July 1 was celebrated at the Maidstone Museum grounds July 1 on a beautiful summer day.
The parade was led by a local RCMP and his son at 10 a.m. Parade marshal Bill Foster organized a parade consisting of a Girl Guides float, float from Pine Island Lodge, Yellowhead Ramblers musical float and a number of floats from local businesses. Mounted and well-groomed horses added much to the parade.
Winning first place was the "Farm Girls" float. In second place were the Girl Guides and third went to TWB Construction.
Mayor Connie McCulloch and RM of Eldon Reeve Garry Taylor gave welcome messages following the singing of O Canada.
The slow tractor races, organized by Richard Meynberg, drew a large crowd of spectators. The first race, at two mph, was won by Allan Valleau of Wainwright, Alta. Second place winner was William Crocker of Vermilion, Alta. and third went to Jim Sparks of Edgerton, Alta.
In the second race - two mph or over - first place went to Bill McLaren of Maidstone. In second was Don Rienhart of Lloydminister and third was Wade Brendle of Maidstone.
The oldest tractor in the event was a 1938 John Deere.
The $200 in prize money was divided among the contestants.
The Girl Guides, whose leader is Cathy Utri, hosted a number of games for the younger children.
Two food booths were available on the grounds, one run by the museum members and one by the United Church ladies.
The platform at the station buildings was the venue for several hours of entertainment with Bill McGillvary as MC. Music was supplied by the Yellowhead Ramblers, a garage band and the Ceylnelder group. The Pick Up Band and Jammers filled out the program for the audience seated under a covered shelter.
The children's races were looked after by M.T. Owens, Denise Newton and her daughter Keshia. Racers were divided into three age groups to compete in sack race, flat race and three-legged race.
Dave Stapleton stepped up and organized the Joe Stakiw Straw Scramble for two age groups.
Christine Carlson assisted with judging of the floats and, after the parade, conducted tours of the museum village throughout the afternoon.
Nickel bingo was played from 3 to 5 p.m. with Bev Stewart calling, assisted by Dorothy Harmel and Dorothy Schwartz on behalf of the seniors' centre.
The beer garden tent was manned by the over 50 hockey team who also sold hamburgers. Twelve slo-pitch teams, organized by Lindsey Kalmakoff, played all day.
Ryan and Cathy Utri looked after the donation boxes. This money helps to pay for the wonderful fireworks display that started at 11 p.m. The fireworks are conducted by a company out of Edmonton, Alta. The display is costly, but finishes up a most enjoyable day of entertainment for young and old on Canada's special day.
Thank you to all how came and all who worked so hard prior to and during this most successful event.
