by CHELSEA BARKER

It may not have been a sea of Model T Fords, but parking was definitely at a premium on Saturday, July 14 for the 75^th Anniversary celebrations of the International Peace Garden on the Canada/US Border.

Over 6,000 people came from around the world to celebrate the garden’s milestone of 75 years, including The Purple Pixies, Red Hat Society of Brandon. Most of the Pixies had been to the garden before, with one new comer in the mix, but all were happy to be there.

“We’re good at celebrating,” was the general consensus from the group when asked why they had made the trip out.

The day was packed full of activities for the whole family. The Heritage Market was full of handmade arts and crafts, and furniture, a family photo booth, tourism booths, wine tasting, and even a fresh squeezed lemonade stand.

The 28^th Annual International Antique Classic & Shine Car Show had a good showing with many cars coming from around Manitoba and North Dakota. There was also many recitals and concerts going all day at the International Music Camp, ending off the celebrations with a gala concert in the evening, with performances from Miss Peace Garden, Native American singers, Fantasy Fiddlers and InPulse.

The main attractions were in the main tent, located between the gate and the formal gardens. Everything from a hand bell concert, Native American story telling, a vintage fashion show, to the formal Tribute to Peace, which had many dignitaries bringing greetings from provincial and state governments.

Many well wishes and jokes were made during the greetings from government officials. Also many memories of the Peace Garden and connections with old friends and family were brought up which made the speeches more personal.

Several people who had been at the opening of the garden were in attendance. Maxine Hyde, of Bottineau, who had been there 75 years ago, had many fond memories.

“It was all brush and I remember the Canadians were walking through the brush playing bagpipes,” Hyde said.

She also remembered the airplane rides for a penny a pound.

“I asked my parents if I could go for a plane ride, and they said just don’t tell us when you’re up there,” she said as she laughed at her parents’ reaction.

Later on in the day a photo was taken of many of those who had been at the opening 75 years ago. One who got special attention was Orvin Hagen. It was not only his birthday, but he had also been the head gardener for the Peace Garden for many years. He still had a lot of joy and after the crowd sang him happy birthday he let out a yodel, as his way to celebrate the anniversary of the park. As far as his memories of the opening, they were few.

“There was lots of dust and dirt. There were no real roads, just country roads,” Hagen said while remembering back many years ago.

Many who came for the celebration were repeat visitors of the Peace Garden, but for most it had been some years since coming to visit. Several Boissevain residents could be seen throughout the crowd at the different events. However, none were as prominent as Aggie Buhler, marketing promoter for the International Peace Garden. She could be seen at many of the different areas checking on things, talking with visitors, etc. Buhler was proud of the hard work that those at the Peace Garden had put in. After the storm several weeks ago that left the gardens in ruins, everything had to be replanted. Lots of hard work was put in to get the garden ready for the anniversary. She admitted that after it was all over she would probably be ready for a vacation.

One of the highlights of the day for many was the International “Tug of Peace”, which is the world’s largest tug of war. It was to take place between members from the Shilo Canadian Armed Forces Base and the Minot Air Force Base, however, due to circumstances, members from the Minot Base could not attend, but the competition still went on. As the rope was pulled over the international border, with American citizens lined on one side, and Canadian citizens, along with the soldiers from Shilo on the other side, the great contest began. After getting their rhythm going the Canadians managed to pull the Americans over the line and win the match. There may not be a trophy but it still instills a lot of patriotism.

“It was just for pride,” said Officer Cadet Denny Brown, after the tug of war had ended. He had hoped that the American soldiers could have been there for the competition but understood that sometimes other matters take priority.

There were a few other problems that arose throughout the day. Although it was bright and sunny out, the wind did not cooperate. It was not windy enough for most of the kite enthusiasts that came out for the exotic kite flying show, but it was too windy for the hot air balloon. The hot air balloon rides, which were originally scheduled for 5:00 pm, were delayed until 7:00 pm, but when the winds were still too strong was delayed again until close to 9:00 pm.

The weather had also not been friendly Friday evening, July 13, as the Peace Gardens got almost a half inch of rain in less than ten minutes. The rain left water standing in low lying areas, and many of the flower beds were soaked with water.

Food also became a sore spot for many. With only a café and one concession stand many people had to wait in long lines to get lunch and/or supper. A miscommunication had occurred about the BBQ supper between the organizers and a food company, which resulted in there not being a BBQ supper at all.

Other than a few glitches the anniversary celebrations were a great success with many people visiting, reminiscing, and in general celebrating the wonderful place that is the International Peace Garden.