HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-07-24, Page 24Page 24 Times -Advocate, July 24, 1991
Variety of Gala Days events makes for hot Ailsa Craig weekend
By Adrian Harte
AILSA CRAIG - Gala Days proved to be one of the
hottest events in the region on the weekend, and not
just because of the weather.
A few thousand people must have visited the three-
day event despite the near -record high temperatures.
Even though it is most famous for its turtle races, Gala
Days still proved to have enough attractions to keep
the crowds entertained.
Baby shows, spelling bees, volleyball competition, a
children's carnival, a celebrity dunk tank, and other
community events served to round out the high point
of Ailsa Craig's calendar year.
Treasurer Sandra Allemeersch said she was confi-
dent that attendance at Gala Days surpassed 1990's
figures, even though results have not been tabulated.
"I can safely say it was better than last year," said
Allemeersch, who added the hot weather only served
to spur the beer sales which account for a large part of
the event's profit margin. All proceeds from Gala
Days will go towards the construction of the new Ail-
sa Craig Recreation Centre.
Allemeersch said 288 people attended Friday eve-
ning's pre -fireworks wiener roast. Saturday evening's
dance boasted a "full house", and another 277 showed
up for breakfast Sunday morning, with 450 showing
up for the beef barbecue Sunday night.
A Gospel singing performance Sunday night also
did well to attract the crowds.
However, it is the famous turtle races which give
Gala Days their unique flavour. Despite the loss of
pari-mutuel betting some years ago, 130 turtles still
ended up going through the starting gate over the
weekend.
Sixteen children's races were held Saturday, fol-
lowed by two teen races. The adults, with their spon-
sored turtles raced on Sunday.
The Overall Championship turtle came from the
adult class this year and was named "Hansy Baby"
which crossed the finish line in 44 seconds in the race
off winning the $125 purse. The turtle was owned by
Hans Neibourg, and sponsored by Ailsa Craig Repair.
The Reserve champion came from the children's di-
vision. "Skeeter" was owned by Michael Morley and
Richard Moore, both from Ailsa Craig. Skeeter's time
of 56 seconds was good enough to earn the second
place prize of $75 along with the trophy.
The Doug McNair Memorial Trophy went to the
owner of the fastest turtle to cross the finish line, re-
gardless of category or race heat. Warren Riffel of
Ailsa Craig saw his "Champion" tum in a blistering
time of 43 seconds in the Teen Time Trot #1 heat on
Saturday.
A grudge match between Ailsa Craig reeve Don
Shipway and Port Elgin mayor Fred Wuerth also cap-
tured the imagination of the crowd. The two munici-
pal leaders have been engaged in the infamous pump-
kin growing challeng of past years and so it was
considered natural Wuerth's entry "Pumpkin Head"
proved too much for Shipway's "Ship Head", leaving
this grudge match the only turtle contest in which the
local entries were disgraced.
Ready to roll - The anticipation of they turtles races was too much for
most of the competitors. Even when corralled up in the "turtle
stables" most were chafing at the bit ready to get going.
Bicycling, balloon holding, tur-
tle loving clown - Biking down
main street for Saturday's Gala
Days Parade is Paul Shipway of
Ailsa Craig.
Puffing away - Opening Ailsa Craig's Gala Days Parade was the
Irish Pipes and Drums Band.
Western Turtle Round -up • Disguised as a cowboy, Joe Morley drives his friend, Pat Conlin, and brother,
Brian, down Saturday's parade route on his dad's western -style four wheeler.
Competitor - Carrie Lynne Loyens of RR2 llderton enjoyed the idea
of Saturday's turtle races, but still wasn't sure about how she felt
about her entry itself as she prepared it for registration.
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Bean bag bingo - Jeremy Steeper of Ailsa Craig gives the children's carnival a try on Saturday. Behind'
Ills official Marty Wolf. The carnival was new to Gala Days thls year. Sponsored by the Naim and District
Nursery School and organized by Dr. Bertha Wolf it was aimed at offering more activities to younger visi-
tors.
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