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Excitement is growing among the residents of Île-à-la-Crosse after a large sign was delivered to the northern village this week in the lead up to its 250th anniversary celebration.
The $50,000 sign was made possible through a donation from the Primrose Lake Economic Development Corporation.
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It was created by Saskatchewan designer Doug Reimer, with input from local artists Joachim Malboeuf, George Laliberte and Edna Daigneault.
“Because 250 years is a big milestone, we wanted to highlight it, monument it, and also leave a legacy,” said event coordinator Maureen Belanger.
“That was one of the recommendations earlier on when the folks were gathering to have community meetings. That was one of the things they had specifically requested, and we were able to fulfill that wish.”
The new sign showcases the history of Île-à-la-Crosse and the Métis people who call it home.
The imagery shows traditional ways of life such as a horse hauling wood, people sitting around a campfire, the role of the church, and the community’s early roots with the fur trade and voyageurs.
Belanger noted the importance of animals is also displayed through inclusion of moose, a bear and dog sled team.
“Everybody who is coming to visit us for the celebration, that will be the first thing they are going to be exposed to,” she said of the sign.
“It’s right on the side of the road where you enter the main town.”
The 250th anniversary celebration of Ile-à-la Crosse will be held July 3-8.
There will be a variety of activities with the American country music band Blackhawk taking the stage on July 4. There will also be a $50,000 radio and TV bingo, a $25,000 square dancing and jigging contest, and a $25,000 slow-pitch tournament.
In addition, the local friendship centre will be hosting a cultural village and will be serving lunch every day to all attendees. There will also be theatrical productions, canoe races, historical tours, special appearances from well-known artists and Métis performers, a memorial unveiling and more.
“The excitement is picking up each day as people start to see things come into the community,” Belanger remarked.
“The excitement is building and the pride is there. People want to fix, want to do and want to help.”
— with files from CJME News
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