Willingdon is located 90 minutes Northeast of Edmonton on Highway 45. Titled after the Governor General at the time of its inception, Willingdon is a quaint community reminiscent of its rich past.
If you’re tired of the city or just want a change of scenery, Willingdon has an inviting Tourist Park.
The park is complete with a campground, allowing visitors the opportunity to extend their stay and enjoy the peace of country living! Take advantage of various businesses and services offered, as well as a variety of fairs and festivals that take place in and around the area during the summer months.
With the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway through the hamlet of Whitford came the birth of Willingdon. Springing up "virtually overnight", Willingdon became a major nucleus of activity. A great number of businesses, as well six grain elevators and a brand new Post Office became core operations. In June 1928, the Village of Willingdon became incorporated.
Willingdon’s economy revolved mostly around
agriculture, with a great number of farms creating Willingdon’s greater area.
Willingdon
also has a diverse business arena, allowing basic needs to be served. Two grain elevators
exist, as well as two plants: the Poultry Processing Plant, and the new Willingdon Seed
Cleaning Plant, an all steel structure built in 1988.
The quality of life in this small village is high, with the provision of clean, safe surroundings. It is also a central point providing quick, easy access to many nearby towns, as well as its close proximity to Edmonton.
The Willingdon and District Recreation Centre officially opened its doors on November 16, 1967. The building came about as a joint effort involving the entire community’s involvement and commitment to the project. Today the Recreation Centre plays host to everything from annual curling bonspiels in the indoor rink to dances and weddings in the banquet hall! There is also year-round recreational activities available in Willingdon. For baseball buffs, there is ball diamond access for tournaments or just for a casual game. There is also a new fish pond being created on the north side of the village, for young and old alike to enjoy!
The Willingdon Agricultural Recreational Arena, built in 1972, becomes a main attraction in winter, with hockey and ice skating being popular activities. In the summer, the arena houses the 4-H Achievement Day, where community youth can show off their projects for the year.
If you are more of an indoor person, there’s a bowling alley, pool tables, shuffleboard, and exercise equipment available at the Senior Citizens Centre.
Willingdon
Agricultural Society
Willingdon
Senior Citizens Association
Willingdon
Fish and Game Association
Ukrainian
Dancing Club
Mary
Immaculate Women's Auxillary
Willingdon Busy
Bees
Willingdon
Old Timers Hockey
Willingdon
Curling Club
Willingdon Agricultural Society
The Willingdon Agricultural Society formed in the autumn of 1941, and can boast being one of the longest-running clubs in the community. The Agricultural Society is responsible for the Annual fair, held the second weekend in August. It started as a Horse Fair in 1942. As interest grew, the focus moved away from horse shows and currently towards exhibits of baking, garden produce, and handicrafts. This annual fair has remained popular right through to today. For a few years, a rodeo was also featured. Along with shows and exhibits, one could expect a Parade, a steak barbeque, and other family activities.
Willingdon Senior Citizens Association
What began with the purchase of the old hall from the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church ended with the completion of a comfortably renovated Drop-In Centre in November 1975. Since its finish, the centre’s use has increased greatly. People gather here for everything from a game of pool or cards, to floor curling bonspiels and bowling. Monthly group birthday parties are held and are well attended by Willingdon residents and out of town friends and relatives of all ages. They organize spring and fall annual teas. Also, other groups and individuals are able to rent the Drop-In Centre to host various events such as birthdays and anniversaries there.
Willingdon Fish And Game Association
This club was organized and incorporated in 1942. In 1963, 10.2 acres of lakeshore property bordering the north shore of Sandy Beach was purchased (located 10 miles east and 2 miles north of Willingdon), allow Willingdonians to enjoy a resort practically in their backyard! The Association was instrumental in the establishment of a campsite on the lakeshore.
The Fish and Game Association is well-known for hosting an annual event referred to as the "Wild-life Supper". After partaking in a meal consisting of various specially prepared wild meat, fish, etc., the group awards trophies to its members for top scores in various hunting categories. The evening ends with a dance for all those who want to work off the filling meal!
Festivities aside, outdoor education is a keynote of this club’s operation. Whenever a chance arises, this club conducts wildlife studies, survival, gun safety, and conservation through lectures, films, clinics, and competitions. The members of this association are keenly interested in promoting public awareness of our natural beauty and aim to conserve and protect our wildlife and natural habitat for future generations.
In April of 1969, the Willingdon Ukrainian Dancing Club formed to provide instruction in the art of traditional Ukrainian dancing and expose this cultural representation to the world. A very active and dedicated group, they take the opportunity to perform at various occasions. As well as enhancing social functions, the club competes at events (from local to national competitions) to achieve excellence.
Mary Immaculate Women's Auxiliary
The Women's Auxiliary serves the Willingdon and Hairy Hill areas. Their main cause is the purchase of equipment and supplies for the Health Centre. They also promote an annual tea in May.
Primarily a ladies seniors' club, this group main responsibilities include organizing fitness programs, a spring tea, a fall supper, and a members supper.
Are you an avid fan of the "good ol' hockey game"? Then the Old Timers Hockey League may interest you! Available from October to March, this group participates in games in Willingdon, Andrew, Hairy Hill, and surrounding area.
Even if hockey doesn't interest you, there are other winter sports...how about curling? Also available during the winter months, this club hosts and participates in bonspiels around the area.