Haying in the '30s Family Festival
Harvest Celebration and Cancer Fundraiser in Mallaig, AB
Aug 17, 2008
During Canada’s long August weekend, called Heritage Day in Alberta and Family Day in BC, the Haying in the '30s Cancer Support Society holds a free two-day family festival full of opportunities for learning and participation. All proceeds benefit area cancer patients.
Cutting, Swathing, Baling, and Threshing Hay 1930s Style
Visitors can walk or take a wagon ride into the fields to watch a horse-drawn cultivator at work, see a team pull a haycutter, observe a square baler, and view a hay slide in action. Kids can jump and build forts in haysweep gathered hay pile. Farmers with pitchforks in hand gather hay into stacks reminiscent of a Van Gogh painting. The haying practices on display at Haying in the '30s are unlike anything you see in the surrounding Alberta farmland. Young and old alike will delight in the experience.
Well-drilling, Barn raising, and Blacksmith Demonstrations at Haying in the '30s
There are more period demonstrations and displays to complement the work in the hay fields. Haying in the '30s has: blacksmiths shoeing horses, a barn raising, horse-drawn well boring, horse training, woodsplitters, and operating saw and shingle mills. Visitors can explore a trapper’s cabin or take a picture in period attire. Volunteers in costume pass on the knowledge of yesteryear using antique equipment, horsepower, and sweat equity. Today’s farmers will appreciate the comparative luxury of the latest combines and balers with air conditioning and top notch sound systems.
Haying in the '30s- Rope-making, Butter Churns, Pony Rides, and Petting Zoo
While the enormous hay piles seem the favorite children’s attraction, there are plenty of free activities to entertain kids. Children can visit a petting zoo with sheep, goats, bunnies, chicks, kittens, and puppies. Then they can take a ride on a pony merry-go-round before climbing on a covered wagon for a ride with family around the grounds.
Kids will enjoy churning butter and making ice cream. They can stop by later to sample the sweet rewards of their combined efforts. Rope-making is a favorite activity for the kids, but the line can be long. Kids get to assist older children trained in making rope from sisal twine or a pink synthetic version appreciated by little girls.
Haying in the '30s- Music and Comedy Entertainment
Local bands perform throughout the festival and hold a hoedown on Saturday night. There are numerous speakers during the event, recently including local comedy legend The Mad Trapper.
Haying in the '30s- Free Admission, Free Camping, Free Food, Free Activities
For a large family, the best part of Haying in the '30s in that the event is completely free. Unlike Capital EX in Edmonton, there is not an endless array of vendors tugging at your pocketbook. In fact, there isn’t even one. There is just old-fashioned family fun.
The mission of the Haying in the '30s Cancer Support Society is an admirable one; 100% of funds benefit area cancer victims and their families. The Society hosts an impeccable event and attendees should make their way to the Old West bank and donate generously. Visitors should consider the quality and value of the event, what they would spend at other area festivals and carnivals, and be sure to donate their savings to the Haying in the '30s Cancer Support Society.
A companion article entitled "Haying in the '30s Harvest Festival” contains a brief history of the cancer support society, directions for getting there, and information on parking, accommodations, food, and refreshments.
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