This past weekend I was extremely fortunate to be involved with the Olds College Centennial Community Celebration.
The weekend's events were all designed to celebrate the 100 years of relationships and community that have grown since the inception of Olds College.
I believe that the strength and positive community culture that has resulted from the synergy between Olds College, the Town of Olds and Mountain View County have contributed to the strength and vibrancy of our community.
An amazing snapshot of this teamwork was captured this past weekend.
I was given the extraordinary privilege of being involved with it all when Olds College and the Town of Olds asked me to chair the weekend's organizing committee.
It was an honour and an incredible experience and I would like to thank Kerry Moynihan and Barb Hill for this opportunity and for the incredible support you each provided during the planning process over the past year.
On Thursday night we kicked off with a community celebration including free hotdogs, a Centennial cake contest, the Olds Farmers' Market, wonderful local entertainment and greetings from our community leaders.
Friday saw the opening of the Summer Oldstice street festival, live entertainment, the opening of the J.C (Jack) Anderson Charity Auto Auction pre-auction viewing and the start of the Canadian Cutting Horse Finals.
Saturday included the continuation of Oldstice, the pre-auction viewing and the Cutting Horse competition, a free pancake breakfast, children's activities in the park, more live entertainment throughout the Uptowne core, the unveiling of the new Olds Fashioned Christmas Village's Farm Manager's Home, the “Olds College fossil”, a Show and Shine, a Ride for Dad parade, a Night of Cars dance, as well as a spectacular fireworks display.
Sunday helped wind up this amazing weekend with the JC (Jack) Anderson Charity Auto Auction, pancake breakfast, Interdenominational Church Service and the conclusion of the Cutting Horse Finals. This is only a sampling of what was going on during this action-packed event.
WOW!! What a weekend.
True credit for the weekend's success belongs with the many volunteers and organizations that worked so hard to plan and execute each of the weekend's events.
Unfortunately, there are too many individuals and organizations for me to list here – which is actually a wonderful testament to just how many stepped forward to help with this great weekend.
However, I can say that to everyone who helped with this Community Celebration, please accept my profound thanks for your commitment, planning and time.
Despite Mother Nature's best attempts to rain us out, the weekend was a great success.
I am humbled and honoured by all of your involvement and support through rain or shine.
Our community would not be as great as it is without you. Thank you.
Finally, I would like to thank my community for your support and participation in our weekend's events. They were a success because of your involvement and our community continues to grow and improve because of your support.
Having now taken a weekend of reflection on the greatness the last 100 years of community relationships has produced, I am excited to continue our journey together toward even greater accomplishments and successes.
Happy 100th Birthday Olds College and thank you.
Paul Gustafson,
Event chair, Olds College Centennial Community Celebration
