The Village of Caroline will once again be holding its annual Pioneer Days celebrations at the Wheels Of Time Museum on Sept. 7.

The annual occasion takes time to honor the past, as well as to recognize families who have lived in the Caroline area for at least 100 years.

These families have made untold contributions to the region, says Earl Graham, president of the Community Historical Society of Caroline.

“Some of the families are still farming in the area, some are in other businesses,” says Graham. “Every family no matter how major or how minor do contribute to the fabric of the community.”

The families are set to be formally recognized with a certificate presented by Graham, along with Yellowhead MP Gerald Soroka, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon and Clearwater County Reeve Michelle Swanson.

“I always find it interesting to meet with the families at Caroline Pioneer Days,” says Nixon. “To be able to hear the history of those individuals who homesteaded in the area and really created the communities we live in today.”

Nixon adds, the area simply would not be the same today without the families’ exemplary contributions.

Eight families are set to be recognized:

• Bruce Cressman family, Raven
• George & Edith Cliff family, Ricinus
• James & Rose Hodgkinson family, Chedderville
• Bob Miller family, Caroline
• William & Charlotte Montgomery family, Shilo
• Ernest & Sarah Runham family, Crammond
• David & Nellie Spence family, Chedderville
• Albert & Gladys Zuberbier family, Chedderville

Cake, ice cream and coffee will be served after, says Graham.

Pioneer Days has been celebrated ever since the village’s centennial celebrations in 2008.

The families who have been recognized over the years are from as far away as Raven to the east, Dovercourt to the north, James River to the south, and as deep into the West Country as possible, says Graham.

Graham adds the occasion is a good opportunity for folks to visit the Wheels of Time Museum in Caroline.

The museum features the old 1940s era schoolhouse in Caroline, a fully furnished, two-story log cabin from 1912, a trapper’s cabin, the completely restored Cheddarville Church, the original Caroline village office, among many other historical landmarks, says Graham.

The event will start at 1 p.m. at the Wheels of Time Museum located just east of Caroline.