Maidstone

The Spirit and Hospitality of Maidstone

By Danica Lorer
A sea of red toques, smiles and enthusiasm for a nation set the stage as Maidstone, a Saskatchewan community of 1,200 just off the Trans-Canada Highway, welcomed the torch with hearts aglow on Tuesday afternoon.

Local businesses sponsored prizes for the children and a hat and glow stick for 500 residents as well as cake and hot chocolate for many more. Although none of the torch bearers were residents of the community, they were treated as old friends and greeted with hospitality and cheers. People of all ages lined the route and a stampede of young people ran along the streets waving flags and tambourines, excited to be part of the once-in-a-lifetime moment. The afternoon began with the schools coming together with the community to listen to Christina Smith speak about her experience as an Olympian and concluded with the torch relay.

Maidstone’s pride swelled as it shared its spirit and hospitality with the flame, connecting with the rest of the nation and ready to welcome the world.