Every week I sit down with a list of activities and events to report from Unity and I am thankful we are this busy and fun community, but in the same breath, I am always hoping I have covered everything that has taken place in our fine town in a week's span.
The squirt division of girls' softball held a tournament in Unity June 4. The results were Provost winning top spot, Dodsland winning second and Unity Squirt Panthers No. 2, coached by Susan Chorney and Doug Rutley, winning third spot. The bantam girls' provincial team was slated for a double header against Maidstone June 5, but Maidstone was unable to attend. Any night of the week you want to watch either baseball or softball, head down to the diamonds as they are always in action.
The Unity Soccer Club plans to host a tournament June 18. If you are looking for an event sure to put a smile on your face, the soccer kids will certainly be glad to have you.
The swimming pool is open. And, if you haven't had a chance to register your child for lessons yet you can do this right at the pool office.
Unity's annual Western Days took place this past weekend. Friday night kicked off with the citizen of the year banquet, where Michael Soloski was the guest of honour. Approximately 200 people took in a delicious roast beef supper put on by the Elks and Royal Purple. After supper, Micheal's award was presented followed by some entertainment by Dan Wilgenbusch, followed by a social.
Western Days kicked it up on Saturday with a pancake breakfast in the Shop Easy parking lot. It was a cool one having snowed early that morning, but the faithful still showed up and the organizers were happy to present their proceeds to the new pool/ground floor hall fundraising committee. The Chamber of Commerce put on a noon barbecue that attracted many patrons before the parade.
The annual Western Days parade had 30 entries which included everything from the horses, to the Shriners on their new scooters, to some Boston Bruins faithful. Winners for the parade were: best commercial - KP Gardens, best non-commercial - Shriners, best children's entry - tie between St. Peter's School and Unity Public School, best service club - Unity Lions, judge's choice - Knights of Columbus ship from Unity.
Following this downtown action, folks headed out to the rodeo grounds for first rounds of rodeo action. Saturday night, Longshot played for the annual rodeo cabaret. Sunday rodeo action continued and the committee was thankful again for the community's support of their 30th annual Western Days..
The RCMP musical ride was slated to take place Wednesday. The entourage of horses, horse keepers and riders arrived with several large semi trailers Monday. The public was encouraged to visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Some of the stock and riders visited the long term care centre and Parkview Place. Wednesday the schools were treated to these same visitors. This all geared up to a big crowd enjoying the show Wednesday night.
Field trips have begun. June 3 the UPS Grade 6 class enjoyed Blue Mountain Adventure Centre near North Battleford. St. Peter's Grade 6 class enjoyed an overnight trip to Moose Jaw and Regina. Monday, the UPS Grade 3 students were able to attend the PotashCorp Children's Festival in Saskatoon. St. Peter's Grade 4 class travelled to Batoche. UPS Grade 4 and 5 students enjoyed the Ducks Unlimited tour in the Battlefords.
Tuesday, UCHS held their annual awards night. Students were honoured for both athletic and academic achievements. Awards are given out for students who maintained honour roll status for all terms in the current year, as well as students earning athletic awards for their various roles in sporting events at UCHS. Also awards are given out for Legion, Royal Purple, proficiency and other significant honours such as citizenship and Leadership. Next UCHS students, who received an invitation, will be travelling to North Battleford to be honoured by Living Sky School Division, for their excellence in athletics and academics.
May 28, the Unity Credit Union hosted a children's carnival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in their parking lot. This event was a big success largely in part to the dedication of the Unity Credit Union staff. Each child received 20 tickets to take part in eight games of chance booths to win prizes. There was a draw for a bike and free popcorn, lemonade, Freezies and hot dogs for all kids. Even two special clowns made their way amongst the kids to join in the fun. Around 300 kids took part in this completely free event and from the measure of smiles and giggles, it was a huge success. Unity Credit Union hosted this festival as part of their 70th anniversary celebrations this year. We are fortunate to have businesses like this to host fantastic family events such as this. (Editor's note: apologies to Sherri and her readers for editing this paragraph out of last week's report. BD)
Coffee row is now breathing a little more easily since we had some rain June 3. This moisture was appreciated, but is hoped to be a little more regular during the growing season. So, again you can see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
