The Moose Jaw branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will be joining numerous other Canadian municipalities in hosting a levee on New Year’s Day, a tradition that dates back to the 1600s in Canada.
A levee is a social gathering, usually hosted by the lieutenant governor or military establishments or organizations, where the public is invited to a reception with invited officials to pay respect and celebrate the year to come.
The Moose Jaw Legion has been holding a levee of their own since the Legion has existed, with invited guests from 15 Wing, local MLAs Greg Lawrence and Warren Michelson, Mayor Fraser Tolmie, and others expected to make an appearance this year.
“It's just to welcome to the new year, basically, and welcome everyone into the lounge and a lot of our members show up just for some camaraderie and visiting,” said Norma Richardson, from the Legion.
The levee is open to the public, with a come-and-go mentality, and will begin at noon on New Year’s Day in the Memorial Lounge at the Legion.
Guests are welcome to come out, socialize, and enjoy a glass of the traditional drink served at the event: moose milk, which is usually made of ice cream, cream, and either rum or whiskey.
The Legion will also provide lunch, which is also free of charge for guests.
“Anybody can drop in and say happy new year, have a glass of moose milk. Bring a designated driver if you want to have moose milk,” joked Richardson.
Invited dignitaries will be dropping in throughout the afternoon, and the Legion will likely wrap things up around 5 p.m.
