Latchford celebrated its 100th birthday with a weekend of festivities despite the uncooperative weather. To begin the festivities off, the Opening Ceremony was held at the Latchford Recreation Centre and here the announcement was made of “Mr. & Mrs. Latchford” and Ted & Alice Livingston were honoured with that opportunity. Mr. & Mrs. Livingston presided over the majority of the festivities for the duration of the centennial.
The community had organized special events which included; Dedication of the Seniors Quilt, Pie Baking Contest, Historical Slideshow Presentation, Horseshoe Competition, Logger’s Events, Canoe and Paddle Boat, Tae-Kwon-Do Demonstration, Model Airplane Demonstration Races and to end it off, an Old-timer’s Ballgame.
There was something for everyone on each night of the
festivities. On Thursday evening Latchford Recreation organized a Kids MuchMusic Video Dance which brought in around 100 kids ages 12 – 18. The Latchford Volunteer Fire Department hosted a night of country music featuring “The Godmaires” and on Saturday evening “Toe Jam Tequila” rocked the arena and Latchford which was hosted by the Latchford Community Association.
Saturday morning was the official sod turning of W.J.B. Greenwood Provincial Park with the Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources;
the Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of Transportation and M.P.P. Anthony Rota presiding along with Council, residents and visitors and guest speakers.
A plaque honouring the late James Keenan (ex-deputy Minister of Recreation and Tourism) of Latchford was unveiled by retired Managing Director of Ontario Parks Norm Richard during the ceremony which will remain at Greenwood Park. Judy Murdoch the daughter of James Keenan was present to accept this recognition. Also present was Judy’s husband Rob and Fran Keenan, wife of the late James Keenan. Immediately following the sod turning, Latchford had the re-opening of the Sgt. Aubrey Cosens Memorial Bridge which had collapsed in 2003 and was rebuilt and functional in the fall of 2005 and also, the re-opening of Veteran’s Park.
King St. was overwhelmed by spectators waiting to catch a glimpse of the Centennial Parade as it made its way down the historic streets of Latchford. The parade was led by a welcome banner being held by Kylie Bennett, Tayler Bennett & Laura Wareing. Edith Rabillard (Honoured with the Governor General Caring Canadian Award by M.P.P. Anthony Rota) was the parades “Grand Marshal”. With over 30 entrants and the detail put into the floats this was the most spectacular and largest parade Latchford has ever seen. The parade was coordinated by Mary-Ann Bennett and with the assistance of Lise McKeever.
The Centennial Banquet was host to dignitaries like; the Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of Transportation and M.P.P. Anthony Rota.
Special guests included the descendants of The Hounarable Francis R. Latchford; Brendan Latchford (Grandson) along with daughter Leigh, Frank Latchford (Grandson) with wife Patti & sons Andrew, Jaime (wife Tonia & son Justin) and also former Latchfordian Barry & Marjorie Wellar.
The celebrations concluded in the evening of July 15, 2007 but it did not end without an extraordinary fireworks display of which was held at sundown.
From left - right: Patti, Tonia, Andrew, Jaime, Baby Justin, Leigh, Frank, Brendan
Town of Latchford
P.O. Box 10 Latchford, ON P0J 1N0 Tel: 705-676-2416 Fax: 705-676-2121
