Elnora cannot celebrate its official centennial until 2029, but it is finding another way to celebrate 100 years this summer.
The village, while incorporated only in 1929, truly came into being in 1913.
That year, with the Grand Trunk Railroad being laid through the area, residents of Lakeview, 11 km to the east (and bypassed by the tracks), packed up and established Elnora on its present site.
It is that 100-year anniversary that the town will celebrate June 21 to 23 with its Founder Days festivities.
More than 1,000 people are expected for the festivities.
The event in The Friendly Community will feature an antique car display, entertainment, pancake breakfasts, suppers, and a dance.
On June 21, the village museum will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Registration for the weekend will follow at the community hall, where there will also be music by Ray Duft and Dee Hodgkinson starting at 8 p.m. Following a pancake breakfast, a parade will get going on the morning of June 22. The afternoon will feature cemetery, school, Legion and museum tours, plus a show and shine.
Visitors can also go on a village walking tour that identifies historically significant locations.
There will be a time capsule from 1993 unearthed and around 50 cakes designed in honour of the village’s founders will be on display in the afternoon.
In the evening, Randi Boulton, Off the Rails and Precious Cargo will provide entertainment in advance of an 11:30 p.m. fireworks show.
Finally, on Sunday there will be a non-denominational church service at 11 a.m., and Guns of the Golden West will stage a mock western shootout around noon.
Pre-registration is not required for any of the festivities, although anyone interested in participating in the parade can contact Lloyd Cheshire at 403-773-3571.
Anyone wanting to participate in the show and shine can call Tony Silbernagel at 403-773-3578.
For a full schedule of events, see www.villageofelnora.com.
mfish@www.reddeeradvocate.com