We, in small, out-of-the way communities work at staying viable and welcoming by organizing fun, meaningful, seasonal activities. These activities are aimed at attracting local residents of course, but also people from further afield as well.
Aug. 13 a polkafest held in St. Walburg's largest and best equipped community centre, the Elk's Hall, was a resounding success. One hundred and sixty-one dancers from Alberta and Saskatchewan travelled from near and far to attend. The sizable parking lot surrounding the Elk's Hall was filled with motor homes, campers, trailers, cars and trucks.
A substantial and delicious meal was served at about 5:15 p.m. Two bands, Bannock Country and Leonard Hardes' Lloydminster Country Swing took turns providing old time polkas, songs and a variety of other dance music from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. The couples danced hard and ate heartily only to return to dancing shortly after their meal.
Kim Rendle and Debbie Francouer sold 50/50 tickets and a late evening luncheon was served at about 9 p.m.
A total of $2,654 was cleared that will be given to cancer research. Many of the attendees expressed hope another polkafest be hosted again next August.
Another summer function, the perennial ethnic supper and dance, which is held on the eve of St. Walburg's Wild Blueberry Festival was held in the local Parish Centre. More than 400 people attended this year.
There were 10 food stations. These stations are placed around the outside of the floor space. Each station consists of a table or two at which volunteers serve a variety of delicious ethnic foods. This year's patrons could choose from Polish borscht, French pea soup, Canadian salads, French bread, French meat pies, Irish beef stew, Italian lasagna , German sneakers, Ukrainian perogies, a variety of Wong's Chinese tasties, a selection of East Indian delicacies and any number of mouth-watering desserts and coffee served by the local Luthern ladies. Beer and wine were available at a bar served by the Knights of Columbus.
The meals are served in two seatings — the first at 5 p.m. the second at 6:15 p.m. The ethnic supper is followed by an old time dance. Tony Fink and his group supplied the music. The dancing goes on until midnight. The Catholic Women's League and the Knights of Columbus organize this event each year and to date it has been a super kickoff to the annual Wild Blueberry Festival.
Hope to see you all next year.
