Leader hosts some old fashioned fun
By Joan Janzen
Everyone came out to enjoy an afternoon of old fashioned fun at the Sandhills Credit Union Marketplace in Leader on Tuesday afternoon, October 10th. It was the day after Thanksgiving, the perfect opportunity to hold a pie baking contest! All the pies were prepped and ready following the Thanksgiving feasts, and three judges were willing to put their pie tasting skills to work. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it. The credit union’s Fat Cat was rubbing his tummy, and obviously willing to help out if necessary.
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Pies were judged based on taste, creativity and appearance with monetary prizes given for first, second and third place. After the testing was done, people could also have a taste by giving a donation to the local food bank.
Meanwhile the marketplace was buzzing with activity. Trinity Charity Quilters were displaying their beautiful quilts at their booth. Jane Dietrich offered fresh baking for sale while representatives from the Leader Walking Trail sold mini donuts and pop.
Over at the Little Chick Prospecting booth, Reese McCallum was decked out as a hard working prospector, ready to tell her visitors all about the minerals to be found in her huge display of rocks. Lee and Mitchell Elsasser provided baking at their booth, and enough pumpkins for everyone.
Speaking of pumpkins, there was a truck load of pumpkin parked at the entry way of the market. But the truck load consisted of only one locally grown 838 pound pumpkin! According to some careful calculations, the huge pumpkin could easily provide enough pumpkin filling to create 335 pumpkin pies. But according to local pumpkin growing enthusiasts a producer in Lloydminster has harvested a 2000 pound pumpkin. Now that’s a heavy weight pumpkin!
Down the street you could hear the clip clop of horses’ hooves as they pulled a wagon, providing rides for kids and adults thanks to Rafter 86 Farms and Arctic Prairie Refrigeration. The streets were lined with horsepower of another kind as classic vehicles were on display at a show and shine. Spectators were invited to cast their vote for their favourite vehicle to win a cash prize.
The sun was shining, as everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon at the marketplace.