STELLARTON - The young and old alike will be able to find something to do at Stellarton Homecoming next week.
"I'm really happy, I feel we've been able to put together a program that people of all ages will enjoy," said Homecoming chairman Ken Francis. "We've got a kid's fun day, a senior's lunch, a preteen dance, pancake breakfast - there's something for the young and old."
Stellarton Homecoming originated more than 20 years ago, when the town was celebrating its centennial in 1989. The event was so popular that it was decided to hold it annually. This year, Homecoming will get underway on Wednesday and run until July 24.
"We're getting more interest in Homecoming this year than ever before," Francis said. "At each planning meeting we have, people on the committee were sharing stories about people from Stellarton who are living away now who are booking their vacation around it. That's really encouraging - I know my own family is doing that as well."
Homecoming will get underway next Wednesday with the Concert Under the Stars, where Old Man Luedecke will be the featured artist.
"I've never seen him myself, but those who have heard him are pretty excited and saying they'll be there," he said.
Thursday will feature a senior's lunch at the RCAF hall, a Minute to Win It challenge for teens at the rink and an antique car show set up along Foord Street in the evening.
"We've had a lot of calls about the antique car show, there are people coming from all over to show off their pride and joy - their antique cars," Francis said.
On Friday, a 20th reunion for the Stellarton High School class of 1991 and the popular children's parade will be held, along with a pre-teen dance at the youth centre.
Saturday will get underway with a pancake breakfast and silent auction, a giant yard sale along Foord Street, a washer toss tournament and the pork chop barbeque, followed by the Homecoming dance and beer garden at the rink, featuring the Fuzz Petals and Alamo.
Things will wrap up on Sunday with a horseshoe tournament in the morning, the Mayor's Garden Party at Allen Park in the afternoon and the movie under the stars, featuring Shrek Forever After, in the evening.
And the best part of Homecoming is that the events - with the exception of Saturday night's dance - are free to attend.
Francis says that he's hoping people from across the county will head over to Stellarton to help celebrate.
"Our doors are open to everyone - it's a great way to celebrate the great things summer has to offer," he said.
"We're not in competition with other towns - Trenton has its centennial, Westville had Canada Day, New Glasgow has other celebrations as well. This is a time for the town to take time out to say there's lots to celebrate here in Stellarton as well."
