Long-time resident and community volunteer Alison Arneson has been named the Town of Coalhurst’s Honourary Parade Marshal for this year’s Miners Days Parade.
Arneson has helped shape Coalhurst through public service and volunteerism, including with the Royal Canadian Legion.
Mayor Deb Florence said Alison’s story is woven into the town’s history. “She has served this community with humility, consistency and heart, whether through Council, youth programs, or recreation. As the Legion celebrates its 100th anniversary, it’s especially meaningful to honour someone who has spent so many years strengthening our local branch and preserving its important role in the community.”
According to the Town, Arneson’s involvement in the community began with the first parent council that helped establish Early Childhood Services in Coalhurst.
She later became a founding board member of the Coalhurst and District Sports and Recreation Association.
In 1983, Arneson was elected to serve on what was then the Village of Coalhurst Council. This year’s Legion centennial holds particular significance for Arneson, as she joined Royal Canadian Legion Coalhurst Branch No. 273 in 1989 and has served the branch for decades, as treasurer and president.
The branch has supported local youth organizations, sports teams, school awards and community projects, including the Coalhurst Elementary School playground.
More recently, the branch installed a memorial bench at the Coalhurst Community Centre.
Arneson has served as emcee for most of Coalhurst’s indoor Remembrance Day ceremonies since 2002.
She has also volunteered as a Heart and Stroke Foundation canvasser and as treasurer for the Lethbridge International Airshow Association. Having watched Coalhurst grow from a small hamlet, through its years as a village and into a town of more than 3,000 residents, Arneson remains optimistic about the community’s future.
“I was very surprised to receive this nomination,” noted Arneson. “While I generally prefer to work in the background, it means a lot to be recognized for one’s contributions towards the community. Coalhurst has been home to my family for more than 50 years.”
The Miners Days Parade kicks off Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
For a list of activities, visit coalhurst.ca/MinersDays.
