The meals, admissions and numerous attractions were free, but the giving spirit at Haying in the 30’s in Mallaig July 30-31 was generous as usual.
The society received around $215,000 in donations this year, more than any previous year, with money still coming in. All money raised will go to help victims of cancer in the area.
“We had a real fantastic weekend. The weather cooperated. Good attendance and no accidents. All in all we did very well. The turnout was fantastic,” said Haying in the 30’s founder Edgar Corbiere.
“I’m pleased, and also very, very pleased the good Lord gave us good weather and we were accident free.”
Word of the event has spread “in a huge way,” he said.
“The crowd has definitely come out and supported our organization and hopefully we will be able to help out a number of people that are suffering with cancer,” said society vice-president Norm Theroux.
For demonstrations, the machines that made the biggest noises seemed to draw the largest crowds, he noted, like the shingle mill, saw mill and stook loader.
“It’s amazing how many people have never seen the older pieces work. It gives them an opportunity to see how it was done back in the 1930’s.”
Volunteers wrapped up the clean up the Monday of the long weekend.
Hundreds of volunteers helped during the weekend. “It’s amazing how many people do their part whether pounding nails or cutting grass or flipping burgers or helping parking. There’s just so many people that come out and give us their time,” said Theroux.
Rainstorms prior to the event caused some challenges with a small creek in the centre of the property. Horse teams worked hard in the soft ground to pull the wagons through, said Theroux, but fortunately there were enough teamsters and wagons to keep up with the demand for wagon rides and give the horses a break when needed.
The Haying in the 30’s society focuses on the 1930’s because the decade put people through hard years, “where people went through a spell that was not that easy,” Corbiere recalls. “Money was scarce.”
Corbiere sees Haying in the 30’s continuing to grow for some time. “We’re still carrying on. We’re not about to let go.”
Society committees will hold a wrap up meeting this month to see what worked or didn’t work and will determine areas to improve upon next year.