After a little weather scare early in the morning, the sun broke through with an easy breeze in tow – providing the perfect conditions for the Sixth Annual Redneck Olympics to take place at the Forest Grove Legion Park on Aug. 6.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 261-Forest Grove had been busy setting up the games for the event, and were in the process of preparing both the food area and souvenir stand, which offered T-shirts, hats and Kayla’s Handmade Creations.
John Colton had already put up his stereo behind the building, entertaining everyone with enchanting background music.
Shortly after 11 a.m., the first families started arriving. The children immediately headed for the Bouncing Castle, while the adults settled into chairs – all awaiting the beginning of the day’s events.
First up was the Mammal (formerly alligator) Race, followed by the Bra Toss, Three-Legged Race, Sponge Run (a new game), Gunny Sack Race, Water Balloon Volleyball, Hub Cap Toss, Toilet Seat Toss and the always popular Mud Pie Eating Contest.
At least a dozen children very enthusiastically part in the challenges that were also offered to their parents and other individuals. Everybody had a great time joining in the fun, visiting with friends and laughing the time away.
Walter Janke was once again in charge of the barbecue and preparing burgers and hotdogs, while fries were readied in the Legion kitchen and John Melnyk was busy treating youngsters to cotton candy.
The children decided to join in an impromptu karaoke session, entertaining both organizers and attendees, accumulating quite an audience in-between games and races.
Some very colourful faces were created through face painting, providing a vibrant addition among the young contestants.
Winners were invited to pick out their own prizes, which were separated in children and adult boxes. No young participant left without at least one trophy when the event came to a close around 3 p.m.
Approximately 70 people attended the Second Annual Redneck Barn Dance in the evening. Volunteers had beautifully decorated the Forest Grove Community Hall for the event, which garnered them plenty of compliments.
Games, including foosball, ping pong and shuffle board were set up at the back of the hall to keep the young ones occupied. They were allowed to attend the dance until 10 p.m.
The two Burger Sisters offered a number of food items on their menu, from pizza slices to chili in a bun, fries and chicken strips to poutine and then some. They were kept very busy in the kitchen and nobody went home hungry.
The popular band, Riding Shotgun, returned and kept everyone dancing until late in the night.