Barriere’s Canada 150 celebration and Bull In The Woods Regional Logging Competition turned out to be a new and unique event with something for everyone. The event was held at the fall fairgrounds and opened to area groups and organizations to participate, host a booth, run children’s games, a parade, photo booth, musical and theatrical stage entertainment, and more. There was no
admission fee charged. The day featured a Regional Logging Competition that was attended by some 50 competitors, including international competitors from the U.S., Australia and France.
The logging events were full of thrills as competitors scrambled up and down poles, or got up close and personal with a hot saw or ax.
The competition was intense and the crowd cheered the winners, and even cheered for the losers as they gave each event their all.
Both lumberjacks and lumberjills struggled through the incredibly hot day (temperatures up to 38°C in the direct sun of the outdoor competition arena). They stayed well hydrated and grabbed some shade every chance they could.
Canada 150 ceremonies were held at 2 p.m. in the competition arena with dignitaries MP Cathy McLeod, MLA Peter Milobar, TNRD Area O Director Bill Kershaw, District of Barriere Mayor Virginia Smith with councillors Mike Fennell and Pat Paula.
During the proceedings Cathy McLeod presented the event organizer Jill Hayward (who is the editor of the Star/Journal) with a Canada 150 Service Medal for all her hard work on behalf of the community.
Cheryl Thomas of the North Thompson Communities Foundation was also on hand to present a cheque for $3000 from the Foundation towards the costs of the July 1 celebration.
Barriere resident Laura Zenzen Stephens, accompanied by her little girl, sang a moving O’ Canada, while a lumberjack climbed to the top of a pole, and then as the last bars were sung he unfurled a Canadian flag into the wind above the arena.
Derrick Whiteskycloud spoke on behalf of all Indigenous people and welcomed everyone to the Simpcw First Nation’s Traditional Territory.
Bull In The Woods MC and New Zealander, Ben Lefler, then performed an honour Haka to the Simpcw and Indigenous representatives at the event. (A Haka is a traditional war cry, dance, or challenge from the Maori people of New Zealand.)
After the ceremonies 1000 Canada Day cupcakes were distributed through the crowd and the logging competition resumed.