Spectators took in the vast fireworks display during the Rumsey centennial celebration on Sat. July 13. The weekend was filled with laughs, smiles and community as a large 358 person breakfast, over 600 person supper, school reunions, bouncy castles, a parade and more happened. ECA Review/T.Huxley
One hundred years have come and gone in what feels like a blink of an eye but much has happened since the community’s inception in 1919.
Rumsey holds a rich history, one that was celebrated with intense pride over the weekend, July 12 to July 14.
Although the community never bolstered a large population, the ones who have stayed have created a truly thriving community thanks to the consistent support.
“It was an incredible weekend,” began Rob Richmond, spokesperson for the Rumsey centennial committee.
In total, approximately 750 people registered for the centennial festivities.
Friday kicked off the weekend with the centennial campfire that had music and food.
Saturday had the bulk of activities starting with a large pancake breakfast put on by the Morrin volunteer fire department followed by the much-anticipated parade.
Best float was awarded to Mountain View Financial, best children’s float went to the Rumsey-Rowley 4-H Beef Club, best family entry went to the Steen family, the best animal float went to True Big Horse Hitch, the best antique entry went to Ken and Peep Bengert and the parade marshall’s choice went to the Cawiezel family with Coulee View Fab.
The Agriplex was filled with visitors for the school reunions as well as 100 photos of Rumsey history lining the interior windows with the help of Larry Anderson.
A barbecue beef supper was served to 600 people and included speeches, visiting and the Precious Cargo Sisters delivered some classic 30s and 40s tunes in the hall afterwards which was a highlight for many seniors who attended.
The fireworks display rivalled that of a large city with its wide variety of colours and designs marking the night sky.
Another pancake breakfast followed by a church service Sunday morning and Jill Brodie’s ducks and dogs demonstration.
Two benches to be located in the Rumsey and Rowley cemeteries were dedicated to the centennial and revealed at the closing of the celebration on Sunday.
Rumsey’s centennial committee, consisting of 15 individuals, put the event together with over a year in volunteer time, spearheaded by Dariel McNaughton, Marry Newton and Larry Anderson.
“What a great crew to put er’ altogether. It was a lot of moving parts but for something like this I think we pulled it off,” said Richmond.
Rumsey has always been known for its constant pride as well as volunteerism.
“If we needed people to work the bar or we needed people to work the swag tables or registration tables, people just stepped right up and helped out cleaning out the garbage or whatever the case may be,” he said.
“The big thing with Rumsey is I think people are always so proud. You can always go back home. I’ll beat our chest. I think we can be very proud of the centennial. That’s the big thing. It exceeded expectations would be a good way to put it but I think everybody was pretty proud of the weekend. It was pretty incredible,” concluded Richmond.
History
Larry Anderson took the visitors on a short journey, back in time.
“Do you know what happened, in Rumsey, on July 19, 1919, a little more than one hundred years ago?
The answer is in the Red Rumsey History book.
On July 19, 1919, a Monster Peace Celebration was organized by the UFWA, UFA, and the athletic association to commemorate the end of World War I, and the return of local soldiers.
Oliver Tolman ran the local garage, and he was tasked with installing the electric lights.
These dates: 1930, 1955, 1980 and 2019 may have major significance for many of you depending upon your age, a celebration in Rumsey in 1930.
In 1955, Rumsey went all out to celebrate our provinces golden jubilee – 50th anniversary.
There is a series of photographs in the “100 photographs for 100-year display” in the curling rink that shows many of the floats in the parade.
The next big celebration was held in 1980 and the occasion was the provinces 75th anniversary.
The last date Anderson referred to was 2019, and this brings us to the reason for today’s celebration. Today’s celebration is to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of the Village of Rumsey.
The first meeting was held on April 22, 1919 and Henry Heddon was chosen as Rumsey’s first Mayor.
“Also, I believe, looking back over the past 100 years of our history, helps us to understand and better tell the story of this great community,” concluded Anderson in the short journey he provided to attendees.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
