Two sisters have undertaken the planning and organization of the 100th anniversary of the Village of Sceptre and the RM of Clinworth #230.
Joan Adams and her sister Jacqueline have created a mailing list and sent out approximately 1,200 invitations, but they also want to assure people that anyone can attend, even if they haven’t received an invitation.
“In early December approximately 1,200 invitations were mailed out. We realize that some people will have been missed, but word has spread and we are receiving calls requesting information and that is what we hoped would happen. Anyone may attend – you don’t need to receive an invitation – that was just our way of getting the word out.”
Adams noted that the focus of the celebration’s events will centre around the generation that helped to settle the area and their descendants.
“Not many of the generation that lived here in the early years of the Village and RM are still alive. But for those who are, this will probably be the last celebration they will attend. Therefore we wanted to invite those who have lived in Sceptre and the RM to come home and help us honor those pioneers and their descendants who are able to attend.
“However, because of the small size of our community we do need anyone wishing to attend to preregister so we can have the necessary food, etc. ready. The deadline for registration is March 1, 2013.”
Adams stressed that pre-registration is a must, because no new registrations will be taken the weekend of the celebration.
“Right now we are waiting for the deadline date to see how many people will be attending. Current and former residents have already stepped forward with offers to help. If the number of attendees is very large, then we will be looking for more volunteers. In addition, many logistical matters can be finalized when we know for certain the number of people attending – that is why the deadline was so early. We need time to prepare.”
Some of the events planned include a parade and a bus tour of the Great Sand Hills and surrounding area.
“When Jackie and I began discussions about the agenda we agreed that we wanted to have activities that would be geared towards the pioneers we were honoring.
"Friday night there will be registration and visiting. Saturday will start with opening ceremonies, a parade, hotdogs and anniversary cake for all following the parade, then a variety of activities in the afternoon followed by a supper and then old fashion activities (whist tournament, crib tournament, bingo, family movie). The day will end with a special fireworks presentation.
“Sunday starts with a pancake breakfast, Interdenominational Church service and will end with a supper if enough people plan to attend.”
“I must mention that the RM of Clinworth area covers not only Sceptre but the former Villages of Lemsford and Portreeve. Current and past residents of those communities have been invited and, having been raised in Portreeve, I am excited about seeing old friends from those areas as well. We hope to have lots of people come ‘home’ and enjoy the celebration. And we invite anyone to come joint the party.”
Registration fees are $30 per person for children aged 6 to 12 and $50 per person for those over 13. A Celebration Package will be ready for each participant on Friday and early Saturday that will include passes for meals and activities.
An information registration package is available by calling 306-623-4238 or online forms are available at http://sceptrelemsford100.wix.com/sceptre-anniversary.
