A group of energetic individuals from the Blaine Lake community and surrounding area have been diligent in planning for the town's centennial celebrations in 2012.
The biggest project initiated for the event was the plan and design of a legacy monument in honour of community pioneers. Based as an agricultural community, the subcommittee sent out a request for proposals from artists for a monument of a wheat stook. This theme was decided upon following a series of public meetings and it was believed to be reflective of the pioneers and the community.
The subcommittee worked diligently to narrow the selection to two qualified, professional artists. Blaine Lake town council donated a parcel of land in the southwest portion of town where the monument will be erected.
The committee, with the assistance of Laurie Cheveldayoff, proceeded to apply for a grant from the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program available through the Government of Canada. A recent announcement from MP Maurice Vellacott indicated the Blaine Lake Monument committee will receive funding of $43,750 to assist with the wheat stook monument in conjunction with the town and rural municipality's centennial celebrations in 2012.
"Our government is proud to support the Blaine Lake Community Association," said Minister Moore in a press release, "by partnering with communities to support activities that celebrate our shared history and our rich cultural diversity, we are fulfilling our commitment to strengthen our communities and support arts, culture and heritage."
The tentative date for the celebration is the long weekend in August 2012.
The Government of Canada created the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program in September 2007. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations throughout Canada this year.
