Festival Memories
By Arnold Mottus, Grandson of Estonian Pioneers Gustav and Linda Mottus
Reflecting on the Centennial Festival in Stettler, several points come to mind. Firstly, the event brought a renewed sense of identity within the Estonian community. It also brought recognition of the accomplishments of our forefathers. Despite their many hardships, their contributions as the first generation of Estonian people in Canada have now been recognized at the international level.
My perspective of the June 1999 celebration was a very positive one. The friendly atmosphere was apparent from the outset. The members of the Organizing Committee deserve accolades for such a fine-tuned agenda which succeeded in spite of some inclement weather. Many families were brought together as one, and a totally free and unabated fellowship was born; with handshakes and conversation, mutual bonds were established. The story boards unfolded a treasure trove of information, many pieces of first generation history were brought to light and a sense of pride was instilled in succeeding generations.
The majority of people partaking in the festivities were of the third generation of pioneer families, and they were graced to be accompanied by pioneers of the second settlement era as well. Age differences proved to be no barrier: people conversed freely) interests and experiences were recounted both openly and privately, and a nurturing of body and soul resulted for all.
The Centennial will ingrain itself into the annals of our public history for future generations to observe. This cache of Alberta history has in effect been cast in bronze and stone, a deserved monument to our brave Estonian forefathers.
Special thanks must be given to those individuals who initiated the efforts and formulated the plans to make the jubilee a reality. Names that come to mind include Eda McClung, a lady with impeccable work and organizational skills; also David Kiil for his untold hours of dedicated work in tracing homesteading records; and all members of the Organizing Committee who donated generously of their time and talent to make this celebration a memorable one. Individuals such as Allan Posti, Bob Kingsep and others deserve recognition for their contributions to extend the scope of the festival to include a bus tour to historical sites such as pioneer homesteads, schools, cemeteries and community centres. Efforts and input from all these people enhanced the tribute to our forefathers. The Centennial was a deserved recognition and honor to those brave pioneers who carved a niche into Alberta's history.
