Remembering Major’s Sask Homecoming
Compiled by Joan Janzen
Major’s history book “Where the Meadowlark Sings” recalls Celebrate Saskatchewan Days which took place in Major, Sask. in 1980. The following article was published in the Kerrobert Citizen when over 600 attended Major’s celebration.
After many months of planning and weeks of work by local residents and organizations, the 1980 Major Celebrate Saskatchewan festivities were off to a good start with almost perfect weather conditions.
Campers began arriving on Friday for the 1954-1970 school reunion, and others were setting up that evening in campsites around town. Yards and streets were soon filled with eager and excited visitors transforming the village into a metropolis. These home comers arrived from the U.S. and almost every part of Canada.
The weekend activities began Saturday at 10 a.m. with a delightful parade.
A short program with Delmer Patton as master of ceremonies followed. Opening remarks and welcome were made by Mayor Milford Jamieson. Jim Garner, MLA for Wilkie, extended his words of welcome and commendation on behalf of himself and the Sask. government. Mr. Garner then introduced Mel Rumohr, councillor for Hearts Hill R.M. And John Chotowetz, councillor for Prairiedale R.M., who presented the Heritage Farm Homestead plaques to families who are still living or farming the original family homestead. Recipients were Mr. Milton Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Zinger, Elmer Minchin, Dave Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Moreland, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Smith, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Webb. Trophies and ribbons were then awarded to the parade winners.
Joan Moreland, chairperson for the Celebrate Saskatchewan committee, presented a Celebrate Saskatchewan mug to Mr. Milt Scott, the eldest citizen in the district. A pen and holder set went to Ivan Hansen, George Gardner and Mrs. Mary Kohlman, who celebrated their 75th birthdays this year.
A souvenir Mayor silver spoon was presented to the first baby born in 1980 with the announcement that all babies born in the Major area until the end of the year will also receive a spoon.
The hall was then opened for all to register, purchase souvenirs and enjoy coffee with the senior citizens. Also, there to enjoy was a detailed map and list of homesteads and pioneers of the Major districts.
During the afternoon, crowds gathered at the school grounds to watch and/or participate in numerous games, the greased pig contest and the very popular tug-o-war matches. Then many enjoyed relaxing and visiting at the Bavarian Gardens held in the arena.
At 5 o’clock, a beef barbecue supper was served to approximately 725 people. The beef was prepared by the Coleville K-40 club, with the rest of the meal prepared and served by ladies and men of the community.
At 9 o’clock, the lively orchestra, “The Chokecherry Band” from near Fox Valley, got the dance off to a good start. It is estimated that close to 1000 people attended the dance, and many were reluctant to see it come to an end and leave the arena at 2-3 a.m.
At 10 o’clock Sunday morning, the school gym and hallway were filled to capacity for the interdenominational church service. Comments overheard upon leaving the service, like, “A beautiful climax to a perfect weekend,” make the work and efforts of local folks seem very worthwhile. Following church, a pancake and sausage brunch was enjoyed by over 600 people.
From here, some gathered to enjoy the junior ball tournament, others drove to their district of Fusilier, while others visited with friends and relatives in the district. Then the sad farewells began as everyone returned to homes and jobs.
I’m sure the people of Major will cherish the memories of this weekend as much as all the visitors. We appreciate your efforts to come and the immaculate condition in which you all left your campgrounds. Thanks for coming to help Major celebrate.
