Debec hosts 52nd Debec Days with no sign of slowing down
Despite the cool, misty weather, the 52nd annual Debec Days held on Saturday, Sept 7, was brimming with joy and cheer with the people of Debec more than making up for faults with the weather.
This year’s theme was “Hillbilly Hoedown,” meant to harken back to the town’s grassroots and the origins of the event.
Debec Days is a staple of the community and was founded in 1972.
Since then, the annual event has been a beacon of community spirit for the small town, routinely drawing hundreds of people to partake in the celebration, to sit down for a spell, chat with their neighbours and have a burger or two.
“Five hundred or more attended this year’s Debec Days,” said Debec Recreation Council president Donna Carson.
Carson said the event was important because “we are losing that sense of community.”
Going around the event, you could feel the positive energy and that sense of community actively thriving.
Throughout the festivities, many activities and events were held, ranging from live music to food competitions and a parade.
Six vendors attended the Saturday market at the Debec community park, selling various wares, such as local produce, hand-sewn purses, and custom-made Christmas tree ornaments.
Approximately 15 vehicles participated in this year’s parade, including a horse-drawn carriage, fire engines, classic cars, and many others.
Carson believes that Debec Days and events like it help preserve a sense of community and unite people.
The Debec Fire Department’s clever and creative children’s activity was a prime example of this community spirit.
Young kids were given real-life fireman’s hoses, to their cackling delight, and had to push a target using the hoses to their opponent’s side. Their furrowed brows focused on putting out the future fires of Debec.
These actions and others like this ensure that Debec Days are around another 52 years to come.
