A youngster pets one of the many animals at the petting zoo during Western Days in Christopher Lake Saturday. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

By Ian Gustafson

getting out and about

Western Days in Christopher Lake a hit with locals and visitors

Aug 7, 2021 | 6:04 PM

After a year with no mass gatherings, Saskatchewan residents took advantage of the opportunity to get outside at Western Days in Christopher Lake.

After opening night Friday, there was plenty to do Saturday including a parade, petting zoo, trade shows, a farmers’ market, live music and more.

Rose Cunnington, who is from the area, made time on Saturday to visit family and go to the event. She said it was great to get out and do something fun.

Many were in attendance for the parade at Western Days in Christopher Lake. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

“I think once we got into the pandemic and we couldn’t go to big events like this anymore we realized we took it for granted,” she said. “It’s great to be able to go and watch a parade with your family.”

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Candy was a popular treat children during the parade. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

Among the more popular attractions on Saturday was Ol’ McDales Friendly Farm and Travelling Petting Zoo owned by Dale Durell from a community north of Melfort. Children of all ages were feeding and petting numerous animals including rabbits, goats, pot belly pigs, donkeys, and many others. Durell said they travel all over the province to go to events.

“This is the second time we’ve been here. Of course, last year with COVID it was [cancelled],” he said. “And we do fairs: we’re at the Regina exhibition this year, Melfort exhibition, Nipawin exhibition and then we do lots of these one-day events.”

Many children were holding the chicks at the petting zoo. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

He explained they usually are a popular hit among the children wherever they go.

“I mean these days kids don’t get a chance to see animals. Grandma and grandpa don’t live on the farm anymore and obviously older people enjoy it too,” he said.

The pot bellied pigs also got a lot of attention. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

Some of the most common questions they get from children are : what are they, how old are they, and what’s their names. They have enough animals at home on the farm they never need to take the same animals to two events in a row.

“That way they don’t get played out, two days in a row on the road would be too much,” he added. “[I’m] just glad people can come out and enjoy our animals as much as we enjoy having them.”

There were vintage tractors during the parade. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

Many were in attendance for the parade. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

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Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12