Sunburns, tattoos, summer pics and a few recyclables are all that’s left to show for Waterfest 2011! There was something there for everyone. All who attended the event will hopefully have a few good memories of what a community who works together can do and enjoy. As a part of the organizing committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of people and groups for helping the Chestermere Lions run a successful beer garden.

Firstly, I would like to thank the pride of Lions who worked there all day long in a variety of jobs, purchasing, packing, selling, cleaning and serving patrons! Everyone pitched in and helped out with a smile on their face and a great attitude! Next would have to be Nancie Huneault and the Town of Chestermere Public Works Department who were an enormous help in all aspects of the set up and take down! Your man power and cooperation was greatly appreciated. Thanks to Paul McCormick for providing a refer truck to keep our refreshments cold. Thanks also to John Kittler from Hyperactive Watersports for his direction and entertainment on the mic and for running the water activities and wake board competitions that kept all of us on dry land entertained and in awe of the skill level of some of those people!! Thanks also to Doug Leece of First Fire Productions for the music that kept the beer gardens patrons entertained and the workers moving with a skip in their step as they danced around, keeping patrons in line and tables and chairs neat. The best is always saved for last and that would have to have been my favorite band, Netty Mac who played their lively dance tunes with the fantastic fireworks display erupting in the water behind them! Great combo to wrap up the night!

Now I didn’t get to see any of it but the word in the beer gardens was that the boat parade, lake tours, fishing derby, Rubber Duck Race, kids centre and even the Car Show were all great! What a great day for Chestermere! I am very proud to have been a part of it and hope all who came out had a good time.

Proceeds from the beer gardens are turned back into the community following the four core principles of Lionism; sight, disabilities, health and youth. The Lions’ Club believes that our community is what we make it. The Lions believe, together, we can make our community an even better place to live. So, if you are interested in meeting some of our members or volunteering your time for special functions, please contact Gail Smith ( HYPERLINK “mailto:gailmarie@telus.net” gailmarie@telus.net). This is a great opportunity to come out, support your community, and meet some great people.

Gail Smith
Chestermere Lions Waterfest Coordinator