This year's edition of Haying in the 30's started off on the right foot as the opening ceremonies included the presentation of a prestigious award to the organization's founders, Edgar and Cecile Corbiere.
Westlock-St. Paul MP Brian Storseth was on hand to present Edgar and Cecile with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, in recognition of their contributions to the community.
A total of 60,000 Canadians will receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals this year, in honour of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the Throne. "It serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians," according to the Governor General of Canada website.
"You guys are a tremendous symbol of what this medal is all about," said Storseth as he presented the medals on Aug. 4, at the Haying in the 30's site near Mallaig.
Guidelines on selecting recipients include being "highly respected individuals within their community," according to information from Storseth's office.
A few days after the weekend wrapped up, Edgar Corbiere reflected on receiving the award, saying, "I feel it was quite a privilege, a great honour." He admits he didn't expect to receive such an award, and says he sometimes wonders if he's really worthy of such recognition. Corbiere is also quick to pass on the credit to the many volunteers and "the community as a whole," because without them, Haying in the 30's wouldn't be possible.
Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills MLA Shayne Saskiw was also on hand to congratulate Edgar and Cecile at the opening ceremonies for Haying in the 30's. "This was my first time at Haying in the 30's and the number of volunteers and supporters of the cause were overwhelming," said Saskiw, after the event.
Saskiw knows firsthand the impact the non-profit society, which raises funds to support those battling cancer, can have. His grandmother, Bessie King, received financial help from Haying in the 30's after Saskiw's late grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. She used the money for practical things such as gas, meals and parking, while her husband was being treated for the disease.
"Our family was extremely grateful for this support, and donations at my grandpa's funeral went to Haying in the 30's," said the MLA, who encourages more people to get involved with the cause.
Organizers were extremely happy with how this year's event came together. The weather leading up to the August long weekend was unpredictable, but "that fellow up above keeps a good eye on us," said Corbiere, adding the weather was fantastic on Aug. 4 and 5.
"I'm very fortunate and pleased to say we made well and were blessed with no accidents."
Close to 50 teams of horses were on the grounds over the weekend, and thanks to safety precautions being taken, the weekend went off without a hitch, said the president of the society, Norm Theroux. "Somebody's obviously watching over us."
He said this year's event attracted the largest crowd yet, with an estimated 4,000 people in attendance on Saturday and 1,700 people served supper on Saturday evening.
About $197,000 was raised over the two-day event, but the group keeps that number open for two weeks after the event, before finalizing the total amount raised. With late donations coming in from companies and individuals, organizers estimate that last year's mark of just over $200,000 will be reached.
While volunteers packed up and cleaned up the grounds on Monday, it was obvious to Theroux that the event will continue to be a success year after year, thanks to the dedicated volunteers.
