A canoe race open to all entrants and old-style hay threshing are among the many activities scheduled for the third-annual “Chapple Days” in Barwick on Aug. 10-11.
“I think there’s probably something for every age there,” noted organizer Rilla Race. “We try to gear it to families.”
The events will kick off on the Friday night with a bonfire and wiener roast at the Both farm–a farm and farm house from the early 1900s maintained with traditional buildings and furnishings.
“It belonged to Steve [Both’s] grandfather in the early 1900s. They’ve restored the farm house and blacksmith shop so people can go through it,” noted Race.
On the Saturday, beginning at 11:30 a.m., the public is invited to try old-style threshing at the farm and take a tour of the buildings at 3 p.m.
“There’s more things happening at the Both farm, as well, but he’s still working on the itinerary,” Race noted.
Saturday afternoon also will feature the annual canoe race, which always draw a crowd, as pairs race down the Rainy River from the Manitou Rapids landing to the Barwick dock.
Oh, and did we mention the unrevealed obstacle along the way.
“They always throw a little twist in it so people can’t go down and practice,” Race noted.
Popular auctioneer Rod Salchert will be on hand to call the race and egg the racers on at the finish line.
The prizes for this year’s race have been increased, with $500 going to the winners, $300 for second place, and $200 for third. All winners also will receive a trophy along with the winners of a new category–the Employee Challenge, which is open to all businesses and organizations.
The prizes will be awarded after the race along with draw prizes, including a draw for a canoe.
Also on the Saturday around 1 p.m., pontoon boat rides will be offered to the Manitou or Long Sault Rapids.
Local musicians will begin performing in the Barwick park at 3 p.m., where the International Early Iron Club will display their cars, games will be set up for children at 2:30 p.m., and horse-drawn wagon rides will be offered.
A horseshoe tournament will be set up in the park, including a face-off scheduled between Emo Reeve Russ Fortier and Chapple Reeve Cecil Wilson at 5 p.m.
A silent auction will be held at 2 p.m. and the Barwick Museum will be open from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
To cap off the weekend’s events, a fish fry dinner, including fried bread, salads, baked beans, and ice cream, will begin at the park at 5:30 p.m. on the Saturday.
Cost is $10 each, or $6 for children under seven.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
