The calendars give those who purchase an opportunity to put special dates like birthdays and anniversaries on it. It is a great reminder of what is coming up. Houston said there are a few interesting details. October 8 is the most popular date, with the little box not holding all of the birthdays and anniversaries. May, June and July are also big.
Also, 2024 is a leap year, so Daniel Evans will be able to celebrate his February 29 birthday on the right day this year.
The calendar has seen some changes over its many years. For the first five editions, it featured a picture of the Lions themselves. In 2009, there was a photo of the RCMP Musical Ride, who visited Boissevain the previous summer. This led to annual changes to the picture. There were pictures of Boissevain in different seasons. Many had themes from the club. In 2012, local artist Karen Nell painted a lion for the calendar. In 2017, they celebrated 60 years of the Lions Club, with another Musical Ride pic from the summer show sponsored by the club. In 2019, they had a floral scene with a quote from Helen Keller, as Lions are known for raising money for sight.
There were special honours for the community, as 2013 celebrated the previous year’s Communities in Bloom victory. In 2014, there were photos of Tommy Turtle to honour his 40th birthday, including one of Up With People. In 2020, they celebrated 150 years of Manitoba.
In 2023, they changed the format, moving to different scenes for each month. Local artists have provided the wonderful pictures.
“We thank the Boissevain Morton Arts Council for the participation the past two years for supplying the artwork for the calendar. It is great to be able to feature local art created by artists of all ages,” Houston said.
In 2024, there are a wide range of paintings and sketches from children to adults. It is plenty of colour to get through the cold winter months, and to celebrate the warmer ones.
Another change over the years has been the addition of the raffle tickets. Over the past four years, the Lions have combined their monthly lottery draw with the calendar sales, which adds to the fundraising. There are 12 draws for $100.
The project has been popular over the years. Houston said over 300 families purchase a calendar and over 30 businesses take an ad space. Overall, there are around 1,300 birthdays and anniversaries listed. All money goes to various Lions projects.
The calendar will see change once again in 2025. Houston said they are looking for photos to use for the 12 months. Details are on the back of the 2024 calendar, and there are so many possibilities.
“With next year we are taking on a new approach inviting the community to submit photos for the 2025 calendar. Most people carry a phone and can take some remarkable photos with them. We are hoping to showcase the natural beauty and variety our region offers.”
“The new format of a new photo for each month is also a great addition which will make it even more appealing as we continue for the next decade,” Houston added.
Lions are busy delivering the calendars right now, so you can look forward to receiving the 2024 edition right away. If you are still interested in getting a calendar stop in at The Recorder office or call 204-534-6479.
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff