The streets of Jarvie were packed Aug. 12 for the hamlet’s annual tradition, Jarvie Days.
Starting with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., the early birds were joined by young families for the parade, which marched down Main Street twice, decking the roads with candy, though eager young ones quickly picked the streets clean.
“We’ve been really trying to focus on the family,” said Roberta Turnbull, who was heavily involved in organizing the event.
Turnbull noted that funds raised from the concession and beer tents would go to much-needed renovations for the Jarvie Community Centre.
The afternoon festivities accumulated in lawnmower races, where three brave souls sped around a racetrack on customized creations.
Dennis Hunter won the race portion of the track with two decisive victories while Dustin Gibson won the weight pull portion of the competition, hauling 900 pounds in excess of 120 feet.
Longtime Jarvie resident Ross Lea said the event was a bit smaller than Jarvie’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2014, but he was happy with the turnout.
“We are really happy with all our community support for working on our new grounds,” he said. “We’ve got a wonderful facility now and we’re trying to make the best use of it.”
The gathering was co-ordinated alongside the Hallywood Jamboree at the Hallywood RV Park.
Turnbull noted that a number of campers came out for both the parade and the lawnmower races, but she would have to wait to run the numbers to decide how successful the merger was.
Historically, Jarvie Days was held on the August long weekend. The date was changed with hopes of drawing a bigger crowd to both events.
The Hallywood Jamboree itself hosted several musical acts, with the proceeds going towards supporting Kids with Cancer.
Host Dave Hall noted that he wanted to give back to the organization after it helped a family friend whose child passed away from a brain tumour.
An open stage was also held, enabling local musical talent to showcase their skills.
