While many Albertans were relaxing over the May long weekend, members of the Central Alberta Antique and Model Club were hard at work at the Leslieville Antique Grounds.
Longtime club member Penny Seiling says the weekend was a productive one, with volunteers of all ages pitching in to replace approximately 500 railway ties under the miniature steam train tracks — a popular feature during the annual Leslieville Antique Days in August.
“They all had to be cut to size, the old ones dug out and the new ones put in,” said Seiling. “We had a nice big crew — young men, not-so-young men — and they got the whole thing done. It was just a great time for the fellows who were doing that.”
Volunteers included Les and Charlene Bjorge, Ken Forester, as well as the Seilings.
While the bulk of the team worked on the tracks, others tackled smaller projects around the grounds. The “Cinnamon Shack,” a cabin used to bake the event’s famously popular cinnamon buns, needed new windows after two were mysteriously broken. A deceased bird was found inside, leading volunteers to believe it had either flown in or out through the glass.
In keeping with the site’s heritage feel, the team opted to replace the broken panes with salvaged vintage glass.
The Royal Scott miniature train, a favourite during Antique Days, also underwent its annual inspection in preparation for summer use. Though $32,000 worth of major mechanical work was done a few years ago, Seiling says the train is now in great shape and ready to roll.
Fresh railway ties at the Leslieville Antique Grounds. (Central Alberta Antique and Model Club)
Work also continued in the “Back to Our Roots” building in preparation for the club’s second annual community yard sale fundraiser, taking place this Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25.
The indoor-and-outdoor sale is open to the public and free to attend. Indoor tables rent for $15 per day or $25 for both days, while outdoor swap meet spaces go for $20 per day or $30 for the weekend. Vendors keep their profits, and donated goods will be sold by the club to help cover maintenance costs for the grounds.
“We’re always happy to have donations so we can sell them to make money for the club,” said Seiling. “The funds go to things like replacing windows, fixing leaks, or building a new ramp — all the things that help us keep the grounds in shape.”
The sale, which raised around $1500 last year, runs Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the antique grounds east of Leslieville.
Looking ahead to the summer — Leslieville Antique Days itself is set for August 2 and 3. Seiling says this year’s festivities will include tractor pulls, vintage vehicle parades, historical displays, a Sunday church service, and, of course, the famous cinnamon buns.
“They’re practically world-famous,” Seiling joked.
For more information or to reserve a table for the yard sale, contact Seiling at 587-679-4226.
(Central Alberta Antique and Model Club)
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