Maidstone’s July 1 celebrations began at 10 a.m. on a hot, sunny day, with a parade organized by parade marshal Bill Foster, a role he has fulfilled for 21 years.
Mounted RCMP members dressed in red serge led the parade, followed by numerous floats.
Village of Waseca entered the first place float, with Maidstone Co-op in second and North of the Gully Multiple 4-H Club in third. Judges were Cindy Hougen, Verna Cutsforth and Christine Carlson.
A number of children on decorated bikes were accompanied by Mayor Brenon Becotte and event organizer Marc Telenga to ensure their safety. The tail end of the parade featured a number of horseback riders.
A slo-pitch ball tournament started Friday evening with eight teams, all from Maidstone, entered. The hot weather forced cancellation of the tournament Sunday afternoon with the Puddlers and the Dirty Monkeys tied for first place.
Horseshoes, organized by Bob Banks and Mike Telenga, drew eight teams. Brena Banks and Jade Meyer won first place. Bob Banks and son Jordan were in second.
Jug Trucking sponsored the bike decorating competition. First prize went to Jack Fabish, second to Sam Donald and third to Lane Becotte.
During the afternoon two scavenger hunts took place, one for children eight and under with 20 entered and a second for nine and over with about 15 entered. All who entered won a prize.
Food was available at the sports grounds catered by Maidstone Stubble Jumpers. A huge tent was set up to house the beer garden sponsored by the July 1 sports day committee with seating available out of the sun.
Maidstone Museum was open to the public with Kathy Utri at the registration table where 159 people signed in. Tour guides for the museum village were Bill McGilvery, John Anderson and Christine Carlson.
The blacksmith shop was open and two gentlemen from the Lloydminster blacksmithing organization, Greg Ridgen and Dave Huber, demonstrated the work. They made and gave out free trinkets to the children.
Frozen and cold refreshments were available at the kitchen, which was manned by Eileen Anderson, Trina Tuplin and Saida Masher.
Bingo was played in an open, covered area. Caller was Sharon Rudd and collector was Ruby F. Organizer was Dorothy Schwartz.
Vincent Gerlinsky and son Chris brought a trailer load of logs to town and demonstrated sawing it up into stove-size lengths. Their free-standing saw was powered by a drive belt from a 1929 McCormick Deering tractor.
A most enjoyable day ended with fire works at 11 p.m. sponsored by the promotion committee headed by Marc Telenga.
A big thank you to all who took part to make this an enjoyable event for all who attended on an exceptionally hot day.
I apologize for any errors or omissions in this report. I do my best!
