Murdoch MacKay Collegiate is celebrating a very important birthday.

The Transcona high school hits the half-century mark later this year, and plans are already in motion to help celebrate the milestone. There’s still plenty of work left to do, though, and there are several ways alumni can get involved.

The weekend is set to begin with the school’s official celebration event, which will take place at the school on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Principal Darwin MacFarlane said the school will open its time capsule, create a new one, and will have speeches from guests. Other proposed ideas include taking a rooftop photo of all alumni in attendance and hosting a photo booth for alumni. The school also hopes to have a homecoming football game for the Clansmen slated for the weekend.

He said there’s a sense of excitement for the festivities already.

"It’s an opportunity for people to come to the building, see how it’s changed, and to connect," he said. "We had a number of people calling us up at the end of September saying ‘Can I buy tickets?’ because they thought it was this (school) year.

"I have anticipation that it’ll be a great community event."

He added current students will be involved in the proceedings, acting as ambassadors during the official celebration. As well, a 2011 graduate created a commemorative mural during the last school year.

Additionally, the school is looking for families with members who attended the school over at least three generations. Those who are part of an unbroken generational chain are encouraged to contact the school at (204) 958-6460 or murdochmackay50@gmail.com.

MacFarlane explained the school is taking care of the Saturday afternoon event, and is looking to the community and alumni to plan other gatherings for the weekend.

One major alumni-boosted event will take place on the night of Oct. 5, as Braden Fast of Elbow, Sask. and Darrell Adams of Winnipeg are planning a sock hop held at the school.

Fast said via e-mail he expects approximately 600 tickets will be available for the "When We Were Young" dance, which will feature musicians who attended the school. Fast said over a dozen players are already on board, noting several were involved with the school’s 25th anniversary and the Transcona Homecoming in 2010.
Fast hopes to get more musicians to perform, and said more general volunteers are welcome.

Those interested in contributing can contact Fast at bnfast@gmail.com or Adams at (204) 253-0466.

MacFarlane added anyone planning an event to commemorate the anniversary can contact the school with event or contact information. That information will then be posted on the school’s anniversary website at http://schools.retsd.mb.ca/mur/Pages/50YearReunion.aspx.

dan.falloon@canstarnews.com