Glenda Goertzen, Prince Albert Daily Herald
PRINCE ALBERT – Christopher Lake Western Day on Aug. 10 had another successful year with roughly 10 times the number of participants it saw pre-Covid.
“We probably had about 200 people, and we’re now doing over 2,000 people in the village of Christopher Lake,” said Western Days president Tasha McKnight.
She said an increasing number of people have taken the time to volunteer and participate.
“It’s definitely a great place to come and take in everything right from the pancake breakfast at 8:30 in the morning to the very end with wagon rides and petting zoos and games and lots of free stuff, lots of food and just great friends and family to visit with.”
McKnight made time for an interview while helping set up and supervise the various events, games and other activities. By noon all activities and events were drawing crowds. The children’s games were particularly popular.
New this year was a Western Day Music Stage organized by local musician Larry Krause. The line up of musicians included Krause, Larry Lennox, Dave Gesner, Donna Brooks and Linda Bjorke, Janaya and Tara Ann. In addition to the Music Stage, the Gary Anderson Community Centre and the beer gardens hosted musical events throughout the day.
The Community Centre also hosted the Trade Show, and Christopher Lake Legion Branch 159 hosted the Quilting Show. Both displayed a wide range of local craftsmanship.
Lake-bound drivers turning into Christopher Lake between 11 am and noon found themselves rerouted through the village to make way for the parade. The size of the crowds gathered along Highway 263 indicated the parade was a highlight of the day.
“Our fire department does an awesome job,” McKnight said. “They started off for everybody, they’re in the lead. It always goes well. More and more entries every single year. More and more people want to be involved in it.”
The parade included entries from many local businesses, with some notable floats that people look forward to year after year. Bystanders focused on tossed candy were in danger of being hit on the head by a roll of toilet paper courtesy of PR Septic & City Water.
“Everyone looks forward to getting a roll of toilet paper every year. That seems to be the talk of the town when Western Days comes around,” McKnight said.
She credits the success of Western Day to the community itself.
“I think it’s the small businesses, our local businesses and our local people and vendors who come together and bring their family and friends and spend a day, and the local music bringing people together.”
She continues to return as president of the organizing committee because of the people and the opportunity to create memories for them.
“It’s all about the memories; spending time with family and friends, which we couldn’t do for a couple years. I think this has brought people back together, and children out seeing friends. I just think family is number one, I absolutely think, and coming together as a community makes it even better.”
