Sunny weather and smiling faces were abundant at the 2013 Those Were the Days, Aug. 10 and 11 at the North Battleford Western Development Museum.
The 1920s were brought to life for visitors of all ages during the two day event which included demonstrations, food and entertainment.
Volunteers led pioneer demonstrations throughout the heritage farm and village. Visitors learned about milking "Bessie," baking in a wood fired oven, quilting, spinning, rope making, blacksmithing and other pioneer activities. Adventurous visitors joined in for the pioneer competitions such as nail pounding, log sawing and burr running in children, youth and adult categories. Equestrian interests were filled with a variety of activities from 4-H light horse demonstrations to miniature horse obstacle courses to Will Gough's Australian Whip Show. Everyone could ride in style as transportation across the grounds was provided by the vintage cars, horse drawn wagons, a children's train and a stagecoach. Additional cars could be viewed at the show and shine.
Both afternoons featured a threshing demonstration that showcased the transition from handheld tools through horse drawn equipment to steam and gas tractors. One boy remarked to his grandpa that it "looked like hard work." For those who missed the threshing, or those who enjoyed it enough for a second viewing, both evenings at 5 p.m. the old equipment, wagons and tractors came slowly roaring down the main street for the parade of power. Saturday included the unveiling of the museum's newly refurbished Model A and if that wasn't enough going on, a live performance by Mitch Daigneault with a beer gardens and concession followed the parade of power in the outdoor gazebo.
Children's activities were spread across the center lawn with bouncy castles, crafts, games and face painting throughout Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers led kids through pioneer games and activities like sack races, water relays, tug of war and milk bottle tosses.
After all the hustle and bustle throughout the museum's grounds, visitors could refresh themselves and fill up at the various concessions and vendors or by visiting the Barbecue Showdown. This year's barbecue teams hailed from across Saskatchewan and Alberta and enjoyed the two days of sizzling, smoking and taste testing before the professional division judging on Sunday where over $5,000 in prizes was awarded. Team Bear B Que from Outlook was this year's winner. In second place was the Rub Me Tender Crew from Kipling and 3rd went to the Arrowhead North team from White City. From experienced teams to newcomers to the barbecue world, the showdown added a succulent element to the weekend activities.
Indoors was also bustling with activities and events. Entertainment filled the halls with music, and a trade show and garage sale gave visitors a reprieve from the heat. Sunday had the 1920s fashion show as an added feature with a group of volunteer models walking the runway in an assortment of styles.
The weekend's success was due, in large part, to the support of sponsors. The more than 300 volunteers were invaluable to this event and can't be thanked enough for their time and support. The museum is already looking ahead to next year's event scheduled for Aug. 9 and 10. Mark your calendar now for Those Were the Days, the days you don't want to miss.
Pioneer competition winners were:
Nail pounding - child (seven and under) boys Kierra Babchuck (Saturday) and Wyatt Nelson (Sunday), girls Elisabetta Fehr; youth (eight to 12) boys Tanner Gartner (Saturday) and Gordon Hutchinson (Sunday). Girls Kalyna Bahler (Saturday) Taylor Schwab (Sunday); adult men Shayne Adams (Saturday) and Kim Kramer (Sunday), women Freida Wiche (Saturday) Sandra Grieves (Sunday).
Log sawing - adult men Bob Gardiner (Saturday), women Angela Myers (Saturday).
