The hamlet of Fawcett celebrated Canada’s 158th birthday with an event-filled weekend from June 27-29.
Friday featured a farmers’ market and slo-pitch ball games. Saturday featured more slow pitch ball games, a pancake breakfast, agriculture parade, a seniors lunch/barbecue, kids games and activities, disc golf, cornhole, pickleball, car show and cabaret show. There were also additional slo-pitch ball games on Sunday morning.
Rain on the night of the 27th and early morning of the 28th made the grounds wet, but did not put a stop to, or even slow down, the festivities.
The parade down 50th Avenue in Fawcett highlighted Fawcett’s agricultural history with several vintage tractors and other vehicles.
The parade was led by George Hnatiuk in his 1961 660 International Harvester diesel tractor from the Ol’ Pembina Tractor Pull Society. The 660 IHC models were produced from 1959-1963 with around 7,000 of them produced in total. The 660’s engine ran at 2400 RPM at around 85 horsepower. Hnatiuk is a red seal licensed mechanic who has been collecting IHC tractors for around 50 years. He also chooses to not paint his tractors to maintain their original look.
Another vintage tractor featured in the parade was a 1936 McCormick Deering owned by Fawcett resident Ross Smith. The McCormick Deering was produced from 1923-1939. Its engine belt ran at a maximum 24.8 horsepower. The original McCormick Deering had steel wheels which Smith replaced with rubber ones for the tractor’s refurbishment. Smith’s McCormick Deering did not run so it was pulled by a pickup trailer which also featured a giant baseball figure that Smith built out of scrap parts.
A 1948 Farmall Cub tractor also featured in the parade. The Farmall Cub was produced from 1947-1964 and was one of the three major series of the cub which also included the International Cub produced from 1964-1975 and the New International Cub produced from 1975-1979.
The parade was rounded off by a firetruck from the Westlock County Fire Department.
The parade was a highlight for the kids as several of the drivers threw candy their way which was eagerly collected.
Some of the cars on display for the car show included old models of the Chevrolet C10, Ford F-100, Ford F-150, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger.
Further Canada Day celebrations are planned throughout Westlock County on July 1. These include celebrations in town at École Westlock Elementary School with additional parades and pancake breakfasts in Pickardville and Dapp.
