STURGIS - The Sturgis sports grounds were alive with action when eager fans took to the grounds for the annual Sports weekend on June 22 and 23.
“The weekend was well attended on both days. It was a slow start on Saturday but on Sunday it was better attended,” stated a representative from the Sports committee.
“Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Sturgis Sports days this past weekend,” stated Marilyn Harris, Sturgis Sports Day committee member. “What an amazing weekend chocked full of entertainment - EPCCA Chariots and Chucks, great ball at the Ivor Brass Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament, many kids activities, great food at the booths, music by the Zuchkan Band at the Beer Gardens and an awesome display of Fireworks.
To our amazing volunteers, well over 100, who donated their time and energy to make our weekend successful. Thank you doesn’t seem enough - you are all so appreciated.
"To our awesome sponsors - your contributions to our Sports Days is invaluable. Please accept our gratitude for your generous support.
"Finally, to our Sports Days Committee - we did it! We accomplished our goal to make the week-end fun and successful and have our community come together as a strong entity - your hard work is appreciated and recognized. We’ll be back next year - hope you all will be too,” she concluded.
The weekend kicked off with a pancake breakfast at the Sturgis READ Club.
The Etomaimie Riders Club hosted gymkhana events on both days with several participants from across the local area. The slo-pitch tournament was held on Saturday followed by a full day's events for children that featured a petting zoo by Loiselle Creek Petting Zoo of Hudson Bay, train rides by Gerald Ignatiuk, a rock wall climbing wall and Zorb body inflatable balls from Madge Lake Bible Camp, a sand pit for children to dig for treasurers and face painting.
The Rusty Spurs 4-h Light Horse Club showcased their club with providing pony rides and parading in the arena.
An outdoor trade show featured different vendors displaying their products. Vendors featured were, Pampered Chef, Nano Health Products, Twin Pine Crystals, Watkins, Crustal’s Plush, Norwex, Tupperware, Thirty one, Melaluca, Violet Gibb and hand crocheted items, Lella Bins, CLW Pottery and Country Fresh.
The Sturgis Kin Club provided a booth with cotton candy and popcorn, the Barveenok Ukrainian dance Club sold ice cream and the Sturgis Bingo sold Nevadas.
Children were encouraged to try out the fun sheep riding event for all local children.
Saturday also played host to the annual Ivar Brass Memorial co-ed slo-pitch ball tournament. A pulled-pork supper was held on both days and the Saturday dance and fireworks conclude the events on Saturday night. Entertainment for the dance was provided by the Zuchkan band.
A pancake breakfast at the READ Club kicked off events on Sunday.
A car, truck and tractor show and shine featured 46 entries with four fan favourite awards handed out. Winners were, Wayne Scheller of Preeceville with his 1971 GTO, Rodney Machan of Swan River was second with his 1970 Plymouth Superbird, Jack Lesanko of Sturgis was third with his 1960 Mercury and John Dvork of Swan River placed fourth overall with his 1950 Ford Coupe.
Paws and Claws were in attendance on Sunday.
The chuck-wagon and chariot races were the highlight of the weekend. There were 60 chariots racers with the top three racers, Casey Peterson, Brandee Braaten and Colin Kilborn and 35 chuck-wagon entries with the top three racers being, Casey Peterson, Curtis Longman and Riley Braaten. The Eastern Professional Chariot and Chuckwagon Association hosted the event. Bert Buhler received the best dressed wagon and Cody Gareau received he best dressed chariot.
