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

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?

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?


       

Message from the Chair #8

100 Years of Yesterday
by Chairperson Terry Diack


Last week Jill White was featured in “Fieldstones”, and this week her school band will be holding their spring concert on Thursday at 7pm at the Three Hills School. Joining them on stage, will be the Thornhill High School Band from the greater Toronto area. Jill has worked hard to make this “band exchange” possible, please come out and listen to our talented youth.

And if you are still craving musical entertainment, Bob deFrece is bringing the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus & Faculty of Handbell Ringers to Mount Olive Evangelical Free Church at 7 PM on Sat, April 28.

Not really in the mood for a bit of music, well you can head to the curling rink for the Knox United Church Centennial Garage Sale being held this weekend . This is looking to be one huge event, so make sure you get there early.


I’m going to flog this horse again, and let you know how you can register for the July Celebration and eat your cake (well actually, burger) at the same time. Starting this Friday, someone from the Centennial Committee will be at the Habitat for Humanity BBQ at the General Store. Please take the time to pick up a form and fill it out. There is no cost to register, but it is extremely helpful to us. We really want to get an idea of how many people are planning on attending.

Tickets to the Chevelles (June 2) , Bruce Innes (July 20), Trooper (July 21), and The Emeralds (July 21) are now all on Sale. You can find more details about these events throughout The Capital or at http://threehillscentennialcelebration2012.blogspot.ca/

My random centennial thought for this week is--anyone remember when the Elks Rodeo was held indoors at the arena, and do you remember the year they brought the buffalo in to ride??

Message from the Chair #7

As the Centennial Committee is busy, organizing all the events that will take place during the Centennial Celebration Weekend (July 20,21 & 22), we would also ask for your help. There will be an “Arts & Crafts Show” featuring local artists and crafters. (this is where you come in) We are looking for a variety of items-- such as stitchery, quilting, knitting, crocheting, hooked or woven rugs, tatting, woodworking, ceramics, paintings, etc. Items that were created by ancestors are especially welcome. And if you could include a story about your piece, even better. So in the next few weeks, keep your eyes on the lookout for anything that you might want to contribute. I know of one item I want to display--a picture frame-- woven from thread--a craft my grandmother used to make. Shirley Adam is the lady in charge of organizing this event, and she will be posting more info in the upcoming weeks.

But before the BIG event, there are a number of other events happening in the near future..
April 21--Centennial Curling Club Cash Dance.
April 26--Three Hills School Band Centennial Spring Concert, with guest band from Thornhill, Ontario
April 27 & 28 Knox United Church Centennial Garage and bake sale
June 2nd --Cruise “Weekend”
More events and details about these events can be found on the Centennial website
http://threehillscentennialcelebration2012.blogspot.ca/
And don’t forget to tune into Q91 on Friday mornings at 8:10 for our “Centennial Minute”

Message from the Chair #6

Register, register, register...Do I sound like a broken record. I feel like a broken record, going round and round...How many vendors should we contact to provide burgers and hot dogs?? How many chairs should we set up for the Centennial Church Service? How many volunteers should we have to help with the kids’s carnival, security, art display, meet & greet?? The list of “how many’s” is endless. Please, please send in your registration form and ask (or nag) your friends and family to do the same. You can pick up the forms at Alsite Travel in Three Hills or print them off the internet at http://threehillscentennialcelebration2012.blogspot.ca/

On to another note, spring is in he air, thoughts of gardening must be just waiting to take root. As you are out shopping for bedding plants, please consider choosing red, gold and white, (these are the Centennial flower colors) You might want to throw a bit of purple in there, if you live near Anderson Park, and the Elks/Habitat for Humanity House. The cutting ceremony for this huge endeavour will take place on Sat, July 21, right after the opening ceremonies for the Centennial Weekend Celebration.

A hundred years ago, this week, the Titanic sank. 724 people set sail on the maiden voyage, only 175 survived. As we celebrate our Centennial, lets also remember those who are no longer with us, but helped make this town the great place that it is. Let’s remember, the pioneers who built this place and their descendents who have remained.

I remember my grandfather, who choose to settle here, after the initial wave of settlers. And I remember his work ethics. Once, when he was over 80, he asked me to help him repaint the shingles. But...he said, you paint the ones near the edge, the roof is too steep for you. (??!!) That was how my grandpa asked for help.

One last reminder, register, register, register.

Message from the Chair #5

100 Years of Yersterday
by Chairperson Terry Diack

The Centennial Registration Committee has been working hard to make it easy for you to register for the Huge July 20th Centennial Celebration. Now you might wonder---Why should I register? I live in town, I can just walk over to whatever is going on. And so many of the events are FREE or pay at the door. So, you wonder, why register.
Because it will make the weekend that much better.
For example, the Three Hills Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring a Kid’s Carnival Saturday Afternoon, but only 20 kids register, so they figure well, we’ll estimate that 40 kids will show up, and so they only order 40 balloons to hand out......Along comes the big day, 150 kids show up, but they only have 40 balloons. Do you see a problem?
Plus everyone who registers before May 30th is automatically entered to win a free gift basket. So please, register. It will help so much with the planning..

Registration forms and Schedule of Events now available on line at www.​threehillscentennialcelebratio​n2012.blogspot.com/
Registration and Volunteer forms can also be picked up at the Centennial Office at All Site Travel on Main Street.

Well I’m on about planning. Have you any plans for your flower beds this spring? Communities in Bloom has chosen Red & Gold as the official flower colors. It would be an awesome sight to yard after yard sporting Red & Gold flowers.

Message from the Chair #4

January.
February.
March.  Wow, the year is flying by and things are starting to snowball. 
 
Let’s start ticking off the upcoming events for the remainder of the month.
**Three Hills Centennial Grad Class St. Partick’s Day Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction, March 17th at 5:30 in the Three Hills School North Gym.
**Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat--March 21-24 & 28-31
**Bantam “C” Hockey  Provincials--March 22-25
**Three Hills General Store Grand Opening--March 22-24
**Kneehill Historical Society Spring Fundraiser--March 31
(click here for more details on upcoming events)

Plus,
Volunteers will be barbecuing up a storm in front of the General Store
every Friday from 11am-1:30pm from now until July
to raise funds for the Habitat for Humanity House. 
I had a smokie from them last Friday, and I know I will be coming back for more. 
Where else can you get lunch for 5 bucks and support a great cause at the same time?  

The Centennial Committee has been busy hammering out the details
that will make the July 21st weekend spectacular.
For starters,
The entertainment for the July 21st will include Trooper, The Emeralds, Ben Crane, Fireworks, Local Musicians, Parade, Tractor Pull, Battle of the Axes, plus many more events that are awaiting confirmation.

Food is another big aspect of the weekend.  After all, who wants to cook when they could be visiting and taking in the sights.  Therefore, the Centennial Committee is working hard to make sure you won’t have to wash a pot  or pan  or dish  that weekend.
 
Want to chit chat a bit with some of the committee volunteers.  Well you can visit them at the Three Hills General Store’s Grand Opening --March 22, 23 & 24. . Various members of the committee will be on manning a table with all sorts of information available for you to see.

Message from the Chair #4

Just the other day,
a lady (who wishes to remain anonymous) dropped me a line with a very tempting suggestion that I thought I should pass along..
..I am old enough to recall Canada’s Centennial in 1967.  Back then, many families planned a family centennial project which they could work on all year.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if the people in our town had their own personal projects?  And maybe, these ideas could be shared and compared.  Maybe a link  could be added to the website, so  families could share with others what their families were doing.
Well my mind is already a-flutter with ideas.
I could make a scrapbook of 100 things that happened to us this year.
I could plant 100 roses in my yard (I probably wouldn't do this one)
I could  plant a centennial flower bed (incidentally Communities in Bloom is asking everyone to plant red and gold flowers this year)
I could make a 100 cards
I could make a list of 100 nice things to say
I could bake 100 cookies (okay, that's not a good idea, cause I'd be tempted to eat them)
I could sew a quilt with 100 squares.

Do you get the idea. 
What could you do, as a centennial project?

Message from the Chair #3

100 Years of Yesterday

Message from the Chair

I'm beginning to feel like I'm on a carousel, going round and round. I can see the golden ring, and I can almost grasp it.

And that's about how things are coming together with our Centennial Celebration.

There are a couple of events that are happening in February,

the Ghostpine Ladies are having a Centennial Valentine's Day Tea on the 14th,

the town is sponsoring  Centennial Family Day Celebration with Free swimming and skating.

 

There is a display in the window of Alsite Travel showcasing some of what is happening in the next month.

This display is also home to volunteer forms and  "Head for the Hills" postcards.

 

If you have loved ones coming for the July Celebration I would urge you to book accommodations now.

Rooms are filling up fast.  I guess someone (might have been me) let it slip that it will be a weekend to remember,

 with  Trooper, The Emeralds, and a host of local entertainers on hand to ensure that there is something to please everyone.

Message from the Chair #2

Well,
things are starting to shape up.
It's ironic that NOW, that it is officially 2012,
our committee is starting to pull the rabbits out of the hat.

You may have noticed that there is now a "Calendar" on this blog
and that events are being added to it fairly often.

I am still on the hunt for some confirmed dates,
so if you are involved in any events that should be listed please, please contact me.

Our timetable for the July Weekend Celebration is also coming together nicely.
Our aim is to have events to entertain "all" age groups.

I suppose the good thing about this cold (scratch that) FREEZING Alberta weather
is that it gives me time to do some research,
Did you know that we have four celebrities that were raised in Three Hills
Willie de Wit-- won the Heavyweight silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Actress Erica Durance, known for her role as Lois Lane on the hit WB Network TV show Smallville
Phil Callaway, Best-selling author and humorist was born in and still resides in Three Hills.
Singer Paul Janz who had a string of popular hits in Canada between 1985–1993
(I must confess that thanks to the power of Google and Wikipedia I was able to access this information without leaving the comfort of my easy chair)

Hmmmm,
wonder if they want to come for our Centennial Celebration.

Message from the Chair

100 Years of Yesterday

One hundred years ago, our town was just a village,

 just a speck on the prairie landscape.

 I wondered what our town was like, back then.

 Back in 1912, when the railroad came to town?
So I took a little trip, all the way down to the  Old Firehall. 

 And here, I found  the Kneehill Model Railroad Association--re-creating a bit of Three Hills’ history.  Every Thursday nite, this dedicated group  meets at the Old Firehall to work on the construction of a model of our town as it was in 1912,  the year the railroad came to town.

When finished, their model railroad will depict a portion of our town as it was in 1912.

They plan to have up to eight different trains run on the track,

showcasing how trains have changed over time,

as well as photos and information on how the train has benefited our community.  

The railway was a huge benefit to our community in the early years.  

I remember when the passenger train stopped in Three Hills,

and how, twice a year,

 that train would bring my Baba ( Ukrainian grandmother) from northern Alberta to visit us.

I am sure many of you have memories of the old passenger train.

Memories of family and friend that rode it.


This is an awesome Centennial project.  And the location is perfect. 

 When their project is complete,

 all they will have to do, is open up the big doors on the firehall, and you can step back in time.

This group is not lacking in enthusiasm, although they are a  short on funds.

  If you would like to help this group please send your donation to:

Kneehill Model Railroad Association, Box 803, Three Hills, AB, T0M 2A0

  If your group is planning a Centennial project, please let me know.