During our Canada Day Countdown Week, we take a swing down to the community of Jansen where Canada Day has lit up the night sky for several decades. Jansen Lites Up the Night goes once again on July 1st, and more than a spectacular nighttime light show, the day is jam-packed with something for everyone.  

Watrous colleague Daniel Bushman of the Watrous Manitou caught up with Bruce Elke, one of the organizers of the event. We thank Daniel and Bruce for sharing the details. Bruce Elke elaborated on the importance of the event for the community.  

“We always look forward to this event as it brings people together from across a wide area. Our goal has always been to celebrate Canada while providing a fun family-based event at no cost, except for your food and drink!” Elke said. “Due to the generous support of many businesses and individuals we have been able to do that. Their generous support has allowed us to financially put this event together. It is our community’s way to celebrate a great place to live while saying thank you for the support we receive year-round in support of our community.” 

The day includes a home-run derby, a car show, bowling, kids’ rides all day, a food booth, beer gardens and more. Beaver Tails are on the menu, courtesy of Terri Hamiliton and Neil Reimer who are raising money for MS. Smiling Rainbow, the balloon making clown, is back to show off her talents for the kids. 

New this year is the free concert featuring Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker. Straker is no stranger to Saskatchewan stages as a fixture on the Kinsmen Telemiracle and having performed throughout the area.  Elke talks about Jeffery and the show.  

“The Jeffery Straker concert is a new addition to add some evening entertainment around the flag raising and program. It will go on rain or shine as we will have it outdoors at the stage or if we have to, we will move it indoors. Jeff has been a Saskatchewan mainstay on Telemiracle for many years and we are glad to have him join us. We will be having a free will donation for Telemiracle as that is special to Jeff and to Jansen. We have been a part of Telemiracle since its inception and our Kin Clubs continue to raise funds to help those less fortunate. Be sure to bring a chair for the outdoor concert. Following the concert there will be free cake and coffee for attendees to enjoy.” 

To cap off the day will be the Jansen Lites Up the Night fireworks display which has become renowned throughout the region.  

“I think the day offers a great opportunity to visit with friends and neighbours while having a great day of fun for the family,” Elke says, “But the finale to the day is the awesome fireworks put on by our local pyro crew. We have licensed technicians who are very good at what they do. They have taken part in numerous shows including some in Saskatoon.” 

For those in the Jansen area and those travellers looking to pit in for a great free concert and amazing Canada Day concert, Jansen welcomes you as it “Lites Up the Night.” 

For more information, head to the Jansen Lites Up the Night Facebook page or email jansenlites@gmail.com.

(with files from Daniel Bushman - The Watrous Manitou)