Abbey Homecoming shows strong community pride

Turning 110 years old is definitely worth celebrating, and the folks out in Abbey know how to throw a birthday bash. 

The village was established in 1913. Current and past residents took time out of their weekend to be present in the community with pride, as they are often known for across the southwest. 

Pancake breakfast to kick off Saturday events.

Economic Development Officer for Abbey, Jenn Biensch, said the multi-year planning worked out for a successful crowd when last weekend finally rolled around.  

“It was a really busy weekend; it was a lot of fun,” she said. “We had a great turnout and there was something for all ages. Everybody seemed to really enjoy it and it was nice to see everybody back home and see the town bustling.” 

She also noted that a crowd favourite was Saturday’s big parade, which featured a variety of floats and vehicles go by residents lining up along the road. 

With the heat warning in effect and a wild storm brewing close by that evening, there was the question of whether fireworks would be permitted to be set ablaze. Thankfully conditions were favourable and folks enjoyed a 20-minute show in the sky. 

In the end, not a single thing on the schedule was cancelled—in fact, Biensch said quite the opposite, “We were able to have everything and then some; there were some other things that were added kind of last minute, too. 

“It was just a nice way to showcase our town spirit and our pride,” she added. “Everybody is really proud to be from this town, and even people who moved away still call Abbey home.” 

The Sunday morning church service was one of the last events of the weekend.