After the success of last year's celebration, the 2014 edition of Wawota Heritage Days taking place on this year on August 1, 2 and 3 is set to be even bigger and better.
The three-day event coincides with the town's 10, 20 and 30-year high school reunions and features attractions and activities for all ages ,including a show-and-shine, high tea, dinners, a family dance, beer gardens, fireworks, a parade and Regina's HIW (High Impact Wrestling) Tour De Rumble.
Committee member Shawna Cudmore says that bringing back Heritage Days in 2013 after a hiatus of several years was the right decision.
"Last year, our parade had over 70 participants and this year, we've already got over 50,easily. Right now, I'm altering the route through town, it's so large."
The weekend kicks off on Friday evening at the Wawota Forum with high-impact wrestling. In addition to their scheduled matches, the pro wrestlers will also take on "some local guys" who have agreed to enter the ring to raise money for area organizations, according to Cudmore. A family dance and fireworks at dusk close out the inaugural evening.
Saturday, the first full day of festivities, begins with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Wawota Legion, followed by a town-wide parade featuring floats from the Saskatchewan Shriners, district businesses, horses and specialty cars leading the way. A carnival, petting zoo and SGI bike safety event will be held at Wawota School, with proceeds from the $5 admission charge benefiting the rink.
Samantha Greenbank of King's Department Store in Wawota says that afte the success of last year's celebration, King's is looking forward to participating in the parade.
"As part of the community, we're really excited about Heritage Days, she says. "It's back and we at King's are very happy to be a part of it, as is everyone in Wawota."
Day-long events include a trade show and silent auction at the Town Hall, an Arts and Crafts exhibit at the Drop-In Center and a Collector's Exhibit at the museum. At the Wawota Skate Park, Freedom Tour Skate Jam and One on One Paintball roll out at noon.
The Taste of Wawota features local food vendors in the Town Hall where the RTR (Raise the Rafters) Group, Duane's Dogs, Model Ladies' Club, Kim's Kafe and Grad 2015 will serve meals and snacks on Saturday.
One of last year's most popular events that will be returning is Ken Wilson's "Couple's Driving Challenge." In this event, two couples compete against each other in a timed truck race. The catch: the driver of each vehicle is blindfolded, while their partner attempts to navigate, while they drive in reverse around a series of pylons. The winning pair must be the first to place a ping pong ball in a pail at the finish line.
"Last year was really funny and the two final groups were really close," says Wilson. "It was a lot of fun. We've had requests to do it again, so we will."
A supper of pork skewers, pansit and spring rolls, a cabaret featuring the Alex Runions Band (minors allowed) and a beer garden close out Saturday.
The final day of this annual celebration begins with a brunch sponsored by the Legion, followed by an outdoor church service and potluck lunch at Centennial Memorial Park (weather permitting). A high tea with musical accompaniment by the nine-piece Mando Group in the Town Hall is the final event in what has already become a much-anticipated summer tradition.
"The committee has worked so hard to bring back Heritage weekend," says Cudmore. "Last year was a great success and we're sure that success will be repeated this year. We're looking forward to it."
"It's a family weekend and we have activities for the whole family."
Tickets are available at Wawota businesses. Check Wawota.com for further information and updates.
