Torquay marked its 100th anniversary with a weekend full of memories, music and milestone moments, drawing a crowd of roughly 1,000 people from near and far.
“It went wonderfully. It totally exceeded my expectations and our committee's expectations,” said Cindi Daae, chair of the Torquay Centennial weekend. “We were all overwhelmed with the support and the people coming out. Just every aspect of the weekend was wonderful.”
Festivities began Friday afternoon at the Torquay Community Centre with registration, socializing and a slideshow accompanied by popcorn and refreshments. Coffee and donuts were sponsored by Estevan Tim Hortons. That evening, the Fifty and Over Club served pulled pork and hot dogs, while the slo-pitch tournament got underway.
Saturday started with a complimentary pancake breakfast served by the RM of Cambria. The morning rolled into a full day of parades and shows, including a decorated kids’ parade and a car, tractor and bike show along Main Street. The show featured about 100 vehicles, which Daae described as “totally overwhelming.”
Kids and families had plenty to enjoy throughout the day, including a bouncy castle zone, a craft tent hosted by the Southeast Regional Library, and the Junior Firefighter Challenge presented by Redd Swing Productions. It was the group’s first-ever presentation in Saskatchewan and a clear hit, with children filling all three shows. A barbecue lunch was served on Main Street, while a vendor market ran outside the community centre in the evening. The slo-pitch tournament continued throughout the weekend.
One of the biggest draws was the Saturday night catered dinner by Tammy’s Homecooked Meals, which sold out with 350 people attending. The entertainment lineup included live music by Two Stepp in the afternoon, followed by a centennial program that reflected on Torquay’s history. That was followed by a polka mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which included a quilt display and refreshments. In the evening, the Johner Brothers and the Johner Boys took the stage. Fireworks closed out the night.
Sunday began with a packed house at Trinity Lutheran Church, followed by brunch and an outdoor gospel performance in Jubilee Park featuring the Daae Family.
“I enjoyed working to get the program ready,” Daae said. “I just felt like the history of Torquay was really represented from the early beginnings forward, from the churches and the school to the settlement itself.”
Beyond the events, the weekend was about connection.
“I married into a family from here, but Torquay has become like home for me,” she said. “It was just a very special time. It was important for the community and for families to reconnect.”
Daae added that former teachers, past residents and longtime supporters returned to celebrate what the village has meant to them.
She also thanked the many sponsors who made the weekend possible, including Nelson Motors, the gold sponsor.
The centennial celebration matched the energy and excitement of previous milestone events, including the 2005 provincial centennial.
“Everything just kind of worked out,” Daae said. “It showed how much Torquay means to a lot of people.”