BONNYVILLE - The Royal Canadian Legion in Bonnyville hosted a 2025 New Year’s Eve party, calling it a “perfect way to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 with friends, laughter, and great music.”
The event was free of charge and open to all ages, offering everyone the opportunity to gather and celebrate the new year with their community.
The event featured local band Randam Encounter, with musicians Randy Padlesky, Darren Horyn, and Jeffrey Katerynych playing for a packed house.
Horyn said he was honored to help ring in the new year, and feels the organizers deserve recognition for their efforts.
“Such a good event and excellent venue,” said Horyn, “Very inclusive and family friendly. The volunteers are fantastic folks. Myself, Randy Padleski and Jeff Katerynych didn't hesitate at the opportunity. I was really happy to see a full house and everyone having fun. Can't say enough good things about the place and the people involved. They really deserve kudos for being such a great organization.”
Mike Kruesel is on the Legion committee, and said the evening was a great success.
“The night went very well. We had a good turnout and everybody was happy,” said Kruesel.
The event featured a 50/50 draw, and three meat draws with products from Hammels handed out to the winners.
When asked why they chose to keep the event free, Kruesel explained that “community” is important to the Legion, and hosting free events is a way to give back.
“The Legion is here to support the community. We support our veterans for sure, but this is our way of giving back to our community that has supported us. That’s why we do a free event,” said Kruesel.
He said the Legion aims to put on a New Year’s Eve event every year.
