The Canada Day celebrations at the Oungre Memorial Regional Park grew in popularity this year, thanks to some changes made to the event.
A large crowd gathered at the park for the festivities. Suzanne Brown, who is the park roundhouse manager, said they had many of the popular attractions of previous years, including the country gospel jamboree, but for the first time, they had a cabaret in the evening.
“It was well received and well-attended,” said Brown.
She didn’t have a final figure for how many people were present, but she estimates it was around 800-1,000 people.
An antique vehicle show attracted more cars and trucks than previous years. A tractor show was also a popular attraction. Children decorated their bicycles in red and white colours.
The antique vehicles, tractors and bicycles were all entered in a parade.
People were encouraged to decorate their campsites as well, with prizes handed out.
“Many, many campsites participated in that, and had Canada flags and all kinds of cool stuff hanging around their campsites,” said Brown.
A longest drive competition was held this year. Bouncy castles were set up, and the stars of the Paw Patrol TV series paid the kids a visit a couple of times.
The country gospel jamboree took place in the afternoon, and was organized by the Daae Family, who hail from the Bromhead area. Brown said the Daaes did an excellent job of bringing in top-notch acts.
In addition to the Daae Family, performers included the Browns, Josiah Mullins and the Hansen Trio, which is also a local act. Comedian Tim Lovelace also entertained the audience.
The Seventh Avenue Boys from Weyburn were the performers for the cabaret.
The July 1 committee recommended having a cabaret this year. In previous years, by the end of the evening, a lot of the people listening to the gospel music had gone home before the fireworks. Those who stayed around were interested in the cabaret.
“I think it had been brought forth to the committee since last year, or even the year before that, and it was just something they wanted to try,” she said.
Canada Day in Oungre wrapped up with fireworks. A strong thunderstorm rolled through the Oungre area that evening, and once the rain subsided, they could light them off just after 10 p.m.
“They were very good. We were very impressed with them.”
Brown was pleased with the support this year, but she couldn’t explain why the numbers were up for the displays, the parade and some of the other activities.
The park does look great, she said, and they had lots of comments on how neat and tidy it is. The maintenance staff members worked hard to make sure it looks good.
“We had lots of comments about what a great day it was. Everything went off without a hitch.”
