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33rd edition of Unity Western Days - parade, rodeo, dances

June - the month that is busy and full of activity as sporting events heat up in their competition for various titles, brides finish planning their weddings, grads prepare, the pool is open and school is winding down.
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The theme of Western Days was well represented by the Junction 21 float in the annual Unity Western Days parade. The float included a live band, a horse and rider, some cowgirls and was even followed by rodeo queen contestants.

June - the month that is busy and full of activity as sporting events heat up in their competition for various titles, brides finish planning their weddings, grads prepare, the pool is open and school is winding down. Let's hope June is full of fabulous weather to make up for the cool stuff we experienced late into our spring.

Western Days weekend had Mother Nature on its side. The 33rd edition of Unity Western Days seemed to be back on track as all avenues of the weekend appeared to fare well. Friday night's activities at the Agroplex were well attended. The annual parade saw an increase in floats and renewed enthusiasm for parade participation. Saturday afternoon's rodeo performance had the stands close to full and offered plenty of excitement. Whatever reason people came, they were sure to witness plenty of thrills and spills.

Saturday's night cabaret drew another big crowd as Longshot provided the dance music for the night. Friday night's banquet named the 2014 Citizen of the Year - Gerald Hauta. Rodeo action kept fans entertained both Saturday and Sunday, in addition to live bands both Friday and Saturday nights.

At Unity Composite High, the track team will compete at provincials this weekend in Moose Jaw. Not only is UCHS taking the highest number of athletes they have taken to provincials in some time, they also earned the most points award.

This ends sports season at UCHS and now staff and students will be preparing for graduation June 27 and, soon, final exams starting mid-June. The grad church service was held May 29 with a fabulous turnout and wonderful program.

Next up for students is the annual UCHS awards night at the high school honouring exceptional students in academics, athletics and arts and culture, as well as leadership and citizenship, starting at 7 p.m. in the senior high gym, June 10. Invitations were received by those students being recognized at the Living Sky School Division Hall of Honour awards program, also in June.

It's a busy month and I know retiring principal Mrs. Robertson, as well as Grade 12 students and parents, are finding the time just flying by to the close of this school year.

At Unity Public School, schedules are fully booked. The school held its annual track and field meet on a beautiful but windy May 30. Starting June 13, the Grade 3 and 5 classes will be holding their field trips. Pre-K celebration day is June 18 and the kindergartens will have their celebration days June 23 and 24. Grade 6s are winding up their elementary years as they prepare for a big overnight field trip June 23 and 24, followed by their Grade 6 celebration day. The last day for students will be June 25, with report cards given out June 27.

St. Peter's School students also enjoyed their track and field day, although not the warmest or nicest of days. They were able to have many students qualify for the district track meet in North Battleford May 28 and 29. The students are watching the transition of Mr. Wilgenbusch, as outgoing principal, familiarizing Mr. Volk, the incoming principal, with all the fun and facts about St. Peter's School.

The ball diamonds are still on baby watch as mamma duck still protects her nest. Now that more people are aware of the nursery she has created, they are more careful moving around her. I also notice some folks have been feeding her.

Even though most teams are at out-of-town tournaments during the weekends, during the week the ball diamonds are alive with the sounds of the bats cracking and the ball snapping into gloves, cheered along heartily by the fans of games being played on every diamond available. The bantam and midget softball teams have games each Monday and Wednesday as they compete in the Battlefords and District Ladies' Fastball League.

Even though not part of minor ball, last year's provincial winning Junior Ladies U.K. Royals are also part of the softball season. Slo-pitch happens each Friday night. The Cardinals kicked off their season with a home opener against the Wilkie Brewers May 27. Plenty to watch and all the action is free; come and watch a game or two.

The Unity farmers market continues each Thursday at the Unity Friendship Centre. If you enjoy fresh, homemade, home-baked or home-grown products, then you won't want to miss this shopping venue. Each Thursday, the event runs from 2 p.m. to 5, or whenever sold out. You can rent a table for one day or several by contacting organizer Carmen Bowker at 306-228-2237.

The Purina Walk for Dog Guides goes this Sunday, June 8. The event is organized by local volunteers and the Lions Club to ensure people who have disabilities are able to receive dog guides at no cost. One hundred per cent of the funds raised go toward training and placing dog guides. Beginning at the Unity Community Centre at 1 p.m., it's a great opportunity to go for a walk as everyone is welcome and you don't need to have a dog to take part.

Although the new swimming pool won't be quite ready for opening day, swimmers don't need to worry as the old pool is open and ready to go for public swimming and swimming lessons until the new pool is ready to roll. Opening day was May 31 with some of the pool staff taking to the parade to announce the pool's opening.

Coffee row was happy to discuss all the events that filled the annual Western Days weekend, from the parade to the downtown barbecue, the rodeo and, of course, those mini doughnuts! Rowers are also discussing this year's ball season whether they are watching senior Cardinals' baseball, minor ball baseball or softball, the ladies' fastball league or the Friday night slo-pitch games. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.

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