There were so many volunteers and donors for the Big Valley Canada Day BBQ that if we were to list them, we’d be sure to miss someone, but we appreciate each and every one of you. The weather was beautiful as about 70 adults and 30 kids came out to the Jubilee Hall to enjoy hotdogs, visiting, games and crafts. Special thanks to Kelsey Mailer and Dina Clark for doing the crafts and games for the kids. Also thanks to Mel and Jim for putting on an awesome fireworks show.
Attention all junior scientists and artists!
We know you must be missing school already, so next week, the Big Valley Library’s Summer Reading Program will be filled with awesome science experiments and nifty art projects. Don’t worry, there won’t be any homework, only fun. Come on out and join in the fun at the Summer Reading Program every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Big Valley Library.
The 12th annual Hivernant Métis Days comes to Big Valley on the weekend of July 31, Aug. 1 and 2. Organized by the Hivernant Métis Cultural Society, this annual three-day family event is a great opportunity to encounter Métis history and culture.
Beginning Friday, July 31, meet the train as it comes into town at 4 p.m. flying the Métis red and white and blue and white flags. Gather at the Big Valley Drop-in Centre for dancing, musicians and storytelling, as the people celebrate their history and pass it on in the oral tradition as has been done for hundreds of years. Bannock will be served. A Métis village will be set up in Memorial Park across the street from the Big Valley Drop-in Centre with a trapper’s tent and teepees.
Saturday morning begins with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at the drop-in centre, followed by the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Sash weaving, capote making, beading, drum making, a bannock making contest with prizes, children’s games and crafts and Voyager games begin after the Opening Ceremony and will run throughout the day. The evening highlight will be the supper and dance beginning at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Voyager games begin again at 8:30 a.m. There will be a church service at 10 a.m. and a talent contest from 12 noon till 4 p.m. featuring jigging, singing, fiddling and cash prizes. The trapper’s camp and display vendors offering traditional Métis crafts will be open all day. Come out and enjoy a fun family weekend and discover Métis history, culture, music, crafts and dance.
For more information contact Marlene Lanz at (403) 815-6720 or 1-800-267-5844, visit the website at www.hivernantmetisculturesociety.net or email mlanz@shaw.ca.