MAIDSTONE — The Maidstone Museum Canada Day celebration this year was a momentous occasion for the small town of Maidstone. The day was filled with activities, and there was guaranteed fun for all ages.
The Town is thankful for the Government of Canada providing a grant to assist in putting on a wonderful event. Many thanks also go to the public who donated funds at the gate that are used to offset costs.
The Town of Maidstone and RM of Eldon have also graciously assisted with expenses, along with other community groups contributing any way they can. It is because of this that we are able to enjoy such a magnificent day, year after year.
The day started out with a free pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Maidstone Bowling Club members, held at the Legion from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many people enjoyed the breakfast to get their long weekend started. The breakfast also marked the end of a fundraiser for the bowling club, as they drew the ticket for the much anticipated $1,000 cash draw. The winner was Kathy Utri.
The annual parade, organized by parade marshall Bill Foster, kicked off at 10 a.m. The weather was a little rainy, but that didn't stop the participants from showing off their nicely decorated entries. Participants included antique tractors and cars, the Maidstone Fire Department, a decorated semi and many beautiful floats. The kids were also invited to partake in the parade by decorating their bikes. Judging this year's float contest was Christine Carlson from the Maidstone Museum. First prize was awarded to the Maidstone Quilting Squares, who had created a giant paper mache antique sewing machine. Judging this year's bike decorating contest was Cst. Ryan Scott. There were 10 entries this year, and the winners were Zander Ryan, first, Colt Stoughton, second, and Lily Lott, third. The Maidstone Museum donated the cash prizes for the contest.
Opening ceremonies took place on the station platform at the museum. Mayor Connie McCulloch and Reeve Garry Taylor gave greetings and led the singing of O Canada.
The antique slow tractor races, organized by Richard Meynburg, took place with two divisions, one for over 1.5 miles per hour, and one for under 1.5 miles per hour. There were nine tractors entered, with the oldest being a 1918 Minneapolis. For the under 1.5 miles per hour division, the winners were: Allan Smiet from Edgerton, Alta. with his 2020 John Deere, first; Jim Stark of Edgerton with his 630 John Deere, second; and William Crocker of Vermilion, Alta. with his 620 John Deere, third. In the second race, for over 1.5 miles per hour, the winners were: Bill McLaren of Maidstone with his 70 John Deere, first; Keith Crocker of Vermilion with his 620 John Deere, second; and Terry Box of Unity with his John Deere D, third.
Maidstone Guiding, led by Kathy Utri, Canada Day co-ordinator, and helpers from Paynton, Waseca, Lashburn, Lloydminster and Maidstone, provided 11 games and activities for the children to enjoy, and they were all guaranteed a prize. Some of the children had so much fun they played several times.
Entertainment was provided on the station platform of the museum and was organized by Bill McGilvery. Vince Gerlinsky of Maidstone played keyboard, and Garry Taylor of Maidstone sang and played his guitar. The Yellowhead Ramblers orchestra performed with Jean Mcphereson on keyboard, Wally Polinski on guitar, Allan Hinde on lap-top steel guitar and Bill McGilvety on drums.
Another highlight of the day was a threshing machine demonstration at the museum. The Red River Special, made by the Oliver Machining Company, is about 70 years old and is owned by Allan Hinde of Waseca. Allan plans to take the machine to Austin, Man. later this month to participate in breaking a Guinness world record for the most machines running at one time. Bill McLaren's antique John Deere tractor provided the power. There were no sheaves available, so the demonstration was done with straw bales. The straw ejected out of the thresher became the base for the annual Stakiw Straw Scramble, where kids look through the straw to find donated money and candy from the late Joe Stakiw.
After the threshing demonstration was complete, there were flat races for children of different age categories, as well as a three-legged races and sack races.
For the athletically inclined there was a two-day slo-pitch tournament held adjacent to the museum grounds. The tournament featured 23 teams from North Battleford, Lloydminster, Poundmaker First Nation and Maidstone. The tournament was organized by Lindsay Kalmakoff. The A side was won by McGlovin from North Battleford. The B side winners were The Swingers, also from North Battleford. The C side was won by the Aces from Maidstone.
The afternoon also featured a horseshoe tournament, under the direction of Rodney Marfleet. There were 12 teams of two players competing from Lloydminster, Bonneville, Alta., Poundmaker First Nation and Maidstone. A side winners were Bob Banks and Jug (Alvin) Pegg of Maidstone, who donated their winnings towards the cost of fireworks.
Bingo was played in the dining room of the museum from 3-5 p.m. Volunteer caller were Bev Stewart and Dorothy Harmel collected the money. Co-ordinator was Dorothy Schwartz. Cost was 10 cents per card and winners took home half the pot. The balance went to the museum. There was a good turnout of players, young and old.
There were guided tours of the Maidstone Museum village buildings provided during the day. Tour guides were Christine Carlson of Maidstone and Sandra Sutherland of Waseca.
Refreshments and food were available on the museum grounds, manned by the Maidstone Museum members and volunteers.
The United Church also had a booth on the grounds, serving up beef on a bun and delicious homemade pie.
The beer gardens tent was run by members of the Over 50 hockey team from Maidstone, and was open from noon until midnight.
There was a DJ present from Macklin, who provided musical entertainment in the evening.
At 11 p.m., the grand finale fireworks show began. The display was enjoyed by young and old to end a day of pleasure for all who attended, and to remind us Canada really is the best place in the world to call home.
On behalf of the Town of Maidstone and Maidstone Museum members, thank you to all those who volunteered, and all who attended the day to make this day successful. We can't wait to see what next year will bring!
