by BOB GRYLLS
WESTMEATH — The Canada Day Schedule on July 1 began with a short service at the Cenotaph led by the Reverend Anita Hollings, where thanks were given for the Country we live in, in terms of its tolerance and inclusiveness. Ron Moss gave a wonderful rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes and Cathy Williamson led the singing of “This Land is your Land”.
There was a well attended big breakfast in the Hall.
And before noon arrived, Mike Wendorf did a fine job of organizing the adult cycling with 50K, 30K and 10K distances. The route was from Westmeath to Lapasse to Beachburg and back to Westmeath loop, with variations for the shorter distances. There were about 40 cyclists.
Activities for the children included waterballoon tossing, noodle hockey and crafts. A bouncy castle was set up as well. The 4-H Club provided lunch, barbecued by Jeff Ethier.
Rain or the threat of afternoon rain reduced the potential of 40 antique cars down to eight. The drivers included Mark Tayler, Marc Lalonde, Pierre Lacroix, Ray Ethier, Barry Sullivan, Mel Lipke and Bruce Ethier.
The wind and rain did arrive, forcing the outdoor activities to go indoors on the Arena surface.
Human foosball, a first indoor game for many of the participants, was a big hit. Organized by Neil Nicholson, it involved six steel poles that one or two players had to never let go of, and kicking a soccer ball towards the two goalkeepers in front of their nets.
The WDRA had four awards to present this year. The Youth Volunteer is Sherry Ethier, who was the go-between with the committee and other youths. Neil Nicholson was Volunteer of the Year for his efforts in hockey, skating lessons and rink infrastructure. Leatrice Norlock and the team of Laurine and Eric Blackwell were Lifetime volunteer recipients.
Dinner was barbecued chicken, grilled to perfection like every year by Mike Watson and his team. There was little rain this time but whatever the weather they come through.
Entertainment was arranged by Canada Day chairperson Cathy Williamson. Entertainment was opened by Travis Lammi, from La Passe, a violin student. The main entertainment was provided by Louis Schryer, fiddler extraordinaire, and the Donohue and Enright the next generation of Leahy’s from the Douglas area. The stage was rocking as they step-danced and fiddled for over an hour bringing much toe-stomping to an admiring crowd.
This year horseshoes returned. Aptly named for a long-time co-ordinator, the “Ron Ethier Memorial Horseshoe Tournament” was handled by his family. Joe Ortman and John Hedden won the Men’s A winners while the B winners were Ron Ethier and Andrew Hein. In the Ladies A, Laurie Ethier and Kyra Ethier were the winners followed by Beth Ethier and Angie Bush claiming the Ladies B.
Wendy and Jay Orcutt, new to this area, were at their first Westmeath Canada Day celebration. They love the community spirit and the people. They were even volunteers for both the massive set-up and take-down of the event.
The Canada Day fun ended with loud bangs and flashes of brightly coloured lights, as Mother Nature stopped the rain and wind, allowing the fireworks display to be held.
After such a long, exciting and successful Canada Day, most of the cleanup was left for Saturday morning.
There are five boys who deserve recognition for their teamwork: Kelz Nicholson, Wyatt White, Wesley White, Dustin Ethier and Quaid Nicholson.
