What has always been billed as one of the
biggest summer festivals of the season, the Knights of
Columbus/Chevaliers de Colomb Council 5005 Summer Fair 2001, once again
lived up to expectations.
Chair of the organizing committee, Roland Maillet, along with his
Co-chair, Michel Poulin, knew when they saw the Bud Big Rig pull into
the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre parking lot on Thursday night that
this year’s event would be another hit.
Brad Bushby, Territory Manager for Labatt Breweries of Ontario, was
able to bring the Bud Big Rig as a special attraction for the Summer
Fair. The Rig is a travelling entertainment centre and features a field
goal kick, a mini-toss and a quarterback challenge as well as a
full-service bar and grill. It was set up at the Emily Street complex
during the entire weekend.
This is the 16th year the Knights have put on the Summer
Fair. Thousands of visitors attended concerts on Friday and Saturday
evening with headliners like Justin Austin, Hank Engle & the Hossier
Daddies, Prairie Oyster and Hotel California, The Good Brothers,
Euphoria and many other entertainers who provided continuous
performances on stage.
The horse pull competition was once again a popular event, as was the
horseshoe tournament. There was plenty for the kids to do, including
pony rides. Several booths were set up by merchants and organizations
such as the Heritage Committee. As well, Nicole Chartier once again
conducted a kids talent show on Sunday.
It was a great weekend weatherwise, with plenty of sunshine and high
temperatures. A good time was had by all. The Knights of Columbus are to
be congratulated for their hard work and dedication in adding to the
quality of life of the residents of this proud community.