[new_royalslider id=”21″]
Wikwemikong celebrates the season with an event packed fall fair weekend
WIKWEMIKONG—Wikwemikong held another successful fall fair this past weekend, with good weather and lots of family fun events.
“The overall weekend was a very big success,” Wikwemikong Fall Fair committee member Jacqueline Hopkin told The Expositor Monday evening. “All the events were well attended and the various community departments, organizations and volunteers did a great job. Their commitment really brought the community together, which is the inspiration behind the fall fair.”
Ms. Hopkin also revealed that though the final numbers hadn’t been totaled yet, that attendance was definitely up over last year.
The men’s and ladies’ fastball tournament kicked off the weekend and closed it down, with Nawash Sin of Cape Croker beating the Sudbury North Stars in the men’s finals 5 to 1. Nawash Sin took home the $2,000 grand prize, while the Sudbury Stars won $800.
In the ladies division, the Mindemoya Ladies beat the M’Chigeeng Kweok, with the Mindemoya Ladies taking home the $800 grand prize, and M’Chigeeng the second place prize of $400.
There was lots of tricks and flips to see at the x-games Friday night, while over at the arena community members went head to head in euchre and poker tournaments.
Christine Aiabens and Joanna Pheasant were the first place champions in the euchre tournament, followed by Kerrene Wemigwans and Ruby Trudeau in second. The most lone hands was had by Ms. Aiabens and Ms. Trudeau.
In the poker tournament John Dube was named the champion, winning a large cash prize and trophy, while Johnny Debassige came in second.
Following a pancake breakfast and bingo Saturday morning, the exhibit hall was open to the public, which featured locally made baked goods, produce, crafts and many exhibits from the community’s schools.
The parade was themed ‘Seeds n’ Soil’ and had many great float entries. The winners were the Wasse Abin Pontiac School garden float in first, the Recollet family’s the seeds of fall/life as a pioneer float in second, and the Bo Aibens and family float, potato bug, in third.
The Texas horseshoe tournament was well attended with Jonas Assiniwe winning first in the kids division, Debra Fox winning first in the adult division, and Jolene Assiniwe taking the youth division title.
Throughout Saturday, the crowd rocked out to music from Julian Wemigwans, Leslie Neshkiwe, Ruby John and George Trudeau, Rob Shawana, Moirah Shawana and Pat Peltier.
The Man vs Horse race was another popular event. Mark ‘English’ Eshkawkogan, aka the Red Rooster, went head to head against Black Jack the horse with ‘Paco’ Patrick Shawana in the saddle.
“I raced last year to raise money for Canada World Youth and won, but this year I am doing it for my 50th birthday and to prepare for an upcoming race,” Mr. Eshkawkogan explained to The Expositor.
Unfortunately, the Red Rooster lost his first three heats against Black Jack, but in the final heat he got his stride and beat the horse.
In the Little Farmer Contest the judges had a hard time picking winners as all the entries were in unique costumes reflecting the fall season and agriculture heritage.
In the 0-11 month divison, Callaway Trudeau came in first, tied with Wiingush Restoule. In the one-year divison, Spencer Bondy was awarded first place, while in the two-year-old division Marissa Ominika came in first. Oscar Manitowabi received a first place ribbon in the three-year-old category, followed by Radim Eshkawkogan in the four-year-old division. Lastly, Charlize Recollet won first in the five to six-year old category.
The horse pull saw Stan Osawamick place first in the heavy team division, pulling 5,500 lbs. 20 feet with his mules. Second place went to Jerrold Webkamigad pulling 5,500 lbs. eight feet and 10 inches, while
third went to Jerome Pheasant’s team which pulled 5,500 lbs five feet and seven inches.
In the light team divison, John Graham’s team pulled 5,000 lbs 20 feet, earing him the first place title. Leonard ‘Chicken’ George pulled 4,000 lbs 10 feet and three inches, earning him second place.
The truck pull gas divison was won by female contestant Mona Oshkabewisens who pulled 6,000 lbs three feet and four inches with her Ford F15O SVT Raptor. In second was Jerome Pheasant who pulled 6,000 lbs 16 inches, and third went to Richard Trudeau who pulled the 6,000 lbs one inch.
In the diesel division, Wilson Manitowabi won first place pulling 8,000 lbs seven feet, while second place went to Jerrold Webkamigad pulling 8,000 lbs six feet and six inches. Finally, third place went to Rueben Manitowabi who pulled 8,000 lbs four inches.
On Sunday morning, participants got active at the Wiky Fall Fair Bike Race, with Alex Anstice of Tehkummah placing first with a time of 32 minutes and 25 seconds.
The weather was beautiful and the attendees were in the fall spirit, with a good time had by all at the annual Wikwemikong Fall Fair.
