The Manitou Pioneers Museum in Neilburg was the site of a Fall Family Fun Day Sept 7 as they played host to approximately 200 guests. Children were welcomed with a loot bag of assorted goodies.
Opening ceremonies began with the presentation of the beautiful new museum sign, designed and crafted by Joan Herbert. The presence of two very special ladies, Jean Ball and Shirley Herbert, added to the occasion as they participated in the unveiling of the sign. Jean and Shirley are the only remaining members of the original 1978 board, both of whom were instrumental in the formation of the Manitou Pioneers Museum.
A bike decorating contest revealed the talent and imaginations of 32 children in the area. Two different age categories resulted in first, second and third place prizes, which were presented by the judges Stefanie Gibbons, Joan Gibb, Linda Walde and Darlene Foushe. First place went to Jaiden Graham and Chloe Peters, second was given to Shanna Flicek and Dyson Gibler, and third was won by Taylor Jackson and Rowdy Flicek. Consolation treats were presented to remaining contestants for all their hard work.
Janice Peters, Allison Winsor and their two assistants, Laura Hegel and Casey Schmidt, left their mark on many happy, delighted faces, young and not so young. Their face-painting talents were absolutely marvelous. Considerable gratitude was expressed for the time and generosity they donated to the day.
Games, such as sack race, three-legged race, tug of war, bean bag and pin the tail on Bozo the buffalo. were played by both adults and children and brought back memories to many of days gone by. Ladder golf, horseshoes and the egg race were also enjoyed by the crowd.
A complimentary lunch of barbecued cheeseburgers and hotdogs, watermelon, pop and coffee was enjoyed by all and was only perfected with the addition of a delicious ice cream cone. The ice cream stand remained open for the afternoon and only closed when the last scoop of Boo Boo Bubblegum was served. The energetic efforts of Barb Husch behind the scenes in the kitchen were much appreciated.
Teri Brockhoff accepted, on behalf of the museum, a collection of Kinsmen and Kinette notes and ledgers presented by Joan Gibb and Lois Johnston. Both Lois and Joan were acting members of the since disbanded club. The museum is very grateful for any and all artifacts related to the Manitou area.
The day concluded with The Hotdoggers, a very entertaining dog show, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The performance was arranged for the day courtesy of Jacquie Goodall, a member of the museum board. Both Jacquie and the performance are on the A-list.
Much appreciation to the businesses who generously supported this event and to all those terrific volunteers who are always ready, willing and able to help.
One and all fared well with fun and food and friends.
