Langruth Harvest Festival celebrations
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- Published on Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Submitted
Neepawa Banner & Press
A large crowd enjoyed the fall themed activities at the second annual Langruth Harvest Festival, on Sept. 23 at the Langruth Skating Rink. This year’s festival was also a celebration of Canada 150. After singing ‘O Canada’, the Canada 150 cake was served. Everyone had the opportunity to sign the Canada 150 billboard and test their knowledge with the Canada 150 trivia questions. The billboard will be hung inside the arena and will be a wonderful keepsake of the celebration.
The festival included last year’s favourite activities along with lots of new events. The escape room was an adventure game in which a team of people found clues and solved puzzles to complete a given mission within a 15 minute time period. Don and Shirley’s Small Animal Farm was located next to the large round bale climbing structure. Children spent lots of time climbing the bales and then visiting with the various animals. Throughout the day, live music filled the arena. Heather Jean Jordan hosted a great line-up of talented performers from Langruth and surrounding communities. Performers included Darcy and Jenna Mancheese, Kris and Kelly Egilson, Jason Starr, Azaria Neuschwander, James Patterson, Kevin Johnson, Hanna and Linsey Sollner and Heather Jean Jordan.
Interactive displays
The Harvest Festival welcomed Manitoba Farm Safety, Important Bird Areas, Southern Health – Public Health, Manitoba 4-H, Manitoba Agriculture & Rural Initiatives, Lakeview Fire Department and the RCMP to the festival with their interactive displays that were informative and fun for both children and adults. Also new to the festival this year was an archery demonstration alongside the potato popper sling shot. Kory Jonasson, in conjunction with the Kinosota Trail Game & Fish Association, showed children how to properly use a bow and arrow to hit a target.
Bruce Hogarth, with his team of horses, once again offered horse drawn wagon rides.
The festival wouldn’t be complete without the old-fashioned races and the Amazing Race. Who wouldn’t enjoy racing towards the finish line in the old fashioned race? The children received candy donated by Sandy Bay CFS as they crossed the finish line. Seven teams entered the Amazing Race and attempted to complete 10challenges in the shortest amount of time. The team who called themselves ‘Lauren & Friends’ met all the requirements in the shortest amount of time and was awarded the Langruth Harvest Festival Amazing Race Trophy and a large tub of candy and snacks.
Outside the arena, people gathered around a bon fire that was tended by the Lakeview Fire Department. As a special treat, Eileen Woodhouse made some delicious bannock over the open fire and Kiersten Sanderson handed out dream catcher kits. A variety of vendors displayed their products at the Harvest Festival Market. It is a great place to promote and sell crafts, hand-made goods, projects, produce, garage sale items and more.
The grand finale of the festival was a fantastic display of fireworks set off by members of the Lakeview Fire Department. As the fireworks ended, the crowd sang ‘O Canada’ to conclude the celebrations of the day.
Once again, most of the activities, events and entertainment at the festival were free. Thank-you to everyone who supported the festival by donating to the silver collection, buying 50/50 tickets, buying silent auction sickets or purchasing food at the canteen. A portion of the proceeds was directed to the Langruth Recreation Committee for the use of the skating rink. The remaining proceeds will be put towards activities and events for the 2018 Harvest Festival.
The commitment of community volunteers made this event possible. Thank-you to those who attended and enjoyed the many activities. It was a great day and a wonderful community gathering.
