Pulling into the wooded valley south of Mallaig last Wednesday evening, the buzz of tractors, lawnmowers, and saws could be heard. People darted on quads in the light of the July sunset, tending to the Haying in the 30’s that will soon be invaded by thousands of visitors and supporters.
Volunteers continue to work tirelessly to get every necessary detail in place for the August long weekend cancer support fundraising event.
“The work’s going fine. We’re coming to the end of our work bees, and in the next few weeks, we’re cleaning up and finishing up what needs to be done on the buildings,” said Yolande Theroux, a volunteer preparing the schoolhouse on Wednesday evening.
“There are some final touches to do, here and there, and there’s plenty of weed-whacking to be done.”
Board President Lorne Buryn said some of the major additions to Haying in the 30’s for 2014 include a revamped bazaar building near the entrance to the site, the spreading out of the other buildings across the site, and a historical North West Mounted Police jail building.
Some of the current favourites, like the schoolhouse and general store, are in the final stages of preparation with many of the items and details already in place.
“We’re going to be ready even if we have to work 24-7. There are at least 50 people working here tonight. It’s encouraging to see that,” said Buryn. “If anyone is looking for something to do here, they should contact me. There’s plenty of work for them still to do, like cutting the grass, and working on the buildings.”
He encouraged anyone interested to attend the last work bee, which will run on July 30, from 7 to 9 p.m.
“Next Wednesday is the last bee, it’ll be a big night of organizing stuff right before the event.”
Haying in the 30’s is set to take place on Aug. 2 and 3, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. People are free to watch the old-time farming demonstrations or take a walk around the site, which features a church, schoolhouse, general store, blacksmith, and many other historical attractions.
Events are free of charge and all donations collected during the weekend are directed to people battling cancer.
“Saturday and Sunday will be all horse-drawn demonstrations. People will be tending to the buildings, all dressed in a 30s theme. Come out and have some fun. Everything is free, all we ask for is a donation,” said Buryn.
Haying in the 30’s has helped over 3,800 people since its inception.
