BIENFAIT — From the pancake breakfast that opened the day to the fireworks after dusk, Bienfait once again showed it knows how to celebrate Canada Day.
The festivities for Canada's 158th birthday once again drew a large crowd. After the breakfast at the Bienfait Memorial Arena, the attention turned to the annual parade, which started and finished at Bienfait Weldon School and featured dozens of floats. Children lined the streets, expectantly waiting for candy to be thrown their way.
"It was so fun," said Bienfait recreation director Sarah Yoner. "I watched on the corner by my mom's house and I took it all in. It's one of my favourite parts."
Other activities happened throughout the day. The Bienfait Coalfields Museum was open. A cakewalk occurred after the parade. The Bienfait Lions Club hosted Bingo at the Bienfait branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the legion sold hamburgers and hot dogs on its front lawn. The Garden Party played live music on the legion. A toonie swim happened at the town's swimming pool.
Canuckcade was on site with a variety of activities for children; Yoner said some of them were new. Tammi Russett painted children's faces and the Bienfait Public Library offered a photo booth and sparkle tattoos. The firefighters and farmers met for their annual game at the ball diamonds.
New for this year was a talent show. It started with a performance by Conner Piche, and then nine hopefuls took to the stage. Emily Thompson finished first, while Claire Podovinnikoff was second and Kendall MacKenzie came in third.
"We actually had a tie between second and third, so we had to do a tie-breaker. In Bienfait, we have a lot of local talent," said Yoner.
Yoner also noted all three were singers, and the second and third place finishers were younger people.
"It was really cool to see the younger generation have that confidence to get on stage when I know there isn't a lot of in-person talent evens anymore," said Yoner.
Yoner hopes the talent show can be an annual attraction for Canada Day. She believes people really enjoyed having live entertainment at the arena.
And as always, a large fireworks display wrapped up the day. Yoner noted that motorists were already lined up down Highway 18 at 8:30 p.m. – about 90 minutes before show time.
Proceeds from the Canada Day bash go towards the Bienfait Recreation Board, and the money goes to a variety of sport and cultural amenities in the town.
"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year," said Yoner.
Jackie Beaulieu won an online 50-50 and took home $1,275; the other half of the money will go to the recreation board.
Yoner thanked the event's volunteers for helping out during the day, and the sponsors and businesses who support Canada Day in Bienfait.
