By Charlene Tebbutt

UPDATED: All aboard: new citizens take oath on Wheatland Express

Sep 26, 2018 | 6:12 PM

A group of new Canadians celebrated their first day as citizens in a uniquely Canadian way – travelling across a prairie landscape by train.

Thirty people took their official oaths of citizenship Wednesday aboard the Wheatland Express Excursion Train. Organizers with the excursion train partnered with the Town of Wakaw to host the citizenship ceremony, which also included a two-hour train ride between Wakaw and Cudworth and a reception.

The event was the brainchild of Derek Swicheniuk, a Saskatoon-based Immigration and Citizenship officer, who grew up in Wakaw.

“There were lots of smiles for them, me and the Express team” he told paNOW and northeastNOW. “I’ve been with the government for 27 years and I always wanted to put on something like this in my home town and welcome people to my home. The participants really enjoyed the ride and it was a memorable experience for everyone involved, a win-win-win day.”

Swicheniuk added it was special to weave in the elements of heritage, history and the railway for the new citizens.

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“They learn about Canada’s background when they write citizenship tests and it’s also nice to show them some of small town Saskatchewan, ” he said. ” Some had never been in a small town and to see what life is like out of the city.”

Ashlyn Weninger, director of marketing and operations with the Wheatland Express, said the organization was happy to take part in the ceremonial event.

“We planned to do this here just as a unique experience for those citizens,” Weninger said.

Still into its first season, the Wheatland Express is enjoying an overwhelming response so far, Weninger said. Originally planning for just eight trips in its premiere season, organizers with the excursion train are now planning for triple that number due to demand.

The excursion train hosts a variety of specially-themed events for adults and children, including murder mysteries, wine tastings, an Elvis tribute artist, and Halloween and Christmas activities. The excursions include catered meals at the local community hall as well.

“The first season has just gone so well, we’re so thrilled,” Weninger said. “It’s taken off more than we ever imagined it would.”

The Wheatland Express Excursion Train features vintage rail cars from across North America, including a 1916 model that was once owned by Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States.  

The Wheatland Express is a not-for-profit organization with proceeds from the excursion train going back to support the local economy.

Editor’s note: this article was updated Wednesday, Sept.27 at 9 a.m. to include comments from Derek Swicheniuk.

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt