MACKLIN – For the past 30 years on the August long-weekend, a massive crowd has been drawn to the community of Macklin for only one reason – bones.
The annual World Bunnock Championship tournament is organized by both the Town of Macklin and the Macklin Chamber of Commerce. With help from other community groups and programs, close to 1,000 volunteers from the area contribute to the continuing success of the tournament.
Kim Gartner, CAO for the Town of Macklin, has been the main event coordinator for the past 21 years. Each year sees new changes but for Gartner the biggest was when the tournament increased in size.
“From 80 teams in year one to 360 teams in the Saskatchewan Centennial year, it has been a challenge accommodating everyone. We have settled on 320 teams as a maximum, where we can comfortably accommodate this size of tournament without overtaxing our volunteers,” said Gartner.
The tournament first started in 1993, with two years missed due to the pandemic. Since the tournament began, there have been many local teams, but some have travelled from Japan, England and even Australia who have taken part in the event. One volunteer who saw the inception of the weekend-long event continues to help where he can.
“Rudolph Stang was an original organizer in 1993 and is still a valuable part of the organizing team. At the age of 90, we allow him to take on a more diminished role,” said Gartner.
The 30th anniversary of the tournament had organizers putting on a bigger show than previous years. More than 50 floats entered a parade and many of the Friday night activities moved downtown with an outdoor street fair and beer gardens.
Gartner was proud to say over the past 30 years, community groups have been the beneficiaries of approximately $1 million towards the improvement of the program and facilities. He also added the tournament provides a connection between generations.
“This tournament serves as a very large community homecoming every year but has also given us a tourism hook unlike anything else in the province,” added Gartner.
Although each year brings challenges with committee members coming and going, Gartner said the tournament will continue as long as there is community support. As for the 2025 tournament, planning is already underway.
