Nothing says carefree elementary school fun like a three-legged race.
Janet Johnstone, a student at Happy Valley elementary school from 1959 to 1966 and an organizer of the school’s 100 year anniversary celebration, remembers winning a three-legged race when she was a student. She won it with her best friend, who is also on the celebration committee. Shaky at first, Johnstone said they soon got the hang of it and awkwardly hopped their way to victory.
“We laughed so hard but eventually we got it,” Johnstone said. “We might recreate that.”
They’ll soon have their chance as Happy Valley elementary school’s 100th anniversary celebration is fast approaching. The celebration will take place over two events on the weekend of May 10 and 11.
The occasion will celebrate the friendships, memories and community that have been built around the school for the past 100 years.
“It was a very good, strong sense of community,” Johnstone said. “It wasn’t just going to school, there was so much more around all that.”
On the Friday, May 10 there will be a gathering at the Langford Legion (761 Station St.) from 5:30 to 10 p.m., featuring appetizers, memorabilia from the school’s history and a live band. The event is alcohol free, so all ages are welcome. There will be a charge of $10 to cover costs, but children under 12 are free.
Pre-registration is required for both events and there are a limited number of spots. Attendance is limited to former and current students and staff of the school, along with their guests.
Saturday, will see a large celebration at Happy Valley elementary (3291 Happy Valley Rd.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event, with donations accepted, will start with tours of the school hosted by current students. Those not on tours will be treated to an afternoon tea.
A free hotdog barbecue will be going on outside and the whole event will culminate with sports day-style games out on the school’s field. Anything from softball to egg and spoon races to a three-legged race could be on the agenda.
Organizers are still collecting any photographs, memorabilia and stories that past students and staff have.