The centennial celebrations for the Great War Memorial hall in Strathmore are fast approaching.

The celebration will take place from July 8 to 11, ahead of the festivities members of the celebration committee will be partnering with volunteers to hold days to spruce up the grounds in time for this summer season.

Jennifer Franssen PR Chair for the centennial celebration committee share what has happened at the grounds so far, she explained that volunteers came out two weeks ago to help with the first work bee to improve the look of the gardens at the Legion.

Franssen revealed that there will likely be more spruce-up events coming in the future.

“They were a big help in it and we're trying to get our gardens looking good, We're part of the contribution to the Communities in Bloom judging that's going to happen here in Strathmore,” she explained.

She noted that during the pandemic, “The Legion unfortunately like everything else during COVID was closed and so a lot of the general work in the yard didn't get taken care of, and the gardens were looking rather worn out.”

“We made a beautification plan for redoing all of the gardens in the front of the Legion we’re recycling a lot of the plants, but we took everything out that was in there,” she said.

“We were fortunate to have a donation of dirt from Eagle Lake Nurseries and sheep manure from Whispering Cedars Ranch, and so we've regenerated the garden beds, and we're now in the process of putting the plants back in or putting new ones in,” she said noting that excitement is starting to build as a few more donations of materials have come in.

Franssen is also excited to gain more community involvement in the project as she has heard that some local groups like the Brownies and Guides plan to participate as well.

According to the Legion, the planning committee will be out seeking support from local businesses for gardening supplies to contribute to the Towns’ Communities in Bloom effort and donations for a special Silent Auction to raise much-needed funds.

“We hope that the business community will support us with donations and the larger community through participation at the events advertised and submitting bids during the Auction which will be on display at the Hall throughout the weekend! “

Over the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legion has continued to support more than 170 local veterans and maintain the premises with limited funds.