Despite the cancellation of the Olde Tyme Country Fair, Niverville will still see some big community events happen this summer. The Town of Niverville has partnered with the fair committee to plan a Canada Day parade for July 1, along with another community event which will take place at 10:00 p.m. the same day.

“The event is going to be ‘unwrapped’ during the upcoming couple weeks,” Janz says. “We are not advertising any specifics other than the fair committee and the town have partnered to give the town a great July 1 while staying at home. All I can really say at this point is that residents can relax in the comfort of their own yards while enjoying the festivities.”

Dustin Krahn, representing the fair committee, says that Niverville Recreation is doing a lot of the work, but the committee itself wanted to see something positive happen in the community this summer.

“The fair being cancelled was a tough thing for many people,” Krahn says. “So when this opportunity came up to collaborate with the Town of Niverville, we decided that it would probably be the best spot to put our efforts.”

Despite the still-secretive nature of their announcement, the fair committee wants to spread awareness with potential businesses, individuals, and groups about the parade, which will take place in the early evening. To keep social distancing in mind, the committee has designed a route much larger than normal, while also minimizing traffic obstruction in the community’s busy zones.

Krahn says this is being done so people can simply stay home and enjoy.

“Those that are not on the route can plan a responsible and safe way to take part,” he adds. “Either by visiting friends that are on the route, or finding a safe open space that is along the route.”

A parade route map will be published closer to the event along with a reminder of recommended safe procedures for both traffic and social distancing.

Participants in the parade will also be instructed to not throw any candy, samples, or other physical giveaways. Instead the fair committee is offering other ideas to businesses and organizations who often rely on parades as an avenue for marketing.

“Our idea is to place individual letters throughout the parade attached to various floats that kids can try to find, and record as the parade passes by,” says Krahn. “Once the parade has finished, they can try and solve the word scramble and submit their answer for a chance to win a prize.”

He says the prize will likely be fair-related, such as 2021 midway passes.

Before the fair was cancelled, federal funding had been secured for a major fireworks display this year. While neither the fair committee nor Niverville Recreation will confirm whether a fireworks display is now in the works for July 1, Town of Niverville program coordinator Angela Janz says they want to ensure the community can have a safe and fun Canada Day while prioritizing social distancing.

Coordinators for this year’s July 1 event all recommend watching the community’s social media accounts for more details, coming soon.