Standard comes together for a successful Sports Day
Manny Everett
Times Contributor
Slow-pitch games, a parade, a gigantic garage sale and happy kids filled to the brim with candy is what was seen in Standard on June 24-25.
The entire community came together for a fun-filled weekend and it was evident that “many hands make for light work” as everyone pitched in to do their part in making the weekend a huge success.
Slow-pitch games started on Friday night and were played on into Saturday evening at the two ball diamonds north of the village. Teams came from all over to participate in the annual event. The beer tent was open with entertainment from local rising star Drew Gregory at the open mike both nights.
The activities started early on Saturday with a pancake breakfast at the Community Hall followed by the annual parade through town. Groups as far as Calgary came to be part of the day. The Maxwell Clan (a Pipe Band) that was formed in 1987 from Don Maxwell’s family, started with four boys (two drummers and two pipers).
“The group quickly grew to a whopping 45 members and they travel to different functions throughout the province,” said Master Piper Maxwell. The group came attired in their Ancient Duncan tartans with seven members in attendance that day.
The parade included local groups such as the Lion and Lionettes, the Standard Co-op, the Library board, the popular Playschool float to name a few. The morning parade wrapped up with the local fire department blowing their sirens and shooting water from the trucks at the gathered crowd up Main Street.
Children’s games, face-painting, mini-golf and two bouncy houses occupied the littler ones throughout the day at the camp kitchen, while the adults took part in the slow-pitch games whether they participated or were spectators – fun was had by all. Many adults also made their way to the Standard/Rosebud Arena for the advertised Gigantic Garage Sale with all proceeds going to the building of the New Community Hall.
Another highlight of the day was the dunk tank at the sports grounds where many prominent members of the community came to do their “share” at raising some more funds for the Hall.
Darren Firkus started off the morning with a half hour shift, raising just over $100.
Other participants included: Kim Berquist, Steve O’Neill, Austin Larsen, Christopher Everett, Nicole Ellis, Grant Christensen, Dustin Larsen, Sean Brindle and Allen Larsen. A total of just over $420 was raised.
The day concluded with a roast beef supper at the Community Hall and dance to follow. It was obvious that Standard knows how to throw a great party and come together in their various fundraisers for the betterment of the community.