The Icelandic Canadian - 01.09.1977, Blaðsíða 16

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THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
AUTUMN 1977
ISLENDINGADAGURINN, 1977
By Kristine Perlmutter
Caroline Gunnarsson
The 88th annual Icelandic Festival of
Manitoba, Islendingadagurinn, was held
at Gimli, Manitoba July 30 - August 1.
People of Icelandic descent look forward
to this festival weekend each year as an
opportunity to meet their families, renew
acquaintances and make new friends.
The festival got under way on the Sa-
turday with a pancake breakfast in the
harbour area, the A.Q.H.A. Show at
Happy Acres Ranch (1V4 miles north of
Gimli), and sailing displays in the har-
bour area.
Raft races in the harbour featured the
“Odin Handicap” for the fastest craft
and the “Labatt Award” for the best
original design. An added feature was
the “Powder Plunger” event for the best
entry from the ladies.
Three showings of the film “Islen-
dingadagurinn 1975” were presented in
the park pavilion.
For those who were not already filled
up by the ethnic and snack foods avail-
able, the Gimli Kinsmen Club provided
a barbecue supper in the park.
In the evening, a good crowd gathered
to watch the New Iceland Drama Society
production of “A Visit to a Small
Planet” by Gore Vidal. This play con-
cerns the visit of a being from another
planet and the impact that his presence
has upon the American family with
whom he becomes involved. Under the
direction of Bill Barlow, the cast did a
creditable job and the special effects
were excellent. Leif Bristow was featured
in the starring role, which he performed
very well. The play was presented on
four successive nights to appreciative
audiences.
The evening dance at the Industrial
Park Recreation Centre featured the
music of “Raintree”.
On Sunday morning, a pancake
breakfast was served at the Gimli har-
bour by members of the Icelandic Fes-
tival Committee. Happy Acres Ranch
was the scene of an Open Horse Show.
Distance races were also carried out,
including the Icelandic Festival 10 Mile
Championship Race and the 2 Mile Fit-
ness Event.
A special service was held in the Gimli
Lutheran Church to mark its centennial.
The main stage in Gimli park was the
scene of the “Theatre on a Shoestring”
production.
On Sunday afternoon, the annual
Fine Arts Displays opened. This year,
the displays committee of the Icelandic