WILKIE -- With a new swimming pool anticipated for next year and $1 million to be raised, there were some additions to Wilkie’s annual “Jump Into Summer” Day, June 17, with many of the events raising funds for the new pool. The energy and excitement in town was evident from the many smiling faces of all ages encountered everywhere.
The day began with the Wilkie & District Fire Association hosting a pancake breakfast at the fire hall. Some 250 people were served and the firefighters were able to raise $1,950 for the pool via a silver collection.
A parade of 50 entries, including everything from vehicles of all types to walkers in costumes, horses and floats, was a highlight of the day for many.
A lot of people must have been hungry after the parade since the pool fundraiser barbecue at Country Ford, co-hosted by Delta Co-op, served 549 hamburgers, raising a total of $2,620. The barbecue was advertised as running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the cooks continued barbecuing afterwards to accommodate those still in line waiting to be served.
Before and after lunch, there were ball games to take in at the regional park and vehicles to admire at the Eddy Duchscher Memorial Car Show on Main Street. Along with local people showing off their pride-and-joys, there were a number of entries from out of town.
Other afternoon activities included the grand opening of Prairie Oasis Petting Zoo, music in the 2nd Ave Park performed by the Swingsters, and facepainting and tattoos, also in the park.
The end of the day didn’t mean the end of the fun for those over 19 as The Long Run, an Eagles tribute band, put on a concert and dance at the Saskcan Arena. The entire event was a fundraiser for the new pool – ticket sales, bar tabs and a silent auction. Although slow advance ticket sales had organizers a little worried at first, in the end 254 tickets were sold for a net profit of $4,385.
The silent auction was incredibly well supported by both item donors and bidders. Tables had to be set up along almost half the length of the rink and curved around in front of the lobby to be able to hold all 58 items available. Many items were purchased by bidders willing to pay more than the declared value, bringing in a total of $10,627.
The numbers thus far show total funds of $19,582 raised in one day for the new swimming pool. Still to come are bar tab profits as well as money being donated from the Eddie Duchscher Memorial Car Show and from Prairie Oasis Petting Zoo.
Mayor David Ziegler summed up the day, saying “It was a fantastic day all around. There were many people around supporting all the daily activities from pancake breakfast, parade, barbecue, car show, face painting and tattoos, the Swingsters in the park, the petting zoo, ball games to ending the day with a silent auction and concert. I would like to thank all participants, supporters and most of all the organizers for putting on such an event. Thank you to all. It was a day enjoyed by the young and old.”
A number of positive comments on social media echoed Ziegler’s opinion, with Laurie Schwebius saying “Wilkie should be very proud. Everything was perfect.” Former resident Debbie Mathews Ostapiw Schmutz said, “I love my hometown even after being gone 51 years. Loved being in the parade and seeing all the awesome cars and people. A day well spent. Thank you to the organizers and the town of Wilkie.”
Kids and parents on the diamonds at Wilkie Minor Ball Day
The June 17 full day of activity also included a busy day at the Wilkie Regional Park ball diamonds which had everyone from U4 to the 13U Wilkie Minor Ball teams getting in at least one chance to play.
As expected, the U4 and U5 teams saw parents participating out in the infield. The U5 parents fielded while the children batted off the T. The parents appeared to be unusually clumsy this day, often fumbling the ball and missing throws while the kids scored run after run.
More unexpectedly, the 13U parents also had to put on their gloves and take part in a game. When the visiting team cancelled at the last minute, the challenge was on between parents and kids. No deliberate fumbling was observed but still the kids took an early lead in the game.
Also playing at different times of the day were the U7, U9 and 11U Brewers.
The day was interrupted mid-morning by the “Jump Into Summer” parade, June 17. Games were paused so some of the players and parent volunteers could ride on the Wilkie Minor Ball float and others could take in the parade as spectators.
Dani Cey, president of Wilkie Minor Ball, said “Minor Ball Day was a big success. It’s always nice to see all our diamonds in use and being able to showcase all our young athletes’ talent. It is an exciting day for the kids when so many people come out to watch and cheer them on.
