Although the weather was not all it could be, the Pioneer Day events went on with enthusiasm.
Friday night brought many to a live music Open Stage hosted by Ian Reid. Many entertainers signed up.
Saturday morning started with the rubber duck race in Waterside Park. The event raised $1,340 for the Guelph and Area Wish Fund For Children.
The parade entered Lloyd Dyer Park to the music of the Acton Citizen’s Band, and the Swiss Band. A good crowd followed the parade into the park, and, although it drizzled, the spirit of Pioneer Day continued all afternoon.
Prizes were awarded for the following catagories, in order of finish: best float, Rockwood Nursery School, Animals Homeward Bound, and best pioneer costume, Doreen Reidpath.
The best theme costumes were Amanda Dennis and Clare Maine. The best hat, Laura Dennis. the best costume, under 15, male, Scott Gabriel, and female, Destiny Dayman, Renee Lawlor, Riley Pettitt, and Natasha Pettitt.
Games were held all afternoon in spite of the damp weather, including a bike rodeo sponsored by the Rockwood Lions Club, penny table, bottle stall, egg game, dunk tank sponsored by Rockwood Hardware, and Airboune Amusements.
At 7pm Animals Homeward Bound sponsored a chicken barbecue dinner and dance. Approximately 100 came to eat and dance in a slightly damp ballpark. As the evening progressed, the weather became better.
The Pioneer Day committee thanks all the volunteers. Special thanks go to the Rockwood Eramosa Fire Department.
Organizers thanked the Township of Guelph-Eramosa, and all the vendors who braved the elements, Carl Dayman and Jim Graham for their assistance with any glitches, Ray Death for the use of his tents, Ian Reid for organizing the music, and all the visitors who came .
The Pioneer Day committee noted that it has started already some planning for next year’s event .
