Along with the featured chariot and chuckwagon races, there were numerous other activities to keep everyone busy at the Preeceville and District Lions Club 25th Western Weekend on July 12 to 14.
Friday night kicked off the events with chariot and chuckwagon races sponsored by the Eastern Professional Chariot and Chuckwagon Association. The chariot and chuckwagon races continued on Saturday and concluded on Sunday.
There were 33 entries in the chariot races. The top five winners of the three-day total were: Twyla Salmond of Porcupine Plain, Casey Peterson of Kelvington, Carol Hooge of Hudson Bay; Colin Kilborn of St. Gregor and Shayne Salmond of Invermay.
The dash for cash winner was Twyla Salmond with Casey Peterson second and Carol Hooge third.
There were 19 entries in the chuckwagon race. The top five winners of the three-day total were: Wayne Salmond of Weekes, Shayne Salmond, Ryan Peterson of Kelvington, Kevin Gareau of Prince Albert and Hayden Rooks of Swan River.
A special tribute memorial as held in honor of Jim Ward who was a long-time Lions, fire department and community member.
"Jim played a special part in western weekend and was a dedicated hard-working person who will never be forgotten," said Ed Jenkins, long-time friend and past announcer.
Ward had always ridden into the chuckwagon races with Kelvin Young on the wagon that was supported by Pattison Agricultural. As a special tribute, Ward's son Ashley Ward rode beside Young in the chuckwagon as they were introduced when they entered the racing area.
Friday evening featured a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament.
Pretty Ladies Concession provided slushies, ice cream treats, mini donuts and many other treats on both days.
The Preeceville Harvard Air Cadets hosted a children's fun tent with many activities all geared for the children. They also looked after the inflatable bouncing castles for both days.
On Saturday a car show was held with 32 entries.
The Preeceville Community Hall sponsored bingo games under the big top during the two days.
A trade show was held on both days with vendors Granny's Soaps, Tiber River, BR Honey, Klebeck Kandy jewelry, Whimsy Lines, Voxx Life Socks, Scentsy, Lone Tree Jewelry, and Hannah Gerbrandt read tarot cards.
On Saturday the ball tournaments featured six teams entered in the co-ed slo-pitch and on Sunday there were four teams entered in the senior slo-pitch. Teams entered in the co-ed slo-pitch tournament were: Gloria, SOP, Young Blood, Son of Pitch's, Renslip and Angry Byrd. The Young Blood went undefeated and won the tournament. Entered in the fun senior slo-pitch tournament were: Assiniboine, Kamsack, Melville and Swan River.
Call Me Mildy supplied the music for the open air dance.
Sunday morning was kicked off with a pancake breakfast followed by a Christian cowboy service at the sportsgrounds.
A gymkhana, sponsored by the Etomamie Valley Riders Club, was held on Saturday and Sunday.
A concession and beer gardens were available on both days.
The Preeceville Volunteer Fire Department was responsible for keeping the track watered for dust control and the firemen sold 50/50 tickets. KevRhon Transport supplied a water tanker for watering the track.
Gerald Ignatiuk provided wagon rides for the children in a home built barrel wagon during the weekend.
Michael Fialkowski of Endeavour showcased the traditional method of harrowing the infield with a team of horses and an old harrow system.
