Highlands is getting into the swing of its annual Fling this Saturday, an all ages event that draws the rural community together.
“We are spread out across a very large area and because we have long driveways we don’t see each other,” said Fling volunteer organizer Warren Lee. “The important thing is meeting our neighbours.”
This year the fling is organized with a healthy living theme in mind — athletics, local foods and holistic healing are on offer.
The morning starts with a ball hockey game at 11 a.m. at the Highlands West Fire Hall, on Millstream Road.
“If you have a hockey stick, bring it to the hall,” Lee said. “We used to have a baseball game, but the number of people interested in baseball was dwindling.”
At 1 p.m. the celebration begins at the Caleb Pike Heritage Park. Local entertainers are performing throughout the day, including musician Jim Brannigan and Tickles and Yowza the clowns.
The day features an assortment of games and contests – bingo, bean bag toss, tug-o-war and “splat the rat.”
Game prizes are a reflection of the rural nature of the community. Last year when Highlands resident Rob Jirucha won at bingo, he was handed a 50 pound bag of rabbit feed.
Since he didn’t own any rabbits, he gave the feed to Lee who does.
“There were better prizes,” Jirucha said explaining that other bingo winners left with wine, jars of local honey and breads. “It was still fun to win.”
Starting at 2:30 p.m. youth from across the district will hit the stage for a talent show, which promises singing, dancing, acting and musical performances.
“We are trying to focus on all ages,” Lee said. “Before we were just focusing on children and middle-aged people.”
Throughout the afternoon holistic healing will be offered in the school house. Services include reiki, crystal healing, hand massage and acupuncture. All services are by donation and money raised will go towards Jeneece Place.
The day will end with the traditional and fiercely competitive community tug-o-war.
Highlands Fling is Saturday, Sept. 10 with activities at Caleb Pike Heritage Park, 1589 Millstream Rd., from 1 to 5 p.m.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com