets for Trooper or The Emeralds (both events are well on their way to being sold out) call the Town Office @ 403-443-5822.

The History Book will be launched that weekend, and every book will include a map of the Town of Three Hills in the early years. This map is not for sale and is only available with the purchase of your history book. Call J Kanderka @ 403 443-7388 or D Enzie @ 403 443 5625 to reserve your book today.

I may have mentioned this before, but it needs mentioning again, none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for an awesome committee--all who have donated hours of their time and countless other citizens who are not on the committee and still have volunteered in numerous ways. I guess that’s just the way it is in a small town, someone rolls up his (or her) sleeves and the next thing you know everyone is pitching in. Thanks.

Random thought for the week. Anyone remember the Town’s 50th Celebration?

100 Year of Yesterday

100 Years of Yesterday
is also published in the Three Hills Capital

Last week’s random thought --was vividly remembered by Millie Penner. She told me that it was paved in September of 1961 and she remembers this because they were paving it on her wedding day.

Our committee has been very productive this past couple of weeks.
1st--The parade route has been changed and extended from a 1 ½ km to 2 ½ km. So if you are walking the route, wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. It is a good thing that the route has been extended because it is going to be a long, long parade. Already we have two pipe & drum bands, 30 horses, 100 Elks, a float from the City of Red Deer confirmed, plus a number of out of town business inquiring about entering our parade. If you are planning on putting a float in the parade, you can contact Marnie Graham and give her a heads’ up.

2nd--Stampede Stage--This is a self-contained movable stage that will be stationed at various locations around town throughout the weekend. Friday nite will see it parked out at the ball diamonds. Here, The Gordie West Band and the Stewart Family will put on a pre-fireworks show, starting at 9pm. Then the stage & the same awesome entertainers will move to the Centennial Pancake Breakfast location (in front of IGA). After the parade the stage will move on to Main Street and the entertainment will continue until around 5pm.
3rd--Our committee really needs some volunteers. Most shifts are only for 2 or 3 hours. Some of the areas that are in desperate need are--manning the souvenir table in the Arena,
parade co-ordinators, manning the history book table, helping in the Historic Art’s ‘n Crafts display area, greeting visitors, etc. If you are willing to help you can pick up a volunteer form at the Three Hills General Store, or Alsite Travel. You can also email this information Alex at asmith@threehills.ca Please include your name & phone number.

4th--Celebrate this Centennial in Style--Souvenirs are in and are now for Sale. Stop by the Three Hills General Store to pick yours up today. Quantities are limited. Ball Caps are available through Woody’s Upholstery.

Okay, I’m stopping to breathe now. As you can see this is going to be the Ultimate Birthday Party. There are a zillion more events planned for the weekend and I will be updating you a on few of them every week. You do not want to miss our Centennial Celebration. 

And don't forget to listen to Q91 radio-- our Centennial Minute that airs every Friday around 8:10am.

One of the features on our webpage is our “calendar”. Here you can find details on many of the 100 Centennial Events that are happening throughout the year. Sat. June 16 is the Centennial Street Garage sale as well as the Museum Open House. Then on June 18 the Habitat House--100 Hour--Build begins.

Random thought for the week. Do you remember the outdoor swimming pool?

Centennial Happenings.

100 Years of Yesterday June 6

by Chairperson Terry Diack

This past weekend Three Hills was swamped with people and cars. And from what I have heard, this was the BEST Cruise “Weekend” ever.
Yah, I missed it.
I was in Toronto with the Three Hills School Band (as a chaperon) on an exchange trip. 
This was an awesome opportunity for our students and it reminded me of Ken Leaf.

Back in the early 1970’s Ken brought the “band” program to the Three Hills School. 
I remember going on a band trip with Mr. Leaf’--loading the school bus with students & instruments, staying in a hostel in Banff, playing in a number of schools along the way and then, performing in a park in Banff. It too, was an awesome experience. And if I recall correctly, that was almost 40 years ago.

If you would like to hear those students I was chaperoning you have one more chance--this Wednesday nite, at 7pm is the Three Hills School Band’s Final Concert.

Who else is turning 100 this year? St. Barnabas Anglican Church. You can join them this Sunday (June 10th) as they celebrate their 100th Anniversary.

And remember, this week is “Senior’s Week”, so take the time to visit with a senior, buy them a coffee or mow their lawn. After all, if it wasn’t for our Seniors, our town wouldn’t be celebrating 100 years.

I can hardly wait for July 20, 21 & 22nd. Reminiscing with friends and family about the past and the present, catching up on old times and making new memories. I hope you have registered, but if you haven’t, there’s still time. Although time is running out.

This is crunch time for the Centennial Committee as pesky little details are ironed out. And because there are always those last minute items, the committee will be meeting every two weeks as we work feverishly to make our July Celebration a huge success. 

Random thought for this week. Who remembers when they paved Main Street?

100 Years of Yesterday

100 Years of Yesterday
by Chairperson Terry Diack


Random thoughts sometimes produce amazing results. That’s what happened last week.
My random thought-- "how many grew up knowing where "Grantville" is hit a warm spot in Marilyn’s heart. Her dad, Marvin Wold, bought one acre of land from Don Smith in the middle of a wheat field in 1944. He built the first house there on the south west corner (later occupied by Lammle Electric). Bill Grant then built several smaller houses for Prairie Student accommodations, and soon other homes sprang up around them and It soon became known as Grantville.

They had a small barn, a cow and some chickens and a huge garden. ( I think most people had huge gardens back then. ) In 1958 they moved out to a farm west of town. Later the Grantville house was moved out to the old Mt. Olive Church site and is now occupied by Ron Watson
Marilyn has many happy memories of growing up there with her siblings, Verlyn, Marjorie, and Ronald.

I sure hope they can all make it home for the July Celebration and I hope they have taken the time to register. I know I go on and on about this, but really, not too many are taking me seriously. Please do. I am going to remind you that there is a gift basket to be won. Register before June 1st and your name is automatically entered to win. Okay. I will take some creative license here and extend the deadline to Saturday June 2nd. This gives you time to stop in at the General Store on Friday--grab a burger for $5 (proceeds go to the Humanity House) and register.

A couple of reminders for some of the other Centennial events happening in the next couple of weeks. Cruise Weekend June 1,2 & 3. Three Hills School Band Spring Centennial Concert, Wed, June 6, 7pm at the School. Centennial Committee Monthly Meeting Thurs. June 7, 7pm at the Community Center.

I don’t know if I have mentioned that we have a great bunch of volunteers on the Centennial Committee. They have put hours and hours of their own time into planning the July Celebration as well as helping out at other Centennial Events. If you would like to join us,
please pick up a volunteer form either from Alsite Travel or the General Store and then drop it off at either place or with Alex at the Town Office.

.
I wonder what this week’s random thought with spark? Another memory? I hope so.
If you want to share your memory of this week’s random thought you can email me at
tdiack@telus.net

Who remembers the Queen’s Cafe?

100 Years of Yesterday--May 17

100 Years of Yesterday
by Chairperson Terry Diack

I imagine that 100 years ago, women like my mother, and her mother and her mother before her, were outside sprucing up their yards and planting their gardens on days much like the last few we’ve had. Today, people are still doing that. Getting their hands dirty, planting and weeding...pruning and trimming. Of course, there are a few differences, a hundred years ago those same women probably just burnt all their garden rubbish or had to haul it away themselves. Today (as in now) the Town of Three Hills is having the 1st Annual Clean-up on May 26. What this means to You, is--the town will collect any rubbish you have in your back-alley on that day for FREE (of course there are a few exclusions like old fridges and stuff) but basically, you can clean up your yard and they will haul it away for you. WOW! I am so liking this idea. So let’s all get out there and spruce up our town. After all, we have a party to throw. You can find all the details elsewhere in The Capital.

I can’t believe that it is only two months until our Centennial Celebration, but before that big event, there is the 31st Annual Cruise “Weekend” (June 1,2 & 3) With all the things that are planned--show & shine--drag races--motorcycle jumps--it is going to be one fantastic weekend.

The Centennial Committee is down to the nit-picky details now--making sure that we have enough port-a-potties places in strategic locations, ordering the helium for the balloons for the kiddies, and other such mundane things that will ensure our party goes off without a hitch. If you have a couple of spare hours consider becoming a volunteer and helping us. You can pick up a volunteer form at Alsite Travel or the General Store.

My random thought for this week is “How many grew up knowing where “Grantville” is?

Message from the Chair-May 16

100 Years of Yesterday
by Chairperson Terry Diack


Mr. Gordon King called me to reminisce about the old Texaco gas station. He recalls stopping there to buy gas quite often. But his most memorable memory was on a Sunday morning. He pulled in behind a car with BC plates. A lady and a couple of young girls were in the car. Mr. King had no idea who they were, until the lady spoke “Are you Mr. King?”
Isn’t it funny how you can not know a person until they speak, and then, you immediately know who they are. The young lady was a former student of Mr. King’s.

I know this warm weather has everyone heading out to buy bedding plants. Please keep in mind that Communities in Bloom has chosen choose red and gold as their colors for the year. Which brings me to a very confusing topic--what are our Centennial Colors? For flowers, we are going with red and gold, but for souvenirs we are sticking with the town colors blue and gold.
So, you could say our Centennial Colors are red, gold & blue (with a hint of purple to honor the Elks--Habitat for Humanity Build)

Ya’ all be heading for the Hills real soon. Or at least that’s what our newly printed Centennial Posters say. We will be plastering the town and surrounding area with them. If you are heading out to another community, stop by Alsite Travel or the Town Office and pick up a couple posters to take with you. We would really appreciate your help.

Speaking of help, please welcome Alex Smith as our Volunteer Co-ordinator. She will be taking on the task of organizing all of our volunteers for the July Weekend. This is a huge task, because we are asking you to volunteer for just a couple of hours on any one day (this will mean, that everyone will still have time to enjoy the weekend) You can pick up your volunteer form at Alsite Travel or the General Store. Please drop off your completed forms at either of the two places or the Town Office.

This weekend --it’s congratulations to the Three Hills High School Centennial Grad Class. I

In closing, my random thought for this week. Do you remember the “Meat Locker” on Main St.?

May 14

100 Years of Yesterday
by Chairperson Terry Diack

The year the Buffalo came to town was 1973. I’ve talked to quite a few people about this event. How the buffalo ran rampage in the arena, kicking and charging at everything. How the men responsible for picking up the buffalo thought that they should get the biggest, meanest one--this was probably not the smartest thing those men ever did and my dad was one of those men that went to pick up the buffalo. Oh well, that’s in the past.

Let me tempt you with some tidbits from the future.
The Centennial Celebration in July will include

Friday... Model Railway Village of Three Hills 1912** Prairie Heritage Museum Open House**
Three Hills Municipal Library Open House** Bruce Innes and the Original Caste singers**
Art & Craft Display**Free Teen Swim** Entertainment on the Stampede Stage** Fireworks

Saturday... Community Street Breakfast**Centennial Parade** Art & Craft Display** Kids Carnival** Battle of the Axes** Tractor Pull**History Book Launch** Beef Supper**Exhibition Ball Game** Official Dedication of Habitat for Humanity House**Ben Crane** The Emeralds** Trooper** Free Teen Swim

Sunday...Art & Craft Display** Community Breakfast ** Inter-denominational Church Service** Meet and Greet** Tractor Pull**Class Reunion(s)** Model Railway Village of Three Hills 1912 **Guided Town Tour in Antique Cars

These are just the highlight of the weekend, the full schedule of events will be published in the Capital in the near future and is now available at http://threehillscentennialcelebration2012.blogspot.ca/
This will be an awesome weekend, whether you are 5,15, 25, 55 or 75. There will be something going on to interest you.

Our committee is taking the bull by the horns and camping out at the General Store every Friday during the Habitat for Humanity BBQ. Why are we camping out? Well, besides the fact that it’s a cheap lunch and a good cause, we are trying lasso you as you go by and get you to fill out a registration form. We really need to have an idea of how many people will be attending the July Celebration.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. And we all know how special our Mothers are. (hint, hint...do you think my kids will read this?) So on Saturday you have two chances to WOW your mom. Take her for breakfast at the community center (compliments of the Three Hills Elks) and then take her to the United Church Centennial Strawberry Tea. More details about both events can be found elsewhere in the Capital.

On closing, I have another random thought from the past... Anyone remember the Texaco Station?


       

Final schedule of events for the July Weekend

Well, we've finally done it.
The committee has "Okayed " the following schedule of events for the July Celebration
and you don't have to worry about losing this post, because you can access all this info on the July Weekend page.
It looks to be one fun-filled weekend

Three Hills Centennial Celebration***Schedule of Events

Friday, July 20, 2012

1pm – 9pm – Registration @ Arena, meeting room, main floor.
Souvenir Sales Table @ Arena
Kathy’s Corner Lunch Bar @ Arena
Artists’ Display – Arena up stairs Meeting Room- Shirley Adam
Meet and Greet visiting Stations - Arena upstairs
Curling Rink Lounge - open
Prairie Heritage Museum – open
1pm - Model Railway Village of Three Hills 1912 @ Old Fire Hall, 100 block - 4 Ave. South.
1pm - 7 pm Three Hills Municipal Library Open House
2pm – 4pm Guided Town Tour via Antique Car Club & other vehicles - Begins at Arena -Museum
7pm – 9pm Arts Academy – Bruce Innes and the Original Caste singers.
8pm – 9pm Free Teen Swim @ Aquatic Centre – teen music and games
8pm - Concession Stand @ Recreation Park - Open
9pm - Stampede Stage with various entertainers @ Recreation Park (across from hospital)-
10:30 p.m. Fireworks
Saturday, July 21, 2012
8am – 10:30 am - Registration Opens @ Arena (Closed for parade)
8am – 10 am – IGA Street Community Breakfast -- Restaurants also open for Breakfast
11am – 12:30ish Centennial Parade on Main Street
12:30 pm – 2pm Lunch option Restaurants*** United Church lunch – sandwich, pie & beverage**General Store food vendors
12:30 pm (after parade) – Dignitaries Lunch at Community Center
1pm – 8 pm Kathy’s Corner Lunch Bar Open @ Arena
1pm - 5 pm Registration Open ( closed for Official Opening Ceremony)
1pm – 5pm Artists’ Display @ Arena upstairs
1 pm – 3 pm Three Hills Municipal Library Open House
1pm - 5pm ‘Meet and Greet’ @Arena upstairs
1pm – 6pm Curling Rink Lounge - open
1:30pm Battle of the Axes – Main Street- Fire Dept. Kids competition, silent auction
Kids Carnival- Curling Rink
2pm Stampede Stage with various entertainers – Main Street between 4th & 5th Ave.
2pm Tractor Pull – Rodeo Grounds
2 pm Official Opening- Arena
3 pm History Book launch- Arena-- Auction of first three books, sale of History Book to all in attendance
3 – 5pm Model Railway Village of Three Hills 1912 @ Old Fire Hall, 100 block 4 Ave. South.
4:30pm Exhibition Ball Game – Recreation Park
Concession Stand – open – Recreation Park
5 pm- Official Dedication of Habitat for Humanity House (near Anderson Park)
5 pm - 7pm Beef Supper @ Prairie ($20 pre-paid) - two seatings 5pm and 6pm
Beef on a bun – Community Centre
7pm - School Reunion Grad Classes of (Ella Lammle/D.Sommerville) - Curling Rink Lounge
7pm – 8:30pm Ben Crane – $5 @ door - Prairie North Auditorium
8pm – 12pm The Emeralds Cabaret- 18 yrs+ - $10 or $15 at the door – Curling Rink
9pm – 12 pm Trooper Cabaret- 18 yrs.+ $20 or $25 at the door - Arena
9pm – 10pm Free Teen Swim @ Aquatic Centre – music and games
Sunday, July 22, 2011
8am – 10 am – Breakfast @ Prairie and Town restaurants.
10:30 am – Non-denominational Church Service Rick Down Athletic Centre (sportplex), Prairie
Closing Remarks by Mayor Tim Shearlaw (at end of church service)
10am – 3pm – Kathy’s Corner Lunch Bar Open @ Arena
Noon – Lunch Meal @ Prairie Dining Room, town restaurants
1pm--Tractor Pull – Rodeo Grounds
1pm – 4pm Meet and Greet @ arena
1pm – 4pm Artists’ display – arena upstairs
1pm – 3 pm Guided Town Tour via Antique Car Club & other vehicles - Begins at Prairie Dining Hall- Museum
Model Railway Village of Three Hills 1912 @ Old Fire Hall, 100 Block 4 Ave. South
4pm – knock down/clean up