Dave Ogilvie
The Emo Speedway/Borderland Racing Association held its annual banquet on Saturday at the Emo Legion.
Not only was it an evening to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Speedway, but also an opportunity to hand out awards to the drivers who contributed to the success of the past season.
The 55th anniversary track champions were #18M Scott Messner (Street Stocks), #99C Tridell Champlin (WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds), and #14F Greg Ferris (WISSOTA Modifieds).
The annual Keith McNally Memorial was awarded to #4U Lindsay Bourre while “Rookie of the Year” honours went to #20 Daniel Hettinga (Street Stocks) and #85 Jeff Davis (WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds).
For a complete list of the awards, check out the Speedway’s website at http://www.borderlandracing.com/
Roughly 110 drivers, pit crews, sponsors, officials, and racing fans attended the banquet, which was catered by the kitchen crew of the Emo Legion.
The hall was decorated with memorabilia, checkered table cloths, and helium balloons.
The highlight of the presentation was the induction of three new members to the hall of fame: Maurice Frenette, Ron Nelson, and Lyle Busch.
Busch, in his acceptance speech, fondly remembered the first race on the Emo track. He also congratulated all the drivers for an excellent year of racing.
Frenette and Nelson, unfortunately, could not attend but will be given their awards at a later date.
In his closing remarks, association president Anthony Leek thanked everyone who was a part of the 55th anniversary of the Emo Speedway. He said it was an excellent season, with many new drivers and excellent car counts every week.
The WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds averaged an average weekly attendance of 18 cars!
The evening concluded with a dance featuring the music of “Centre Line.”
The executive of the Borderland Racing Association hopes to see everyone out for next year’s season.
• • •
The latest “Country Jam,” held Friday, Oct. 16 at the Emo Legion, included three new musicians, Luella Hoskins, Sandra Pietala, and Vaughn Wilson, who sang some classic country tunes.
Other guitarists were Patti Brown, Donna Heyens, Jamie Fiset, Chelsey Brown, John Reader, and Lawrence Bellamy. Bob Brown played the harmonica.
Meanwhile, Emily Smith, Vern Silver, and Mary Curtis played accordian. All were backed up by the drums of Maurice Betournay.
This month’s “Jam” was so well-received that plans already are underway to continue these entertaining evenings throughout the winter months.
The menu offered each evening by the Legion is becoming more and more popular by those in attendance. The organizers once again would like to thank the Legion for their generosity and support.
The next “Jam” is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13.
• • •
The Emo & District Hospital Auxiliary’s annual fall fea and bazaar, which was held Friday, Oct. 16 at the Emo Legion, was extremely well-attended.
More than 100 people enjoyed an afternoon of tea, delicious baking, and visiting with friends.
The draw winners included Heather Oltsher (baby quilt, made and donated by Marg Ramsdale), Mary Curtis (blue and white afghan donated by Dr.Annette Caldbeck), Janet Johnson (Hallowe’en basket donated by Beth Petkau), Wilma Wielinga (baby blanket made and donated by Diane Bonot), Carole McLean (Christmas wall hanging made and donated by Stacey Kreger), Sadie Smith (holiday serving set donated by Mary Jordens), and Marg Ferris (Black Forest cake made and donated by Tabea Nussbaumer).
The door prize, donated by Cloverleaf, was won by Jill Kellar while the children’s prize went to Georgia Oltsher.
Proceeds from this worthwhile event totalled $2,174.50, with the money raised going towards upgrading the X-ray equipment for the Emo hospital.
The organizers would like to thank the auxiliary members for their donations and for everyone who attended in support of their fundraising efforts.
Thanks also to the Emo Legion and to Lois Shine for helping in the kitchen.
• • •
The Hallowe’en party hosted by the Emo Toy Library last Friday (Oct. 23) was a success.
Parents and children alike wore their favourite costumes, the Donald Young School gym was decorated for the occasion, and Yowza music was on hand to provide some dancing music plus some old-time Hallowe’en favourites.
• • •
The skate-a-thon held at the Emo-La Vallee Community Centre was well-attended by adults, families, and children of all ages. Hotdogs and hot chocolate were available for those who raised $25 per family or $10 per person.
Everyone had a great time skating and competing for prizes.
Proceeds from this event will go to help purchase a new Zamboni for the arena.
