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Canora in Bloom features variety of popular events

After countless hours of planning and preparation, Canora in Bloom took place from July 14 to 21. The majority of the planning was done by Aaron Herriges, director of leisure services, and Brandi Zavislak, community development officer.

After countless hours of planning and preparation, Canora in Bloom took place from July 14 to 21.

The majority of the planning was done by Aaron Herriges, director of leisure services, and Brandi Zavislak, community development officer.

Zavislak said one of the new events, the Superhero Princess Dance, was hosted by the tourism committee.

“The event was for children aged 12 and under,” said Zavislak. “It was a great success, considering it was the first time the committee has hosted the event. Grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts and the little ones all enjoyed a magical night being together as a family. The response was so strong that the committee is looking forward to hosting another one next year.

“The All Ages Dance put on by the Rainbow Hall committee was another great new addition to our week long festivities.” 

Other family-friendly activities included: X Game Daredevils, petting zoo and pony rides.

Zavislak said the week-long celebration turned out very well.

“Overall I am happy to say that we have another successful Canora in Bloom week in the books,” she stated. “There were people visiting our community all the way from Port McNeill and Chemainus in B.C.; Calgary, Winnipeg, Saskatoon and San Diego, Calif.  What a great week to showcase Canora’s wonderful community spirit.  The community spirit, volunteerism and dedication our town boosts is something to be very proud of. The variety and amount of events that are offered throughout the week leaves no one out from enjoying the celebrations. We are proud to say that enjoyment is to be had by all ages.”

Aaron Herriges, director of leisure services, agreed that it was a successful week.

“Our town sponsored fun night had 68 golfers on the golf course. To me that was terrific,” said Herriges. “The swimming pool and water slide were absolutely packed for the Crossroads Credit Union and Gateway Co-op barbecue. Their sponsorship was the difference.”

Herriges was pleased with the X Games Daredevils Show.

“It was nice to get them here. Unfortunate that the other rider that was scheduled to come had an accident and broke his ribs in practice, which is a hazard of the business,” he said. “I also got a lot of positive feedback from the car show and family petting zoo. 

“During peak parts of the day on July 20 we saw over 500 people at the Festival in the Park, which was more than expected.”

Many indicated that the Festival in the Park, put on by the leisure services committee, was an enjoyable day and evening for the whole family.

Herriges said countless hours of work, including planning and preparation, went into putting on Canora in Bloom.

“The leisure services committee received so much help with our events from the volunteers, Canora Minor Ball and our sponsors,” he said.

Feedback after the event indicated that very few people take part in all the events, simply because there is so much to do. Many like to try new things every year.

Herriges said the weather co-operated for most of the week, but there was occasional rain.

“Honestly a lot of our events are rain or shine,” he explained. “So bad weather did cause some anxiety and a lot of extra prep work, but I feel we have the experience and the assets to solve any problem that comes our way.”

Herriges said that in spite of all the hard work, being involved in the week of activities is a rewarding experience.

“When I see someone really enjoying themselves at an event, it makes all the work worth it,” he explained. “I enjoy working with our sponsors and seeing the sense of accomplishment in their faces as the programs go on. I also enjoy the early committee discussions about the direction of the festival.”

Herriges said the support of sponsors played a large role in the success of Canora in Bloom this year.

“If any organization or business would like to be more involved in our festivals in the future, I encourage them to contact our office,” he concluded.