4 minute read
Sporting Fun in Ryley
Sporting Fun in Ryley
Tammy Hewitt - News Advertiser
The Ryley Sports Day 2025, held over the weekend of June 20 – 22, was deemed a success this year despite inclement weather. Starting Friday night, for the first time in this annual event, there was a Block Party on Main Street that included a community “tug o war”, pie throwing and live music by the Off Ramp Boys. It was said by a bystander that it became cold and rainy that night which lessened the crowds. A highlight was when a son of the Village of Ryley Mayor Stephanie Dennis bought a pie to throw at his mom. As told by Dennis, “Apparently, I am too nice. No one wanted to throw a pie at me. After my son threw the pie in my face, he asked to borrow $25… “which happened to be the cost of the pie.
The event continued Saturday with the usual country fare of a parade, rides and kids’ activities to enjoy alongside the planned slow pitch softball (slo pitch) game. The newly formed event committee planned to do “something new” and run the two events “parallel because they weren’t sure they were going to have enough teams.” said Dennis as she reflected on the unpredictable rainy weather. “The teams were like… we are coming, it doesn’t matter.” Traditionally, this long-time running event was more focused around the sports but “then the sports kind of faded away.” She went on to say that she believed Christina Howse was instrumental in bringing back the sports portion. Howes was involved in the event committee and suggested to “have a slo pitch” portion again. Dennis commented “That was fantastic because it’s called Sports Day.”
As for the newly formed committee, Dennis commented there were a lot of new volunteers this year. She went on to say that there have been a lot young families choosing to move to Ryley from Edmonton and area. Houses have gone up for sale and been sold in three days. She excitedly talked about this as one of the reasons for an increase in volunteers. For her, this is a sign that their Village is starting to revitalize and grow.
Events held on Saturday included hayrides, the Wizzer ride, and petting zoo outside and indoor activities such as kids’ games and face painting. To entertain all ages an Inflatable Basketball and Jousting to added to the sporting fun. The Wizzer Ride outside which was powered by the riders who pump a lever type bar in front of them, opposite their partner, to go as fast or slow as they wanted. There was much laughter and smiles from participants and spectators as riders showed off their stamina and watched out for dizziness when they dismounted.
The Wizzer ride was located just in front of the Ryley Museum building that had quite a bit of foot traffic too. As a part of the Village’s treasures, there was a wall dedicated to the history of their slo pitch team where museum’s staff had an information table. An older man was seen bringing in a donation of a child’s vintage slo pitch jacket and various badges that would have been used for one of the teams displayed on the wall. He explained, “I was cleaning out my house and thought you might find use for them here.”
Later in the day, there was a Legion Music Jam, supper put on by the slo pitch teams and dance followed by fireworks. The event wrapped up the next day with a free breakfast and a free swim that ended with a scavenger hunt.
