centennial logo

This is the start of one of the busiest and most exciting weeks Swift Current will see in a hundred years.

Frontier Days kicks off on Thursday, and it also coincides with the Centennial Homecoming Events as the city continues to celebrate its 100th birthday.

"The community is really coming together," said Swift Current Chief Administrative Officer Susan Motkaluk. "We have, I think, almost 500 volunteers. We are still looking for about 20 or 30 more, so if anyone is interested in volunteering, we're still looking for more. Our preparations and plans are all in place, and now we are just hoping the weather will co-operate."

The centennial events this weekend include the Welcome Home address featuring Premier Brad Wall and other guest speakers and entertainment on Friday afternoon at 4:00pm from the SIGA Centennial Pavillion at Kinetic Exhibition Park, and a number of downtown events including Market Square, a Show and Shine, entertainment at Memorial Park and the parade on Saturday.

Motkaluk adds with the amount of events on Saturday, the city is organizing a park and ride service that day to help alleviate traffic congestion.

"The rides begin at 1:00pm and they last until 2:30am, and they will be running every half hour," she added. "City Hall is a parking area, as well as the Credit Union iplex and the Kinetic Park north gate, so the shuttles will be running people around from there."

With thousands of people expected to come to the city over the next few days, Motkaluk is encouraging residents to show their pride and put their best foot forward.

"Take a little extra time to plant some flowers or a special touch in your yard," she said. "We've got the Centennial Driving Tour and the Centennial Walking Tour, and I know there will be a lot of people coming home and maybe checking out their old neighbourhoods or their old schools, so anything you can do to help beautify our city, we certainly appreciate."

A listing of the city's Centennial Homecoming and Frontier Days events can be found online at citysc100.ca, and at swiftcurrentex.com.