Fun at Alsask in years gone by

By Joan Janzen

The community of Alsask is well known for their creative recreational activities. Their life-sized foosball is just one example. According to the history book ‘Memories: A History of Alsask and Surrounding School Districts’, their creative recreational exploits started over a century ago.

Back in June, 1911 a heavy rainstorm caused significant flooding in Alsask and area. However, a photo in the local history book pictures a couple utilizing the flood to enjoy a leisurely boat ride. George Knott and Mamie (Carter) Dickout are pictured boating along the CNR track south of the village of Alsask.

The Alsask Agricultural Society was started in late 1913 and early 1914. This was reported in the Sask Archives in Regina. The Postmaster Issac Walker was elected as President, W.H. Warmington, a hardware merchant was First Vice-President. Agent, Willard Quinn was Second Vice-President and J.W. Staffer was Secretary-Treasurer.

The community joined together, acquiring 150 paid members, and within a year or two began organizing fun competitions for the people in Alsask and surrounding area. One of those activities was the Alsask Fair, which included exhilarating horse races which are captured in the photo from Alsask’s history book.

The Alsask Agricultural Society organized the Alsask Fair in 1920 which included exciting horse races on the prairie landscape. Photos: Memories: A History of Alsask and Surrounding School Districts

On June 24, 1911, George Knott and Mamie (Carter) Dickout were boating along the CNR track south of the village of Alsask, after a heavy rainstorm. Photos: Memories: A History of Alsask and Surrounding School Districts