Eckville Echo

by Carson Papke
Eckville Echo

Leslieville turned back the clock for another weekend this year as people from all over North America came to experience the 32nd Antique Days on the weekend.With over 20 different venues, demonstrations and competitions throughout the event, people of all ages had something to enjoy at this year’s event. Organizers felt the event was very successful and is getting better every year.
“The event was great and was every bit as good as last year if not better,” said Central Alberta Antique and Model Club president and Antique Days organizer Harold Dell. “The event doesn’t seem to be losing too much and more so gaining every year as far as involvement.”
There were a few new things added to this year’s event, including the Leslieville Mercantile, which has been restored and was moved to the Antique Days event grounds. Also added were a farmers market, a tractor pull and vintage machinery parade.
“This year’s event was fabulous. The work done to the Ridges House and now bringing in the Leslieville Mercantile added so much to this year’s event,” said Wes Bot who is another organizer of the event. “Merv Finkbeiner did a great job getting a committee together and raising a lot of money to move the Mercantile to the grounds and get it set up for this year. It will be great to see what is added in the coming years.”
Bot said there were countless hours put into getting everything ready. They saw great crowds to show for it. Over 1,000 people attended the event and Dell said a lot of the people he talked to were coming back again next year.
“We are working to have something for everyone. With the inclusion of the tractor pull it gives youth something to be involved with,” he said.
Bot added the tractor pull was a big attraction for people of all ages but there were plenty of other attractions drawing interest. The farmers market had phenomenal vendors and was packed all weekend, the saw and shingle mills were very popular but the big attraction was the homemade cinnamon buns.
“Over $3,000 worth of cinnamon buns were purchased,” said Bot.
The buns were made right on the grounds and sold for $2 each with coffee. They were also topped with butter churned right on the grounds.
“Where else can you go and see cinnamon buns and butter being made right in front of you,” said Bot.
Dell and Bot thanked the volunteers that help every year. This year was the best effort so far.
“We had a lot of great help this year from the volunteers and we can’t thank them enough,” said Dell. “Every year it seems like we aren’t going to get enough people and then when cleanup rolls around on Sunday we have a huge amount of support which helps us immensely.”
Dell also said there was a lot of work that went into putting on the event. It is hard to get everything they want done in just one year. He said they will be improving on things as much as they can for next year. Bot added that people are certainly interested in what’s new every year. Coming to see the new attractions is a big draw for the event.
With such a big collection of history in one place the venue provides plenty of things to see or do at the two day event. Antique Days provides fun for the whole family and gives people a chance to see the machines and practices that shaped the course of history