2010 Gomke Reunion & Carnival

"Like branches from a tree

we grow in different directions,

But our roots are

planted in the same soil."

Thanks to everyone who helped to make the recent Gomke Reunion & Carnival a success. It turned out to be a great day where young and old had a chance to interact and have some fun with the great games everyone contributed--from Olga's Milking Cow, the Chicken Toss, Potato Ball, GWC--Gomke World Cup, Fishing Game, The Musical Margaret Walk, Mini-Pool table, Bowling, Beanbag, and more...complete with popcorn, hot dogs, and cotton candy...as well as the Bouncy Castle, Horseshoes, and Beanbag Baseball! Of course the day wouldn't be complete without the traditional abundant Potluck supper!

A total of 73 people were in attendance at the Longfellow Hall, including 13 kids, 1 clown, and 3 dogs. The weather cooperated for the most part, despite a brief afternoon shower where the hard-core horseshoers continued in the rain as well as the castle bouncers. The day was topped off with some musical entertainment and the evening 'firepit', before the final farewells at the Sunday brunch...as we all parted ways until the next reunion, 2012...

Gomke Reunion 2010--Farewell Interviews

Check out the interviews of young and old for the 2010 Gomke 'Carnival' Reunion!

Some Carnival Details...

...please add water wings to the 'What to Bring' Reunion Checklist!

Yes, just to confirm, that all is still well for the upcoming Gomke Reunion at Longfellow Hall, despite the recent flooding conditions.

Also, as the date draws closer, families are likely starting to think about their Carnival Game...(but hopefully not stressing?!). To make it a bit easier, I've compiled an 'inspiration'/idea list that can hopefully help with the planning process...

• Think birthday party..."Pin the Tail on the Donkey" (or any variation there-of).


• Do you have a kitty pool? Place bowls in the water to toss something (pennies?)--points for how many end up in a bowl, etc?


• Duct tape hoola hoops to the top of chairs--make a frisbee course--a 'win' if you get it through all hoops?


• Are you a golfer? Do you have a little home putting green? A win when you sink the putt in less than ? hits? (or whenever you sink the putt?)


• Squirt guns and ping pong balls--use the squirt gun to maneuver the ping pong ball through a table-top course? 2 people at at time...first one to the end wins? (have a pail of water handy to refill squirt guns).


• Bouncy Ball or Baseball toss--use a case of sealers or pails and toss 3 bouncy balls, etc. A 'win' if you get one in (or all 3?)


• Ring toss, kids horseshoe toss, lawn darts and a ring, etc.


• BINGO


• Musical Chairs


• and anything else?....hope this helps give you some ideas...

See photos from a recent School Carnival.

How the Games Work

At the Carnival "Kick-off" (11:00), kids will get a Carnival Passport where they will collect a stamp for each of the 9 games (named after each primary member--the intent is to help generate some awareness of these members to the younger generation):

• A stamp is earned after a 'win', so it may be possible that the game has to be played a number of times to earn the 'win' (i.e. certain number of points, a competition win, a successful feat, etc.).


• Design the game to include what the participant must do to 'win' (earn a stamp).


• Stamps will be provided with a Sign designating your primary family member.


• All 9 stamps collected entitles the participant to collect their loot bag and enter the draw for a additional prizes.


• Participants can continue to play games to collect another 9 stamps to enter the draw again.


• Families are requested to submit their game plan at Friday Registration (so any instructions can be included during the 'Kick-off').


• Carnival Game set-up is the responsibility of each family group prior to the 11:00 start on Saturday, July 3rd.

Who Knew?...

"Largest dinosaur graveyard found near Hilda, Alberta."

Who would have ever guessed that Hilda's claim to fame might be from an era 76 million years ago! It is doubtful that Charlotte and Reinholdt Gomke realized the archeological treasures that lay beneath the very land that they were farming. According the the article below, "Scientists in Alberta have discovered the largest dinosaur bonebed ever documented--along with evidence of massive carnage--near Hilda, 50 kms north of Medicine Hat". It is believed that tropical storms flooded the area and caused great herds of land-dwelling dinosaurs to perish. Well...the tropical part is a bit hard to imagine, but certainly not the flooding!

The Centrosaurus (along with other horned dinosaurs), believed to have lived in the Hilda area at one time.

http://news.ca.msn.com/local/calgary/article.aspx?cp-documentid=24612294

Baby Boy

Colin & Chelsey Fischer

announce the arrival of their Baby Boy

Gavin James Fischer

on May 9th, 2010 (Mother's Day)

Congratulations!!

June Flooding

"It never rains, but it pours!"

Yes, farmers always want rain...but perhaps this is a bit more than anyone wished for? Seems Southern Alberta is being hit with flood warnings and excessive precipitation this June. Here are some photos taken by Geoff and Amanda Roth near Schuler, Alberta. Fortunately they are on higher ground, although it seems not everyone is so fortunate.

Click on the link below to view the Calgary Herald article:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Flooding+causes+home+evacuations+southern+Alberta/3172824/story.html