Looking for a long weekend activity?
Raynell Lang, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park summer interpreter, said this weekend's Heritage Weekend will be an opportunity for campers and day visitors to the park to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, as well as have some historical-based, family-friendly fun.
"It should be a really good time. The park should be full," she told the Times-Herald on Tuesday, adding all the events (except for the Saturday morning pancake breakfast) are admission free. However, visitors will still have to pay the $7 park entry fee.
On Friday, events will include a sandcastle contest at noon and a 7 p.m. concert staring Canadian country music artist Brad Johner.
On Saturday, the $1 pancake breakfast will run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by face painting courtesy of Street Culture Kids.
Then, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Kakwa (a First Nations group) will teach people about native culture and practices.
On Sunday, there will be horse-drawn wagon rides and Kakwa will educate/entertain park patrons again. The weekend will conclude with a dance featuring performances by Kiwanis Tones Old Time Fiddlers.
Lang, a summer employee of the park, said Kakwa will provide the heritage aspect of the weekend, showing people traditional tanning techniques and playing First Nations games.
She added the summer interpreters are planning park activities until approximately Aug. 18, but this weekend's event (sponsored by Yara Belle Plaine) is the park's last major summer event.
"This is the big weekend event of the summer for sure. Then it starts to slow down after that."
However, Lang said the park would remain open to summer campers until after the September Labour Day long weekend.
Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.
