I noted in last week’s column that the last weekend of July welcomed three events rolled into a single street party. Well, the August long weekend followed suit and hosted three separate parties that drew from inside as well as outside of the town proper. Cabin and Pioneer Days at Herb Lake Landing, the Snow Lake Mud Bog and the Brown reunion played out over “August Long” and from all indications they were enjoyed by those who attended.
Herb Lake Landing’s Annual Pioneer Days took on a different look last year and split into two separately named days: Cabin Day on Aug. 4 and Pioneer Day Aug. 5. Both took place in and around this small hamlet east of Snow Lake.
The Landing’s second-annual fish derby played out on Cabin Day and anyone who wanted to participate had to fish on Wekusko Lake and snap a photo of their catch. The longest walleye caught would declare the winner, and Brayden Carswell, who came second last year, learned from the near miss … pulling in a 28-inch pickerel to win the 2018 event.
In between the wind and the rain, some unorganized games took up the majority of the afternoon, but the highlight of the evening was the community fish fry hosted by Dave and Dawn Roberts. The menu consisted of deep fried fresh fish, homemade fries, and corn fritters. Attendees were unanimous in the praise of the meal and those who worked to put it on!
Pioneer Day was held the following day and kicked off with a pancake breakfast at the Gathering Place; those who attended enjoyed pancakes, sausages and plenty of hot coffee. Following breakfast, games began at the beach. A chipping contest (the art of chipping a golf ball from the edge of the water to a Zodiac anchored out in the water), a canoe poker derby and an egg toss highlighted the afternoon … and sent many in search of clean clothing!
After games had wound down, folks left the beach area, heading to their cabin, camper or tent to put together their menu item for the evening meal. Fifty-five people showed up for the annual potluck supper and it was as always, a meal that amazed the senses. Following the meal, everyone gathered for a group photo around a cake commemorating the Landing’s 101 years of existence. The cake was made and donated by Brittany Hildebrand. Emcee Dawn Roberts closed out the meal, extending a thank you to all who were involved in making the weekend a success; as well, winners of the day were announced and invited up to the front to a pick a prize.
As the sun set another successful celebration a display of fireworks signaled the end of the annual event.
The annual mud bog was held during the day Aug. 5, but results were not available at press time … so you’ll have to wait a week for winners and times. However, from word received on the Brown reunion … it too was a memorable occasion.
Randy and Wanda Huff (nee Laval) hosted the weekend gathering of folks from her mother’s side of the family. She advised that they had a total of 27 attendees, which included Wanda’s mom Evelyn, siblings Lisa and Tracy, as well as a host of second and third generation cousins, the majority of whom were from southern Manitoba.
Early arrivals headed out fishing on Thursday night and again Friday, but the event kicked off officially on Friday night Aug. 3r with a meet and greet in the Huff’s spacious Snow Creek yard.
Rain spoiled a planned beach day on Saturday but none were dissuaded. They lunched and toured at Wekusko Falls and all met up for games, laughs, and a potluck supper at the local Senior Centre later that evening.
The following day (Sunday), everyone got their beach day. There were canoe races and jousting, a tug of war that unfortunately ended with a visit to the ER for one participant, another potluck at the Senior Centre, and was capped with stories and improv around the campfire back at the Huff residence.
Attendees stayed at the Wekusko Falls Lodge, Bluenose B&B and Gold Rush Motel. Huff stated that everyone departed Monday with an excitement to create a tradition that was set by this first Brown family reunion.
“My cousins from down south have never been to Snow Lake before,” said Ms. Huff. “They couldn’t say enough good things about the (Wekusko Falls) lodge, the (Wekusko) falls, Sunset Bay Beach, the Lady Bug Garden, the Snow Lake Mining Museum, the Goldrush (Motel) and the Bluenose (B&B). And they truly enjoyed the use of the Senior Centre. They mentioned many times how blessed we are up here, and more than a few are already planning a return trip for hunting and fishing.”
