“Good Job!”
Together, at the same time, Dan Gaudet and Sue
Lepki, uttered the words that said it all to sum up the feelings each
had about the excellent efforts that went into the organization of the
2001 version of the Annual Capreol Days.
Gaudet, Chair of the Capreol Days Committee,
and Sue Lepki, Secretary/Treasure of the Committee, spearheaded the
volunteer organizations which took part in the very successful four days
of fun and entertainment on the weekend of August 3 to August 6. Lepki,
who was acting in a volunteer capacity on the committee, is also the
Program Coordinator of the Capreol Millennium Resource Centre and does a
great deal of work with the youth centre.
“Community,” was Sue’s answer when asked
what she felt Capreol Days was all about. “This is a four day period
when everyone here feels a real sense of community. A lot of people who
have left town say that Capreol Days gives them a reason to return to
their roots for a weekend. They look forward to coming back and staying
in touch with the places that hold so many fond memories of when they
were growing up. That is why we try to hold events at as many different
places as we can.”
Long-time residents appreciate the efforts of
the volunteers since it permits their children to come back for a visit
at least once a year to spend a bit of quality time back home.
“We try to hold events at a variety of venues
to get the entire community involved,” stated Gaudet. “The time
capsule at Cenotaph Park was a fitting way to kick everything off on
Friday night. That got things rolling for the baseball tournament and
the Much Music Dance at the arena.”
“Everything was well attended,” Lepki
commented. “When you organize something like this you never know how
well it will be supported, but each event was absolutely packed. Even
the Sk8board competition filled the arena with people packed in all
around the arena watching the 40 competitors.”
“We always hold the final day of the weekend
at Ella Lake, and this year it was absolutely fantastic,” stated
Gaudet. “There were so many people there and they just loved all of
the demonstrations, games, contests and best of all, the food. The
canine units were phenomenal! Plus, with the temperature so hot, the
water was a popular spot. Just seeing everybody enjoying themselves on
the beach made all of the planning worthwhile.”
Gaudet, who has been actively involved in the
organization of Capreol Days for many years, stated that this, his first
as Chair of the Committee, gave him, “A whole lot of respect for Tulio
Ricci.” Ricci was a former Chair who was instrumental in building up
the popularity of the event and bringing some incredible festivals to
the town. The 75th
Anniversary Celebrations turned Capreol Days into “Old Home Week”
and it appears as if subsequent festivals
have been unofficially dubbed the same.
Sue Lepki recalls that for several years
interest waned and Capreol Days actually was cancelled. However, three
years ago it was resurrected with a mini-Capreol Days at the Arena and
the past two years has risen to the full scope of the past.
Planning for Capreol Days 2002 will officially
begin in March. However, Sue and Dan would love to hear from residents
before that. If you have any comments or suggestions to make, please
give Sue a call at the Millennium Centre at 858-8888.