It’s a big year for the Town of Niverville, commemorating fifty years since its incorporation as an independent community. To celebrate, the town is throwing a party—and they want you there.

On Sunday, September 8, Hespeler Park will be abuzz with free activities for everyone, all day long. The day will kick off with Foga—a combination of fitness and yoga—at 9:00 a.m. and continue with nonstop activities until mid-evening.

Every part of it will reflect the town that residents have come to know and love, supported by Niverville’s churches, businesses, and sports teams.

People can choose to join in on the morning worship service, which will celebrate the area’s diverse ethnic roots, from Mennonite to Metis and First Nations peoples. Roger Armbruster, the service’s organizer, is excited to host Island Breeze Manitoba as well as Alisa Tina Moose, who will participate in the service with cultural dancing, singing, and spiritual blessings.

“Since we all live on the same land, this blessing [will] include all of the people who live on this land, and we all have a part to play in contributing to its future peace and prosperity,” says Armbruster.

In keeping with the theme, the churches of Niverville will serve up a hearty lunch of farmer sausage burgers, frybread, and bannock.

Kids will be kept busy all afternoon with bouncers, Ninja Warrior games, face-painting, glitter tattoos, and balloon artists. They’ll also be among the first to try out the newly installed play structure beside the splash pad.

The whole family will enjoy an obstacle course created by ShopGym Inc., some fitness fun with Average Joe’s Fitness, as well as circuit/off-ice training with the Niverville Skating Club.

Children can collect toothbrushes and treats provided by the staff of the Niverville Heritage Dental Centre and then explore the park in an organized scavenger hunt with a chance to win free summer camp registration in 2020.

Adults can put their competitive spirit to the test in games of spikeball, hosted by the Niverville Beach Volleyball organization, or try the Accurate Shooter provided by Clipper Ice Sports. If competition isn’t your thing, you can relax and focus with some lessons in tai chi or just catch up with your neighbours.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a great day without celebrating some of Niverville’s finest talent. Award-winning musician Jordan St. Cyr will treat the town to the music that’s garnering him international attention. Comedian and actor Matt Falk, the guy who the CBC calls “effortlessly funny,” will have everyone in stitches with a family-friendly stand-up routine.

A smoked pork loin dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m. with all the fixings, including cake, compliments of Niverville Bigway, the Heritage Centre, and the town. Evening stage performances will include the musical sounds of Wildflower and dance demonstrations by the Prairie Soul Dance Company. All this will be topped off with an unforgettable fireworks show at 8:00 p.m.

Niverville’s fiftieth anniversary celebration is where you belong on September 8.