A lot has changed in our province since 1916. Now the community of Senlac is celebrating their centennial, heralding some of the same great things this small town has represented continually in the past 100 years.
Senlac prides itself on being a tight-knit Saskatchewan community that continues to demonstrate, and be known for, its community spirit. This active little town continues to host many events that many communities their size or larger no longer undertake because of lack of interest or support. Senlac still proudly hosts a 4-H club, a gun club, hockey clubs and other activities.
Things that in decades past drew surrounding people to Senlac are still holding the same attraction today, such as sports days. Senlac still hosts an annual slo-pitch tournament, a girls’ hockey tournament and numerous dances. These events are organized and hosted by community volunteers. With a current population of 46, this is a whole lot of co-operative effort.
Members of a previous homecoming committee along with the village council initiated the upcoming Senlac centennial celebration, as well as being joined by some of the younger community members.
Event planners are hoping to see between 400 and 500 people flock to Senlac for the celebration
The weekend will see the slo-pitch tournament incorporated into the 100th anniversary celebrations. Registration will begin July 1 at 8 a.m. July 1 will also include a dance at the arena and special Canada Day fireworks.
Registrations will continue Saturday. The community is putting together a parade for 11 a.m. followed by a barbecue and cake cutting. To keep with the family theme the committee is focusing on, there will be children’s activities that include a petting zoo and bouncy houses as well as horseshoes, bunnock and ball games. A catered supper will be held at the hall for registrants Saturday followed by entertainment and a social at the hall. The event will all wrap up Sunday starting with a country church service at 9:30 a.m. followed by breakfast and goodbyes at the hall.
Organizers are anxious to attract a good crowd and have made the registrations affordable with children under five free, children 12 and under $10, 13 and older are $35 and $100 for a family to attend.
Invitations have been sent out to all past council members, administrators, the local MLA and Premier Brad Wall. An invitation was sent to Queen Elizabeth, to which the committee received a nice letter that will be displayed throughout Centennial weekend.
Replies must be in before June 1 with Bobbi-Jean May as one of the contacts at 306-288-3695 or at may228@sasktel.net. Shirley Tyndall is another contact person at 306-228-2590.
Something no one in 1916 could predict was the evolution of electronics that includes the current phenomena of Facebook, but organizers have used this electronic venue to spread the word on their centennial event under the page “Senlac Centennial Homecoming 2016.”
Here’s a fun fact about Senlac! Everyone always asks why they park in the middle of Main Street? Senlac passed a resolution in 1926 to do this.
Settlers started to come into the Senlac area in 1906. But it wasn't until the railway came in 1909 that the village had its beginning, and then was incorporated in 1916, with its first council meeting.
The village is thought to have taken its name from Senlac Hill in England, where the battle of Hastings was fought in 1066.
Senlac’s population had reached up to 136, and at its peak, it had roughly 30 businesses and a doctor. Businesses included a bank, pool halls, multiple general stores, implement and car dealerships, a drug store, a furniture store and four elevators.
The residents and surrounding rural population feel lucky to have a strong agricultural and oil presence that helps the community stay active. Between these industries and the strength of their community support, Senlac has been able to maintain a hotel, a restaurant, a newly opened art gallery, campsites, a gym, a post office, a hall, a church and a rink.
