New Year's Day Levee returns to Government House

Government House of Saskatchewan opened its doors to the public once again for the annual New Year's Day Levee on Wednesday.

This tradition dates back to 1884 in Saskatchewan, and it has continued every year since. Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty said the tradition is a wonderful day to star the new year on, since it brings people together.

"In the old days, it was kind of more of the aristocracy of the country or a region that would bring people in, open their doors so that they could interact on a more informal level with people from the community, and I think that's the most important aspect of this day. And as you'll see, we get many, many people here, many visitors,” he said.

The event was open for anyone to attend and featured food, drinks, music, several activities, and an opportunity to meet the Their Honours.

This was Mirasty's last Levee in the role of Lieutenant Governor, and he expressed that he has particularly enjoyed this event as an opportunity to meet people over the years.

"Just really meeting people and especially people that have never been here to Government House. And that often happens in people that we haven't met, and those are the special moments that we look forward to,” he said.

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Those in attendance were also provided an opportunity to explore Government House and learn a bit more about the historic building, and the people inside.

The New Year's Day Levee returned to Government House on Wednesday. (Hallee Mandryk / CTV News) Tom Mansfield is an aide de camp, also known as a personal assistant, for the Lieutenant Governor and Usher of the Black Rod. He spent the day teaching the public about his unique job and the significance of the Black Rod.

"When it first became a thing, the duty of the usher of the Black Rod was to guard the door of the chapel when the knights and the king were in worshipping. Later that those duties were expanded to include parliamentary duties. Today, fast forward really just parliamentary duties and for display at events such as this,” Mansfield explained.

The Black Rod is a ceremonial staff made from Oakwood which was gifted to the province by (then) Prince Charles in 2012. Mansfield expressed that the Levee provides an opportunity to teach the public about the unique and historic aspects of Government House.

"I really enjoy displaying this item and meeting people and answering their questions. And it's just fun to educate them a little bit about the history of the office of the Lieutenant Governor and the history of Saskatchewan,” he said.