WILKIE — Gathering was the name of the game in Wilkie May 28-29. Community camaraderie, complemented by a variety of offerings of food, fundraising, fun and community socializing opportunities filled up the last weekend of May.
May 28 included the return to the community-wide garage sale, last held pre-pandemic. Residents seemed to enjoy the casual strolling from house to house, enjoying neighbourly visits with everyone who was out and about taking part in this event. Some garage sale hosts set up extra chairs so people could sit and visit as well.
Additionally, on May 28, the new owners of Wilkie Reddi-Mart held a grand opening serving up burgers and ice cream, raising money for the Wilkie Museum.
Mayor David Ziegler said prior to the ribbon-cutting, “I would like to congratulate the new owners on the purchase of Wilkie Reddi Mart. It is important that a community can retain a business.”
Residents welcomed news that this business would remain a staple on Main Street as it offers after-hours confectionary and is a popular stop after walks and sports events and community activity.
There was no lack of dining options in Wilkie May 28 as Westview Villa held a fundraising barbecue, selling pie and smokies raising money for their activities fund.
The evening of May 28, the Wilkie Community Club held a steak supper raising money for the Wilkie swimming pool fund. One hundred and twenty-five tickets were sold while other community members made donations towards the cause.
The busy weekend continued into May 29 as Wilkie Minor Ball Day took place all day at the diamonds. People felt the nostalgia of sports days gone by as people gathered to cheer on their favourite player or team at the diamonds while enjoying the tastes and aromas from the booth on site.
May 29 also saw the Wilkie Museum hold a fundraising motorcycle rally which included a barbecue, raising money for the museum. The rally included 18 motorbikes and their riders who rode to Battleford Tim Hortons to enjoy a coffee and doughnut before returning home for a barbecue and social. There was a good turnout for the supper, which included a plated meal. The high hand for the event was Ray Whifield while Bryan and Sandra Miller took home $82.50 from the 50/50 draw.
May 29 was capped off with the Wilkie Brewers playing the St. Walburg Reds on home diamonds and some of the same energy and enthusiasm from the day-long minor ball day activity carried over into the Brewers match up.
Residents said it was nice to see the community busy and they loved seeing all the vehicle and foot traffic around town. People also said they enjoyed all the socializing opportunities and appreciated the variety of activities and food options there were to take part in.
