HYLO - Hylo Harvest Days, which has been a popular community annual event for many years, took place again this year from Aug. 23-24.
This year’s event included the traditional horticultural show, a movie in the park, a hearty pancake breakfast, brisket cookoff contest, parade, kids’ entertainment, prize draws, the Hylo King and Queen Contest, a pig catching competition, as well as rousing, and hilariously entertaining games of “chicken poop” bingo.
Sylvia Broadbent, president of the Hylo/Venice Recreation and Agricultural Society, stated that the horticultural show, which has been a staple of Hylo Harvest Days for many years, gives those who enter an opportunity to show off to the public what they are capable of making and growing.
“It gives you bragging rights,” she told the Lac La Biche Post newsroom with a laugh.
Broadbent continued by saying that entries into the horticultural show typically include flowers and vegetables (which are often entered by seniors), baking, grains, as well as art and craft projects.
“We get a lot of art projects,” she stated, adding that children also put in quite a few entries.
From 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Broadbent explained, entries were dropped off at the Hylo/Venice Recreation and Agricultural Society curling rink. During this time, the area was not open to the public as judges looked over the various items that had been entered.
On Saturday, the doors were opened, and people were given the opportunity to view the horticultural show and see who the winners were. Louise Gauthier was the first-place winner while Debra Lien came in at second place.
Beef briskets cooked by locals were also judged during the event. Using score sheets, judges based their decisions on such criteria as texture, taste, appearance, and tenderness.
At noon, a large crowd of people gathered to watch the parade, which is part of the annual end-of-summer celebration. A variety of local businesses and organization, as well as Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Services had float in the procession. Laila Goodridge, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake, walked along with the floats and vehicles, handing out Canadian flags and chatting with constituents.
Goodridge, who has been to Hylo Harvest Days before, praised the annual community event.
“It’s a lot of family fun…lots of really cool activities for all ages and it’s a great opportunity to connect with community,” Goodridge said.
