MALLAIG - This year's edition of Haying in the 30's will have plenty of old attractions - transporting attendees back in time to experience what life was like in the 1930s. But there will also be a few new attractions on the schedule, Aug. 3 and 4.
Since May, volunteers with the non-profit have been gathering at the Haying in the 30's grounds every Wednesday, prepping for the 26th edition of the August long weekend event. The main goal of the weekend is to raise funds, which are then dispersed throughout the year to people battling cancer, helping pay for expenses such as travelling costs associated with accessing treatments.
One of the buildings at the Haying in the 30's site, which is located near Mallaig, acts as a donation centre, accepting monetary donations by credit card, debit, cheque or cash, says Haying in the 30's president Lorne Buryn. All the events that take place at Haying in the 30's, from the food, to the entertainment, petting zoo, demonstrations and more - are offered entirely free - making the event accessible to all.
New at the site this year will be a post office, which has been filled with a variety of historical items donated to the cause.
“It’s amazing how much stuff has come together for the new post office," says Buryn, less than two weeks before the event. Many of the items were brought in by retired post masters from across the Lakeland.
This year, there will also be a pich, which is a type of oven, and volunteers are hoping to have it up and running to bake fresh cookies.
“We have a few people that have experience using them,” says Buryn.
Another expansion to the weekend will be a second shingle mill. The Michaud family volunteers rebuilt the whole mill and it is going to be operational, says Buryn.
A full petting zoo will also be on site this year, so kids can interact with the animals, rather than just looking at them.
Like usual, the Saturday parade will begin at 10 a.m., but Buryn recommends people arrive early since it can take a while to park. If people plan to stay the weekend, RV parking will be open on Thursday for the public.
On Saturday night, County Express will be offering live music so people can get up and dance the night away.
More volunteers welcome
And while there are already plenty of volunteers who are lending their time and talents to the event, more volunteers are always welcome.
“We'd love to have more people," says Buryn, adding, people can volunteer to help park vehicles, manage buildings, help in the kitchen, and more.
“It takes about 300 volunteers to run the weekend.”
When asked what he would tell someone who has never experienced Haying in the 30's, Buryn says, “If they want to go back in time, and see how things were done in the 30s... it’s something to see. It’s something to enjoy. And everything for the weekend is free.”
Since its inception, Haying in the 30's has provided financial assistance to over 7,500 people, thanks to the support of the community, sponsors, and the many volunteers who help out.
