Keloose Weekend 2009 a Huge Success!

Windsor Junction (D2N) – The 2009 Keloose Fair is sure to be talked about as one to be remembered! Over 35 years old, the annual summer celebration is attended by many. Better weather could not have been ordered – the weekend brought sunny skies and intense summer heat.

This year’s fair had the usual popular events and activities; the kiddie parade took place on Sunday morning; the water frolics – always a hit with the kids – were by the lake; and the pre-fireworks show which is organized by the Fall River School of Performing Arts was enjoyed by more than a thousand people. Of course we can’t forget the fireworks themselves; they are rumoured to be among the best around, rivalling even the shows in Halifax and Bedford and as always they did not disappoint.

This year a few new (or old and resurrected) events were added to the Keloose line-up, giving folks of all ages the chance to have a bit of fun. Young and old alike could find something to take part in or attend. There was a fishing derby, a dunk tank, and a bingo, as well as a bouncy castle for kids to jump and play in.

The 2009 Keloose celebration officially kicked off on Thursday, Aug. 13, with a pre-teen dance at the LWF Hall which was packed to capacity. On Friday evening folks gathered to watch participants in the Keloose Idol take to the stage and show off their talents. It was a pleasant surprise when all of the contestants gave wonderful performances. Nine year old Sarah Jamieson was named the Keloose Idol for 2009, winning the opportunity to perform at the pre-fireworks show.

On Saturday fans turned out at the Windsor Jct. Community Centre field to watch baseball games between the LWF Mystique’s, who beat the Hammonds Plains Blue Jays 10 – 0, and the LWF Mystiques who also beat the Hammond’s Plains Red Sox 10 – 0.

The fishing derby took place on the lake on Saturday as well.

On Saturday evening the adults had a chance for a bit of fun at the adult dance held at the LWF Hall. Musical entertainment was provided by Dave and Confused, whose members include local residents David Cox, Ron Robinson, Jeff Ivany — aka “Chef Jeff”, Dean Miller, and Dr. Lee Chamberlain of The Lakes Oral Surgery in Fall River. The band and the dance drew a great crowd and folks had a lot of fun. Funds raised went to the LWF Baseball Association.

On Sunday morning the Keloose festivities resumed beginning with the kiddie parade. There was a mini Bob the Builder, princesses, ladybugs, sunflowers, a float of high School Musical, Dorothy and Toto from the Wizard of Oz and more. Members of the local Red Hatters took part and led the parade from where it began at the Fall River School of Performing Arts to the Windsor Jct. Community Centre parking lot where the winners were announced.

Judges for the parade declared pink fairy princess Sloan, 7, a winner along with Makayla Damery, 9, and her dog Romeo, who came dressed as Dorothy and Toto from the Wizard of Oz. There were so many other great participants that the judges declared everyone third place winners and they gave each child a prize bag, much to the children’s delight.

After the parade the kids could play lots of games which were set up on the small ball field, as well as take part in the water-frolics by the lake. Lifeguards were on hand to watch over swimmers.

There was a bouncy Spider-man castle set up, and the dunk tank was in operation as well. The bingo was popular among all age groups; prizes were donated by local businesses and individuals and included massage certificates, gift certificates for the local exercise studio, and lots of other fantastic gifts. The Fall River Windsor Jct. Historical Society had gift and bake tables set up.

As always Denise Jackson and her mother Lorna worked the canteen, keeping kids happy with hot dogs, chips, and pop. As well, the Riverlake Lions Club served up a delicious chicken supper for folks who were hungry. Sno cones were available to purchase, for those feeling the heat and needing to cool off with a cold teat.

The pre-fireworks show kicked off at around 7 p.m. Bands from the Fall River School of Performing Arts, as well as other local bands, entertained visitors until the fireworks began.

The first Keloose Idol, petite blond Sarah Jamieson, performed for the crowd, wowing them with her big voice.

A number of bands from the FRSPA’s took part and gave great performances, as well as Already Casual, a local band which is growing fast in popularity. The music continued on past dusk until the winners of the men’s and ladies baskets were announced, as well as the winners of the Wii games. Soon afterwards the countdown to the fireworks took place and the show of lights began.

This years fireworks display was absolutely fantastic; the crowd oohed and aahhed as the bright splashes and colours of light shot through the darkness, lighting up the night sky. It was a great end to a great weekend.

2009 Keloose Fair organizer Sandra Carr was very pleased with the weeknd and the turn-out. “This year’s Keloose was a step toward coming up with a real community fair with members from each community taking part and making it the success it was,” said Carr. “We have come out of this year’s event without any debt left to be paid and a balance toward next year’s Keloose. A full report will be made available at the Keloose Wrap-up Meeting on Monday, August 24th, 7 pm at the LWF Community Hall – everyone welcome.”

Carr hopes folks who are interested in seeing the Keloose continue in years to come will come forward and volunteer to organize the event in the future. “It is time for some “new blood”, preferably younger, to take this event over and keep it “growing and going”. We are a very viable group of communities and working together will just make us better and stronger. The Community that works together bonds together and grows into a strong body to have it grow the way we want it to,” said Carr, “a friendly, healthy, fun place for our children and grandchildren to grow up in – what more could we ask?