Haying in the 30’s raises over $240,000

Photo Credit: Haying in the 30’s on Facebook 

The 18th annual cancer benefit weekend outside of Mallaig, Haying in the 30’s, has raised over $240,000. Organizers believe the number will only increase as the calculators work overtime to tally up the final donation amounts, that flowed in with the approximately 3,000 people who attended the two-day event.

The event features how farming, ranching and homesteading was done in the 1930’s. The family friendly weekend is open to the public through donation. All money raised goes to local cancer patients, and their families, to assist in the costs associated with fighting the disease; such as fuel, hotel rooms, loss work, and meals.

Events included a horse drawn parade, viewing zoo with farm animals, blacksmithing, cultivating and of course haying. There were many activities that helped people contact with the simpler times; like rope making and moose calling. There was even a kids’ chores challenge!

One heart-warming moment came on Saturday as a young girl, Peyton DeMossiac presented the organization with her birthday money. The eleven year old asked friends and family that in leu of birthday presents to give her money that she then gave to Haying in the 30’s. Peyton presented organizers with $135, stating that she had family and friends affected by cancer and wanted to help.

On Saturday the evening capped off with a Beef-on-a-Bun committee dinner and Old Time Ho Down dance. Where people kicked off their boots and danced until the wee hours of Sunday. Woken to an inter-faith service and breakfast, Sunday continued with much of the same activities.

The organization assists people year-round, through an application process. To get in contact with the group, visit their website, hayinginthe30s.com. For more pictures and information follow Haying in the 30’s on Facebook.