This past weekend marked the 30th anniversary of the Miniota Shirtsleeve Classic and in celebration, the words “Home of the Shirt Sleeve Classic” have been painted above the windows in the curling waiting room. The community and the rink were hopping with many locals as well as those who came to participate in the fun.
Hats off to the Miniota Community Centre board for all the hard work for such a huge event! As well a huge shout out to Bob Gardham and his crew for keeping the ice in tiptop shape for the bonspiel. This event requires many volunteers to man the rink and hall kitchens and the donations of food are appreciated. A roast beef meal was served on Saturday and a cold plate supper on Sunday.
The car rally was a highlight, where 25 entries took part in this tour of the countryside of Ward 1. The winners were the Hill Family team.
Over 200 enjoyed the free pancake breakfast held at the Miniota Fire Hall with our firefighters doing the cooking. The draw for the barbecue grill was made with the lucky winner being Brian Oliver. As well, the Fire Department sponsored the Fireman’s Rodeo event for the youth on Sunday.
Saturday entertainment for many was the Colour Run sponsored by the Miniota Figure Skating Club and the bouncy castles and face painting organized by the Birtle Miniota CDC.
A new event added to the Friday evening entertainment was Washers with winners being proclaimed. A Side winners: Curtis Gardham and Trisha Gardham; B Side winners: Robyn Lelond and Chelsea Gardham. Second Round winners: Brady Brown and Brady Joseph over Darryl Brown and Brian Armitage.
Beer garden and social evenings were held on the skating surface with Party Jockeys supplying dance music.
In the Shirt Sleeve curling, 24 rinks took part in the bonspiel. Winners were: First event: Sean McKean; Second event: Janelle Lach; and Third event: Jason Heaman.
Sunday afternoon six slo pitch teams went into action. Winners were: 1st - We Got the Runs over Master Batters; 2nd - Bin Token against Son of a Pitch, and 3rd - Sticky Glove Gang against BTS Sluggers.
On Sunday afternoon the annual tractor pull event was organized by Murray and Kyle Gurr. Winners were: 5000 LBS & U: 1st - Kyle Gurr, Miniota; 2nd - Bill Carter, Alexander; 6000 LBS & U: 1st - Murray Gurr, Miniota; 2nd - David Prince, Deloraine; 3rd - Kyle Gurr, Mniota; 7000 LBS & U: 1st - Kyle Gurr, Miniota; 2nd - Murray Gurr, Miniota; 8000 LBS & U (Calvin Bryant Memorial): 1st - Kyle Gurr, Miniota; 2nd - Murray Gurr, Miniota; 10,000 LBS & U (Bob Bryant Memorial) 1st - Gerry Wilson, Hamiota; 2nd - Riley Hall, Oak Lake; 3rd - Murray Gurr, Miniota; 12,000 LBS & U: 1st - Kyle Gurr, Miniota; 2nd Nick Dushnicky, Isabella; 3rd - Danny Argue, Miniota.
The Miniota Golf Course saw lots of action with 78 golfers in the Shirt Sleeve Classic Golf Tournament. Ladies Over 55:1st - Irene Clark; 2nd Sharon McKenzie; 3rd - Dienna McConnell.
Ladies Under 55 Championship: 1st - Kailey Jorgenson; 2nd - Tracie McKean; 3rd - April McKean. First Flight: 1st - Angie Stonehouse; 2nd - Wanda Rhodes; 3rd - Angie Scholdice.
Men’s Over 55 Championship: 1st - Clay Wyborn; 2nd - Rod McKean; 3rd - George Kreiser. First Flight: 1st - Paul George; 2nd - Bill McArthur; 3rd - Jim Young.
Men’s Under 55 Championship: 1st - Bryce Kyle; 2nd - Dusty Morton; 3rd - Jason McKenzie. First Flight: 1st - Nick Matiowsky; 2nd - Brady Joseph; 3rd - Foster Couvier. Second Flight: 1st Devon Sanders; 2nd - Dillin Stonehouse; 3rd - Austin McKenzie.
Students (17U): 1st - Ty McKenzie; 2nd - Isaac McArthur; 3rd - Logan Armitage. This very busy weekend was also a huge fundraiser for the Miniota Community Centre hall and rink.
