LAMPMAN - The last time Lampman had a parade for the Lampman Sports Weekend was in 2019 and people were happy to see one this year.
The weekend began June 7 with slo-pitch games throughout the night. The beer garden was open for refreshments when the games were completed.
June 8 was a packed day, starting with a well-presented parade coming down Main Street. The parade included floats, horses and bikes.
Raymond Fleck was glad to see another parade and jokingly said he has been attending for 90 years, although he turned 89 last March.
Fleck enjoys the community atmosphere and social element during this time, and he sat with his wife and a few friends.
Once the parade came to an end, people headed over to the sports grounds where baseball games were already in progress.
It was at this time that the Lions Club presented cheques to several organizations. Community in Blooms received $1,500, Lampman Fire and Rescue received $2,000, the Lampman Library received $1,000, the Lampman Recreation Board received $2,500 and Lampman Healthcare Auxiliary received $1,000.
Eleven teams entered the slo-pitch tournament in the hopes to win the grand prize of $1,500.
As games continued, another highlight was when the under-11 girls' baseball team took on the under-11 boys' team. Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the swimming pool was open to the public and was well attended.
The Lions Club concession booth had a steady lineup on both days and the Little Leapers daycare volunteered their time on Saturday.
Curbside Games had a steady stream of kids with the curling rink set up for laser tag and the trailer outside housing video games. This event was sponsored by Hutt’s Trucking and all proceeds raised will go to the pool playpark.
A Lions mixed cornhole tournament for kids and adults brought out 16 teams with a double knockout format.
Bouncy castles, henna tattoos, an ice cream truck, and a book sale at the library were also enjoyed by many.
In the evening, the Johner Brothers with the Johner Boys rocked the night away under a huge tent at the sports ground.
Five hundred people of all ages joined in on the fun, while several hit the dance floor with this event.
Sunday morning included the pancake breakfast served up by the Lampman Fire and Rescue Department in the curling rink, while an interdenominational church service was held in the rink lobby.
While this took place, baseball games continued.
It was during this time the fire department had its 50/50 ball drop with Lorna Ray the winner.
Wanda Harron was the lucky winner of the Carnivores Meat package valued at $2,500.
The Vegas draws, which is a yearly fundraiser for the Lions, also took place this weekend and Kurt Freitag was the winner of $1,500.
The Combines and Manor Mayhem battled to reach the championship ball game, and it was Manor taking the win. The Combines did win $400 sponsored by ROJO Trucking.
Zac Ferber umpired the last game between the Stepdads and the Mayhem. The Stepdads battled till the end to take home the $1,500 and Manor won $600. Both these prizes were also sponsored by ROJO Trucking.
Richard Kochie, secretary of the Lions club, said the weekend went well and the weather held up, although on Saturday it did get windy, but did not cause any issues, and the weekend was well attended.
