Those Were the Days offers a chance for people of all ages to come together, and enjoy some summertime fun including a close-up look at some antique vehicles. (Facebook/Western Development Museum)

By Martin Martinson

Family Fun

Those Were the Days celebrates 50 years in the Battlefords

Aug 6, 2019 | 4:57 PM

From agricultural history to family fun and games, 2019 will mark the 50^th anniversary of Those Were the Days, the signature summertime event held by the Western Development Museum.

Programs and volunteer coordinator, Cheryl Stewart-Rahm said the event offers an opportunity to learn more about the province’s heritage in a way the whole family can enjoy, that also evokes a sense of community.

“It started out 50 years ago as a heritage show about the story of agriculture here in North Battleford,” she said. “That’s what we showcase [and] that’s our focus, but it’s not our only focus. It is just a well-rounded event for families and for this community.”

Among the activities for children will be a petting zoo, face painting, and scavenger hunt. In true throwback fashion, the day will also offer old-school activities the family can enjoy regardless of age, such as three-legged races and sack races.

Stewart-Rahm said because 2019 serves as the 50th year of the event, the museum made it a goal to have 50 activities to offer the public over the two-day heritage celebration. As of now there are 53 activities, offering an experience for all five senses.

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Patrons can smell the aroma of freshly baked goods at the baking competition; hear the roar of the engine on a 1920s McLaughlin or Buick; and marvel at the wonder of Doctor Von Houligan’s Carnival of Calamities as they provide an old-school circus show.

Among the activities unique to the event is the Parade of Power. The spectacle showcases a number of vintage farm machines and vehicles from yesteryear.

With over 30 gas tractors and three steam engines, the Parade will also feature owner-operator tractors and rides from the WDM vintage collection.

Many of the classic vehicles will also be available to ride in, with cars dating back to as early as the 1920s, including the museum’s firetruck from 1928.

A vintage tractor rolls down the road in last year’s Parade of Power, a highlight of the annual celebration. (Facebook/Western Development Museum)

In addition to the motorized vehicles, there will also be a horse-drawn wagon providing rides throughout the grounds, a service Stewart-Rahm said is of great benefit to the public.

“The wagon rides take you everywhere and also stop at different demonstrations and things that you may not have known about,” she said. “It is really helpful to the general public too because they can get around and see some new things. There is stuff everywhere.”

Taking place over 120 acres surrounding the museum, visitors can stay refreshed with a number of canteens provided throughout, and relax as they experience the story of threshing, or take in a fashion show, trade show, or other various entertainment offered.

About 2,500 people are expected to attend Those Were the Days this year. Stewart-Rahm said the support of the community over the last half-century has been integral in allowing the museum to continue to host the event and showcase what the province is about.

“We are all about Saskatchewan’s history and this is just a great way of sharing it,” she said. “It is a great way of puling community together and that’s what we do.”

The event will run August 17 to 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1