Gladstone will officially be stamped happy on July 5.

The community, along with Canada Post, is set to unveil the Gladstone Happy Rock Canadian stamp.

Nick Beavington, Gladstone Chamber of Commerce president, said that chamber members have been busy preparing for the opening of the rock and the special celebrations.

"We have been painting and re-doing the inside. This rock is getting new everything, every single inch is covered," Beavington said.

From paint on the interior and exterior, new flower beds, new tile, flooring and ceiling, and to the refurbished bathrooms and cabinets, the Gladstone landmark will be a welcoming treat for visitors.

Beavington said they have had sponsorship from local businesses to help with the expense of renovations.

"We've had great support from the Town of Gladstone, RM of Westbourne, the Austin Credit Union, Neepawa Gladstone Co-op, in kind help from Riverdale Colony, townspeople and many others, we thank them profusely," Beavington said.

Festivities start at 1 p.m. with greetings from dignitaries, the official unveiling by Canada Post representatives and the launch to the summer season. Stamps will be for sale along with the three other roadside attractions chosen in a souvenir set.

Those chosen also include Davidson Saskatchewan's gigantic Coffee Pot and Cup, the Wawa Ontario Goose and Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan Quebec's Puffin. Collector cover stamps will also be available.

The Happy Rock and roadside attraction stamps are the second part of a three-part series that Canada Post has done for stamp collections.
The first represented Western Canada last year, and next year will cover Eastern Canada.