STELLARTON – There will be something for almost everyone when the Stellarton Homecoming gets underway this week.
The annual event started Wednesday with a coffee party (see below for details on the events), an ice cream social and a concert in Allan Park featuring Mike & The MacPhersons.
Things really get heated up from there, however, with various activities and events planned through Sunday night.
“It’s a pretty big deal,” said Paul Corbin, the town’s recreation director. “People come from all across Canada, they plan their summer vacations around it. There’s a lot going on.”
The Homecoming’s closing night on July 28 will include a concert at the Sobeys soccer complex, with fireworks following the live music.
“We had thought about licensing it this year, but we wanted to keep it more of a family event,” said Corbin.
Mayor Danny MacGillivray said when he lived away, he made sure he back to Pictou County for the Homecoming in his town.
“People come back, meet old friends and make new memories,” he said.
“Coming home for it is a special event, so we try to make it enjoyable for everyone.”
He said the committee Homecoming committee starts meeting in January to get everything ready. Part of the committee is made up of town council, as well as staff and the general public.
“The volunteers make it happen each and every year,” the mayor added, “and I know we on council enjoy the time meeting with the citizens, so it’s just as enjoyable for us as it is for them.”
Stellarton Homecoming Events:
July 25: Presbyterian Coffee Party (10 a.m.), Poulains's Pharmachoice Ice Cream Social (11 a.m.-3 p.m., Garden Party Concert Allan Park (7-9 p.m. featuring: Mike & The MacPhersons).
July 26: 11 a.m-2pm: Medical Hall Charity BBQ, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Seniors Lunch at RCAF, Golf Tournament, Fire Fighters Competition (6 p.m. soccer fields), Trivia 8:30 p.m. at RCAF.
July 27: Christ Church Coffee Party (10 a.m.), Street Party (6:30-9 p.m. featuring a Childrens Parade, Antique Cars, food truck rally, Strawberry Social, Palm readings, Live entertainment Jon Raven, Keith Lodge open house and a Pre-Teen Dance at Dream Candy (7:30-9 p.m.).
July 28: Yard sale at Presbytarian Church, Pancake Breakfast (7-11 a.m., Washer Toss at Foster Ave. (10 a.m.), Family Fun Day at Albion Field (11 a.m.-2 p.m), Pork Chop BBQ at RCAF (3:30-5:30 p.m.), Homecoming Rink dance (10 p.m.-2 a.m., $10 at the door feat: Next Exit and Hot Mess.
July 29: Cemetery Mass at Lourdes (9 a.m)., Horseshoe Tournament (10 a.m. at Foster Ave.), Ecumenical Service (10 a.m. at the Presbytarian Church, Dog Show Sobeys Sports Complex (2 p.m.), Closing Concert and Fireworks (8-10 p.m. at the soccer fields, featuring Old School).
