A Longview man who fondly remembers the village’s summer festival, parade and old-fashioned children’s games is helping create similar memories for the next generation.
Aaron Lyons is the Little New York Daze Committee president this year and continuing to revive decades-old activities and is creating new ones in a popular weekend-long community event July 22 to 24.
“It’s been going on every since I can remember,” he said. “This year we are putting on a few more events. We just want more happening.”
Little New York Daze celebrates the unique history of Longview, which was initially called Little New York in 1938 when it was located more than five kilometres east of the existing village.
The village was moved to its current location and named in honour of homesteading brothers Thomas and Oliver Long and after the spectacular view.
The festivities kick off with a weekend slo-pitch tournament at 6 p.m. July 22 behind Longview School.
Saturday’s activities begin with a pancake breakfast at the fire hall from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and an outdoor community market along Highway 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Highway traffic will stop when the parade makes its way north, then back south along the Cowboy Trail at 10 a.m. The parade features the Millarville Musical Ride, marching bands, floats from nearby communities, horses and vintage vehicles.
Following the parade, several activities are scheduled in the Longview School yard including Ferrier demonstrations and Okotoks’ Spectacle Blue interactive circus show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children’s carnival games with prizes will run from noon until 3 p.m., the Millarville Musical Ride at 1 p.m. and Tricky Business from Calgary with juggling, face painting and performing magic tricks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The streets seem to be full for the parade and a lot of people wandering around town on Saturday,” said Lyons. Usually there is quite a large turnout.”
People can test their aim at a horseshoe tournament at Riverview Place at 1 p.m. and youngsters can test their bravery and riding skills at mutton busting beside the Longview Fire Hall at 2 p.m.
Lyons said the event attracts people from across the region.
“I have noticed that there is a lot of unfamiliar faces that come through and hang out for the day,” he said. “We see a few people come from surrounding communities that enjoy the day. A lot of people come from outside of town to see what’s going on.”
The Longview Fire Department will host a BBQ supper at 5 p.m. and the evening will end with a bang, featuring a fireworks display at dusk.
Sunday’s festivities begin with a church service in Centennial Park at 10 a.m.
Throughout the day, activities in the park will include a market from noon until 5 p.m., beer gardens from noon until 6 p.m., magic show from 1 to 1:30 p.m., face painting, caricatures, children’s games and bouncy houses and entertainment by local musicians Eva Levesque and Cody Follis from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“The park seems to be fairly full on Saturday,” said Lyons. “It’s a good event for everybody with the kids games, market and music playing.”
Those with a love for vintage cars can peruse the annual show and shine car show featuring a variety of vehicles on the outskirts of Centennial Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To sign up for the adult baseball tournament, which takes place throughout the weekend, contact Bill Goss at 403-558-2100.
