Pioneer Days Draws a Crowd

By Brandie Majeau
Radway Pioneer Days began like many other community fairs. Pancake breakfast was
served, a parade entertained, bouncy castles were blown up and filled with joyful yells and
bouncing feet, and Radway Agriplex opened its doors to a summer market for everyone to
enjoy an amazing display of goods from vendors far and wide. A giant pile of sand was even
brought in for a special treasure hunt. Patrons gathered for refreshments and nibbles of
burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Beyond that, Radway Pioneer Days sets itself apart.
This year held the third annual show and shine & swap meet. The car show boasted
ninety-one entries that highlighted an amazing display of vehicles spanning a century. The swap
meet sported a variety of items. One gentleman with wares on display commented that a swap
meet is kind of like a vintage garage sale. While many people bring vehicle parts and accessories
there is always something fun and unique to be found in the mix of strewn bits. For four lucky
puppies that were brought along for the ride, they found their forever homes.
The Bench and Quilt show featured an amazing amount of talent. The bench show
displayed a variety of baked goods and preserves, numerous entries displaying placement
ribbons for their accomplishments. The show did not stop at food. An eclectic mix of art, Lego
creations, plants and various other displays of talent were spread among the tables for viewing.
Redwater Quilters Guild provided the amazing exhibition of quilts. Vicky Dybaylo Shears stated,
“we are very pleased to be here!” While the guild offers beginner lessons and classes for
quilters, as well as projects, Redwater Quilter’s Guild sports many charity workers. Quilts that
have been lovingly created piece by piece are often donated to charities. Last years donations
included (but were not limited to) victim services (Redwater), Wings of Providence, Ukrainian
Refugees and Kids Kottage. The Guild also donates an abundance of bunny shirts and preemie
quilts to the Royal Alex Hospital Neo Natal ICU.
Radway Pioneer Days lends itself to the feel of “old school.” It brings back that feeling
of running barefoot with a popsicle in hand, watching grandpa pull his tractor into the field,
waving to the neighbor as he drives by in his muscle car and stopping to chat with a stranger
just to say hello. There is always an appreciation of all the volunteers that make this event a
success and always room to welcome more volunteers for the next one. Radway Agricultural
Society will be hosting RCW Wrestling in October and a Christmas market in November. If you
missed Pioneer Days this year, they hope to see you next year!