A groovy time at the WDM

It was all about the 1970s this weekend at Moose Jaw's Western Development Museum.
For the first time ever, the museum brought its visitors back to the days of orange and red carpet, brown, flower-patterned furniture, Archie Bunker, platform shoes and Elton John.
The weekend was in honour of the WDM's 1970s exhibit currently on at the museum, said Shirley Stenko, the museum's visitor services officer.
Stenko said the turnout, both Saturday and Sunday had been great.
She said the staff really got into the theme as well, wearing its best attempts at true 1970s fashion.
To help set the mood the staff also had the best music of the 1970s playing in the museum's entrance.
For the kids and families that attended the event, Stenko said there was a '70s-themed scavenger hunt, face and body painting and a string art craft.
"The scavenger hunt is really great because it is something the whole family can do together. It is always so nice to see the families laughing and talking together as they search for the clues."
She said this time the scavenger hunt was completely '70s based.
"What we did was pick something that happened in each year of the '70s. For example, one of the clues could be 'in 1976, this facility opened the doors you just passed through.'"
"So, it's not only fun but also a bit educational and it's bringing families together."
Nearing the end of Day 2 of the event, Stenko said the response she had received from those who visited the WDM over the weekend had been wonderful.
"It was fun to hear people reminisce and say 'Oh, I remember that' or 'I still have that in my basement.' People were laughing and it was all in good fun."
Stenko said she is also relieved to know there are other people out there who still have furniture from the '70s kicking around besides her.
She said themed weekends, such as this, could become an annual event, maybe just a different decade, depending on what temporary exhibit is showing at the time.
"Who knows, maybe next year it could be the 1980s."
The '70s exhibit will be at the WDM until mid-September.
Stenko encourages people to come down and check it out. However, anyone who is sensitive towards bright mismatched colours may want to bring some sunglasses.

Lyndsay McCready can be reached
at 691-1256.