Parade highlights Canada Day activities

It may have been a little belated but Barwick held its Canada Day activities over the weekend, highlighted by the always popular parade and a fastball tournament.
The parade featured antique tractors and cars, old stock cars (including George Oltsher’s #33 and Gilbert Warren’s #02), fire trucks from Fort Frances, Emo, and Barwick, and bikes galore.
Mykensie and Rylan Borger—on a bike and scooter—sported a sign reading “Scootin Across Canada.” Melissa LaBelle joined another clown, Shirley Brown, giving the crowd something to laugh about.
Another parade float advertised the annual Chapple canoe race coming up Aug. 10 in conjunction with Chapple Days.
Doug Giles of Rainy River supplied the sound system for the parade, which came in handy for the committee.
“The parade and activities staged were not a last-minute operation,” noted organizer Heather Oltsher. “It’s been an ongoing process, building it up, filling in the loopholes. And it went off without a hitch.”
Oltsher said they had 26 participants’ in kids part of the parade. She thanked everyone who took part in the parade and helped run it, the judges, and all the spectators.
“Our friends joined us from Fort Frances and Emo,” added Oltsher, as well as from other parts of the area. “Thanks to everyone. Happy 135th birthday, Canada!
< *c>Parade winners
•Best use of Canada Day—1. Shirley Brown 2. Kelsea Hunsperger 3. Emily Dumas
•Canada Day bicycles—1. Rylan Borger 2. Donald Ridsdale and dog friend 3. Brett Mann
•Bicycles (group 1)—1. David Barron 2. Mark Barron 3. Dextra Hunsperger
•Bicycles (group 2)—1. Brody Mann 2. Cody Mann 3. Brandon Pratte
•Younger Bike Category—1. Raylene McKelvie 2. Larissa McKelvie
•Tricycles/wagons—1. Mykenzie Borger 2. Kyra McKelvie
•Best Dressed Singles (group 1)—1. Melissa Labelle 2. Sarah Frenette 3. Suzanne Stewart
•Best Dressed Singles (group 2)—1. Katelin Hyatt 2. Alex Stewart 3. David Frenette
•Best Dressed Couples—1. Larissa & Shy-lee Darrah 2. Samantha & Miranda Labelle
The tots wagon, donated by Kathy and Wayne Nugent of the Barwick Village Restaurant, was won by Rylan Borger.
The bike/helmet donated by Barwick Service was won by Miranda Labelle.