STELLARTON – Things are gearing up for Stellarton’s annual Homecoming Festival, which begins this morning and runs until July 29.
Stellarton town councillor Ken Francis is serving as this year’s liaison between the council and the festival organizing committee. He said that the festival has become a summer staple not only for Stellarton but the surrounding areas as well.
“It’s like a family gathering of sorts for Stellartonians,” said Francis. “It’s not just for Stellarton though and we’re pleased and delighted when those people near and far come to visit.”
The Homecoming Festival was first organized after the Town of Stellarton's centennial celebrations in 1989. Francis, along with others attending this year’s festival, will also be watching the weather closely since some unsettling but warm weather has been forecast by Environment Canada.
Some of the highlights people can look forward to from this year’s Homecoming include ECMA-winning folk artist John Gracie and Frank MacKay, formerly of Frank MacKay and The Lincolns. Francis said the biggest challenge is ensuring the general public has a say in Homecoming activities.
“We’ve been listening to what people have said and have tried to limit the number of activities that may overlap,” he said. “We don’t want events competing for people.”
The committee has offered a new more colourful brochure with a schedule of events to catch people’s attention. There will also be a 50/50 draw and tickets will be sold on a gift basket of goods donated by local merchants valued at around $1,000.
“The commercial and community support has been phenomenal,” said Francis. “We’re hoping to raise a few more dollars since nothing comes cheap nowadays.”
The Stellarton Homecoming Festival runs from Wednesday through to Sunday and most of the events are free of charge to participants. There will be many volunteers and organizations coming together to make all the events possible.
There has been good feedback from the Stellarton High School class of 1993, which will be meeting at the RCAF Hall at 8 p.m. on Friday. By popular demand, SHS hoodies will be for sale, along with Town of Stellarton cups and mugs.
“Whether it’s the coffee parties to the trivia nights to the old time dances, it’s about seeing people come together,” said Francis. “Too often we don’t take the time to be with our friends and neighbours in the community and the Homecoming is the perfect venue.”
Stellarton town council is kept informed of the Homecoming Festival committee’s meetings through Francis and is greatly anticipating the town’s signature summer event.
“This is an opportunity to see all that is happening and the progress we’ve made,” said Francis. “It strengthens the community and makes us proud to be from Stellarton.”
[email protected] On Twitter: @NGNewsJohn
