The inaugural Fly, Ride & Drive to Shaunavon was a massive success! From planes flying overhead to classic cars lining Centre Street and model trains rolling through, our community came together to...
The inaugural Fly, Ride & Drive to Shaunavon was a massive success! From planes flying overhead to classic cars lining Centre Street and model trains rolling through, our community came together to celebrate all things transportation.
Beyond the excitement, the heart of this weekend was driving awareness toward vital careers in the transport industry and investing in our community's future. As shared during our EDIO’s opening remarks:
"Today is about drawing awareness, sparking curiosity, and building the skills that will drive a sustainable future where rural Canada doesn't just survive - we THRIVE." - EDIO Scott
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:
• Court House Centennial: A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Town Hall, as well as the mock trial actors and organizers who brought local history to life!
• Bicycle Loonie Ride & Parade: We had 16 decorated bikes cruising out to the airport! Thank you to our youth leaders, and the RCMP for guiding a safe parade and thanks to KidSport volunteers and Shaunavon Bylaw for being at our stops/registration stations!
• Airport Action: A transportation show with planes, cars, trucks & motorcycles. Thrilling search-and-rescue homing demos by Civil Air Search And Rescue Association (CASARA) and an awesome Sunday presentation with the South Alberta Flight Academy and non-stop runway action! Major shoutout to the Excellerators Car Club for grilling up an incredible lunch! A portion of the proceeds from this weekend’s community BBQ is going directly toward the Shaunavon Airport runway expansion to ensure vital medical air services remain in our region!
• Model Trains & Rail Safety: Special thanks to the Speedy Creek Model Railroad Club and Great Western Railway for setting up amazing displays and teaching essential train safety and rail awareness to our community. Thanks to Pattison Ag for coming out to talk about drones and their capabilities including for agricultural management. Shout out to Swift Current Air Cadets for also coming out with their information booth, so more youth of our region can learn how they can join in and explore being a future aviator. The Shaunavon branch of Chinook library provided reading of transportation materials for everyone, highlighting the importance of literacy to achieving dreams.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CROWD FAVOURITE TRANSPORTATION WINNERS!
Car Fan Favourite: Evan H.
Plane Fan Favourite: Rick & Barb H.
Motorcycle Fan Favourite: Ron C.
Loonie Ride Fan Favourite: We had winners in every category and smiles all around with their new transportation toys and gear!
"The transportation industry is currently facing employment gaps specifically in trucking, aviation and rail. If these gaps are not mitigated now, they are projected to critically impact trade and export by 2035, as per data compiled by Transport Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Thus, we wanted to highlight the value of transportation not just to our social well-being but also to our economic future." - EDIO Scott
THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS: Magnum Trucks | Standard Shaunavon GM | Tarrickfic Aerial | Great Southern Route
SPECIAL THANKS TO BOOMTOWN FAMILY & ALL OF THE INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS AND TO AGE FRIENDLY FOR PROVIDING A SHUTTLE SERVICE ON SATURDAY!
THANK YOU TO OUR SILENT AUCTION ITEM DONORS:
Snack Shack
IDA Pharmacy
Ted & Chandra Anderson
Nova Optical
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARTNERS: Age Friendly Shaunavon, KidSport Shaunavon, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 40, Plaza Theatre & Venue, IDA Pharmacy, Grand Coteau Heritage & Cultural Centre, Rock Solid Refuge, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), South Alberta Flight Academy, Speedy Creek Model Railroad Club, Shaunavon Branch Chinook Regional Library, Southwest Literacy Committee, Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce, Town of Eastend, Pioneer Co-op, Nova Optical, Anderson & Co., Darkhorse Theatre, The Snack Shack, Stardust Motel, 2 for 1 Family Pizza, Shaunavon Bylaw Officer, Shaunavon Town Council, Southwest Regional EMO, Tourism Saskatchewan, Culture Days, Overtime Restaurant, Great Western Railway, Pattison Ag, and Swift Current Air Cadets.
Thank you to every kid, family, neighbour, and visitor who came to check it all out and create lasting memories with us here in Southwest Saskatchewan. Together we can create a future of promise and opportunity!