How did it get to be the end of May so fast? Heading to June is a countdown for grads, but not so much for their parents. (I know; I am a parent of a graduate this year).
There is plenty of action rounded up for Unity this weekend with the annual Unity Western Days taking place. A brand new event takes place Friday and Saturday at the fairgrounds. Cowboy mounted shooting is a fast-paced event that entails skill in both shooting and horsemanship.
The first annual celebrity bull riding event is brand new to the weekend as well. It will take place both Saturday and Sunday, immediately following the last bull rider of the rodeo. Local businessmen and residents, including one lone female participant, have signed up to be crowned the first celebrity bull riding champion.
These brand new events are in addition to other regular happenings which include the citizen of the year award and roast beef supper Friday night at 5:30. There are socials Friday night at the Agriplex with Hillbilly Blunt playing, along with the hat sale for the celebrity bull riding event. Rodeo events are both Saturday and Sunday. There is a cabaret Saturday night featuring Longshot.
The favourite Western Days parade will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. downtown, preceded by the annual chamber of commerce barbecue starting at noon. Sunday morning you can take in the pancake breakfast starting at 9 a.m., followed by the gospel concert at 11 a.m., featuring The Banksons. You won't want to miss any of the action taking place this weekend.
First off, kudos to UCHS students. They are hosting a unique and fun fundraiser to benefit the Krpan family whose son heads to Stollery Hospital in June for heart surgery. For nickels you can boost up your favourite candidate's total to "kiss the pig." It's a fabulous fun project and a great way to "pay it forward" in the community. These kids never cease to amaze the community on their "pay it forward" gestures.
UCHS is inviting everyone to attend their annual awards ceremony taking place June 4 at 7 p.m., celebrating excellence in academics, athletics, arts, culture, leadership and citizenship. With the grad church service already held, May 23, this puts the final few weeks countdown on for Grade 12s before graduation June 28.
UPS is working with their students on preparations for the upcoming track meet which will be held May 31. In addition, the school is enjoying their last month with Mr. English who will be retiring at month's end.
St. Peter's held their track meet May 22. The school is fitting in their last weeks of fun with their Grade 6 class before they head off to the high school.
Ball season has one month left of league and regular games before teams head off to provincials. You can check out the Battlefords Ladies' Fastball League games every Monday and Wednesday at the Lions diamond with both bantams and midgets competing. As well, other divisions of softball and baseball host games each night of the week so there is no lack of live ball games to watch. Friday night slo-pitch continues until the end of June.
And you will want to catch a game from the Unity Cardinals, showing their competitive team in season's play up to this point as they prepare for upcoming provincials they host in August. Unless it is a sanctioned event, all live ball action is free so come out and enjoy some fresh air and ball action at your local diamonds.
The swimming pool is open! Kids are excited to be back in their favourite summer recreation spot. Check out the Town of Unity website, or postings at the pool for public swimming times. It is your last season to swim at the old pool as the new one will begin construction next week.
The Royal Purple will host their annual seniors' tea and bingo June 5 at 2 p.m. at the Friendship Centre. You can call 228-3703 if you are in need of a ride.
May long weekend saw the return of 12 members of the Ha family, along with their spouses and children. What makes this so significant is that these were Vietnemese "boat people" who were sponsored to come to Canada by St. Peter's Parish and became part of the community of Unity. Their visit had a warm, reunion-like feeling as they reconnected with the community who opened their arms to them in troubled times of their lives. Many thanks were given again to the town of Unity for welcoming and accepting their family 23 years ago.
Coffee row has been reviewing the impressive progress on seeding considering the late start, the talk about what seemed like an abundance of water now showing signs of dryness in some areas, the NHL playoff predictions and local teams on the ball seasons. Excitement is abounding for Western Days weekend as it always holds a weekend full of activity bringing something for everyone. And the upcoming Rider season is tossed around on occasion. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
