It may seem like a long ways off yet, but plans are taking shape for Red Deer’s centennial celebrations, set for next year.

“We have a steering committee and six volunteer committees,” said Sheila Bannerman, chair of the steering committee and coordinator of the centennial celebrations.

The Centennial Steering Committee (CSC) was established in the fall of 2010. The goal of the committee is to oversee the development of projects and events that will establish a sense of civic pride in Red Deer through commemorating the past, celebrating the present and that will also be instrumental in creating a vision for the future.

Bannerman said the committee also wants to get the whole community involved, adding that a community-wide blitz is planned where organizers will aim to touch base with local groups.

The aim is to encourage those planning special and regular events throughout 2013 to shape them with the centennial theme in mind.

The sub-committees are covering everything from community events, fundraising/sponsorship and legacy projects to marketing and promotions, signature centennial events and volunteer coordination.

Meanwhile, the committees meet the third Thursday of each month in the Downtown Business Association office boardroom.

“The various committees are doing their thing in between, and those meetings are a chance for us to catch up together,” said Bannerman, adding that the steering committee is also on the lookout for sponsors for a float in this summer’s Westerner Days parade and for various other projects.

As mentioned, plans are coming together for a number of key events to take place throughout 2013.

These include a ‘First Night’ kick-off on Dec. 31 of this year which will feature skating a Bower Ponds, fireworks and other highlights to bring in the New Year.

March 25, 2013 marks the actual anniversary of Red Deer’s incorporation as a city so there will definitely be special events planned for that day as well.

On June 29 through to July 1, a special homecoming event is also being planned which will include a family camp weekend, all kinds of fun activities for kids and an outdoor movie night.

On Sept. 21, an old-fashioned fall fair at Fort Normandeau is also being planned.

For more information or to learn how to become more involved with preparations, check out www.reddeer2013.ca or email info@reddeer2013.ca.

editor@reddeerexpress.com