Radisson had three beautiful days to celebrate its 100th birthday, along with the annual agricultural fair.
Registration Aug. 9 was followed by a banquet that had close to 600 in attendance, with supper served in the curling rink by Lisa Cheney of Radisson and her catering group. At the head table were chairpersons Walter and Vi Kyliuk, MCs Tina Hessell and Michelle Nelson, artist Richard Widdifield and his wife Sandra Groepler, MLA Randy Weekes and his wife Debbie, parade grand marshal Larry Crabb and his wife Helen and Mayor David Summers and wife Laurie.
After O Canada, the blessing was given by Pastor Hugh Farmer. After the delicious meal of chicken breast, potatoes, salads and dessert, the program began with many thanks to all volunteers and special guests, including past and present town mayors and councillors, centennial and beautify Radisson committees and all the pioneers who started Radisson.
A congratulatory letter was read from MP Maurice Vellacott. Randy Weekes spoke on behalf of Brad Wall and the Government of Saskatchewan, paying tribute to all the hard working and dedicated workers, past and present, and to anyone who helped in any way to make Radisson the prosperous and thriving town it is today.
Walter Kyliuk spoke of the hope and pride that will take us into the future. He thanked Richard for the large mural he is painting of Radisson memories, Chris Tyerman for designing the centennial logo and painting the new sign seen upon entering Radisson and the new Bill Haight one by the communiplex, Tina and Vi, Roberta and her beautify Radisson group, Doreen Froom for the 20-month calendar, Norm Hiebert for the vintage equipment on display and Gerald Wiebe for the centennial song he wrote. He encouraged everyone to visit the museum.
Walter introduced Larry Crabb, outlining his illustrious career as a RCAF pilot and instructor. Larry spoke of his growing up years in Radisson and congratulated Radisson on its 100 years.
Lily Lucyk was introduced as the oldest living person in attendance - 102 and a half years old - and her daughter Zora Jackon spoke on her behalf.
Gerald Wiebe sang his centennial song which has very meaningful lyrics relating to the 100 years of Radisson. Vi Kyliuk spoke of the time capsule that had been locked up in 1988, to be opened that evening by the executors of the capsule - Quinton Kyliuk, Darren Harris, Tony Boensch, Shannon Boklaschuk and Kimberly Flath. It was opened and the five took turns reading what some of the high school students had written that they would be doing in 25 years. The contents of the chest were on display in the curling rink for the weekend.
Richard Widdifield spoke about the mural and the close to 500 photos and news items given to him over the past year or more. It will be completed by November and there will be limited prints available to buy. Then Richard and Norma Amson, who always encouraged Widdifield to take on the task, officially unveiled the mural, with the details sketched in and painting just getting started.
A free pancake breakfast on Main Street, provided by the Town of Radisson, Saturday morning, was followed by the parade with 134 entries. Parade write-up coming next week. In the afternoon Brad Funk gave wagon rides around town while Tina Hessell explained the historic sites, and this was busy right up until supper.
At the kids' tractor pull, the mini tractor trophies were won by: for ages three and four, Kaiden Borowski of Saskatoon; for ages five and six, by Cooper Flath; for ages seven and eight, by Jorja Kyliuk of Calgary, Alta.; and for ages nine and 10, by Wyatt Friesen. Greg and Loretta Flath were in charge and the 42 entrants all received a freezie.
A nanny goat was raffled off. You bought tickets for your friends, or otherwise. Twenty-five names were drawn and, if you wished to buy back your name for $20, you were taken off the draw. Fifteen did withdraw and, out of the remaining 10, the winner of the goat was Nancy Black of Radisson. Profits from the draw went to the Radisson fire department for their new truck. There was also a draw for a pirate chest handcrafted by John Hessell; the winner was Sheldon Rothenburger.
There was also a petting zoo, reptile display, swimming, bouncy ride, Beeper the Clown, face painting and pony rides Saturday and Sunday.
A pancake, sausage, fruit and muffins breakfast put on by Linda Hosegood and her crew Sunday morning was followed by an ecumenical church service in the Lutheran Church, which was packed. Rev. Henry Comerford, Pastor Hugh Farmer and Gayle Wensley officiated and special music was provided by Gerald Wiebe singing the centennial song, and also by soloist Shelley Christian (née McKellar).
The vintage tractor pull with close to 50 entries was held Sunday afternoon. The winners in each class were: 4,000 pounds - Greg Flath; 5,000, 6,000 and 10,000 pounds, all Claire Weir of Perdue; 7,000 pounds, Miles Gray; 8,000 pounds, Colin Berglan; 9,000 pounds, Chris Schultz; and 12,000 pounds, Russ Schultz.
There were gymkhana events Saturday afternoon and the light horse show Sunday. Results coming next week. In the school gym were all the exhibits, with 120 exhibitors displaying their work and produce. High point winners will be in future editions.
The 100th birthday cake was cut Sunday at 1 p.m. by long-time residents Mary Rothenburger and Stan Bandur, who are both well over 90. Stan is a veteran of the Second World War. Ten children then took the 100 balloons, with notes inside, outside and they were released into the air. Everyone then could have free cake and from 2 - 4 p.m. the ladies of the Royal Purple gave free ice cream cones to everyone, with the ice cream provided by the centennial committee.
Supper was again served by Lisa and her crew - pulled pork, cowboy beans, salads and pie for dessert, with ice cream from the Royal Purple booth if desired.
The slo-pitch ball tournament wound up Sunday night. In the A event, Flaths beat out The Gonz. In the B side, Find the Hole (Kuny) won over the Maxwell team. In the C, Herb (Derbowka ) won over the Stotts. Gabrysh beat out Travis and Gertz to take the D side. Hosegoods won over the Meisters for the E1 and in E2 Mckellars beat out Junk in the Trunk, while the F side was won by Hamps over Rothenburgers and Glitter.
Musical entertainment was provided by Cashback Saturday afternoon and, on Sunday, it was Will Ballantyne, the Ukrainian Connection and Russ Fountain and Maurice and Zane Bahrey and Co.
