MAIDSTONE — Maidstone’s Canada Day was a grand event with many fun activities and scrumptious food. Kicking things off was a pancake breakfast served up by the bowling club. Then came the parade organized by parade marshall Bill Foster and enjoyed by a good crowd with lots of cheering, waving of flags and excited children scrambling for treats tossed to them.
Winners for floats were: first, Kin Club Maidstone; second SGI-Elliott Insurance; third, Village of Waseca. For bikes: first, Ben Henderson; second, Easton Salter; third, Jacob Campbell. In the miscellaneous category: first, Bill McLaren; second, MP Rosemarie Falk; third, Mary-Ellen Foster.
Following the parade, opening ceremonies took place at the tennis courts with the singing O Canada.
At Maidstone Museum, several children’s games were set up in the front yard including a popular foam machine. Blacksmith Greg Rigden demonstrated amazing forging skills and knowledge in the Pioneer Village blacksmith shop. Maidstone Library’s Summer Reading Program held activities and story hour in the play area. Yellowhead Ramblers entertained with old-time music on the deck.
Many events took place in Delfrari-Victoria Park. The all-day slo-pitch games were played for fun by nine teams and were watched by many fans. “Beach” volleyball was another “just for fun” activity. Horseshoe doubles were organized by Bob Banks. Winners of A Side: Jug Pegg and Bob Banks; B Side: Jordan Giesbrecht and Jaron Grimley. They all donated their winnings back to the park.
Flatlands Kennels Boarding and Training offered dog trick and rally obedience course demonstrations and gave kids rides in a dog-powered wagon. A scavenger hunt in the park was organized by Josh Langill with the goal to find a variety of articles under two themes. Successful participants received a gift bag of items donated by A&S Corner Store, Maidstone Pharmacy, Fields Store, Video Junction and Synergy Credit Union. The splash park was open but with cool weather, not many brave souls ventured there.
Slow tractor races, organized by Richard Meynberg, attracted many spectators. Winners for under two mph were: first, Keith Chroker; second, Al Schmidt; third, Richard Meynberg. Over two mph: first, Frank Schmidt; second, Bill McLaren; third, Vince Gerlinsky. Lawn and garden ladies’ race: first, Christine Valliere; second, Jackie Schmidt; third, Enola Valliere. Thanks to Jackie Schmidt for recording the results. Vince Gerlinsky offered free rides through the park with his tractor and buggy following the races.
Kin Club Maidstone’s beverage garden was a popular spot for all ages, featuring Kin Kids lemonade with proceeds to Make A Wish Foundation, and craft beer by Outlaws Beverage Co., a new business in town. From 7 p.m. to midnight, SuiciDoll’s DJ rocked the tent with tunes.
Festivities ended with a fireworks display. Thank you to all volunteers and participants in Maidstone’s celebration of Canada, our home and native land.
The first farmers market of the season took place July 1 at Silver Lake with an assortment of fresh vegetables, baking, preserves, woodworking, leather and handmade items. The market will continue every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. to the end of August. Silver Lake is only a 10-minute drive north of Maidstone on Highway 21 (then follow the signs). Call Kara at 780-205-5243 for more details.
If you have any Maidstone area news, please let me know. Email [email protected], text 306-893-7378 or phone 306-893-2799.
