Halkirk plans to welcome hundreds of people for centennial celebrations this weekend.
“Quite a few people who grew up in Halkirk, and moved away, are coming back,” said Sherry Jamieson, who chairs the organizing committee.
“We expect a big parade and a crowd of 800 people.”
Organizers anticipate dozens of floats and entries from throughout the region will participate in the parade Saturday at 11 a.m.
Many dignitaries have been invited to the opening ceremonies at 12:30 p.m.
“It’s as much an honour to be the mayor when Halkirk celebrates its centennial as it would have been for the first mayor 100 years ago,” said Mayor Dale Kent, a resident of the village for almost 40 years.
“We’re getting quite a few past and current residents registered for the event, with over 600 for the breakfast.”
Despite the declining population, Halkirk remains a small but strong community, he said.
“The village has changed a lot and had a lot more people 100 years age than it does today,” Kent said.
“Our population has been steady around 120 for the past several years.”
Kent and Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson are among the dignitaries expected to attend the gathering.
In a separate ceremony at 1:30 p.m., the second edition of the local history book Halkirk Home Fires will be unveiled and on sale at the seniors’ centre during the afternoon.
Many other special activities have been set for the day to reflect on the village’s history.
“We are having a display of old machinery that is much smaller compared to today’s big equipment, as well as history displays in the seniors’ centre and the community hall,” Jamieson said.
Decades of history of schools will be on display at Halkirk Mother Theresa Catholic School, while the old grain elevator will also be opened for tours.
“We’ll have lots of pictures of old schools, such as the public Halkirk School,” Jamieson said.
Former longtime teacher Cathy Schaffner has collected a high number of photos from the old Halkirk School over the years, she added.
“The seniors’ centre will have a lot of pictures of the old cowboys such as the Doans, Wades, Jamiesons and Roy Haberlee.”
Musical entertainment and children’s activities are also set for the day.
A supper and family dance are on the menu for Saturday night, which will also feature fireworks at dusk.
Celebrations conclude with a cowboy church service at Halkirk Community Church at 11 a.m.
For more information on the centennial, phone Jamieson at 403-884-2369.