VILNA – A celebration of agriculture, Vilna Boomtown Days, hosted by the Vilna and District Agriculture Society, is set to take place from Aug. 18 to Aug. 20.
The annual fair promises a myriad of activities suitable for all ages, said Mary Flondra, who is part of the fair’s committee. “Anybody who is wanting to come can come. It’s not a matter of being invited. It’s open to everybody,” including people from other communities.
The majority of the events will take place at the Vilna Cultural Centre.
“We have lots of children’s games... adult events,” and activities that can be enjoyed by families.
In addition to being an opportunity of bringing the community together, the Ag Society puts on the event to promote agriculture, said Flondra. During the multi-day event, an annual hay auction will take place, for example.
Local farmers donate bales that will be auctioned off, and the proceeds will go toward a chosen organization. On average, the auction raises $5,000 to $10,000. Last year, the proceeds went to support those in Ukraine.
“This year we decided to stay local,” Flondra said, with the proceeds going to help with the renovation of or fixing buildings in Vilna such as the curling rink or the cultural centre.
On Aug. 19, beginning at 10:30 a.m., a parade will take place on the Village of Vilna’s mainstreet. According to Flondra, in addition to floats from the Village, “We usually have people from other communities that may bring a float.”
“So, there’s different floats,” such as businesses, as well as “people riding horses, [or] children with decorated bicycles,” said Flondra.
Another notable event is the “Show and Shine,” a car show that will take place on Aug. 20. People can bring in their antique cars and show them off. Registrations for the car show will begin at 10 a.m.
“We would just like to invite everybody to come, and we’d also like to thank our sponsors and volunteers who made this day possible,” said Flondra.
