Sixty kilometers south of Weyburn on Highway 35 is the hamlet of Oungre. According to the 2021 Census of Population, the hamlet of Oungre is home to 10 people. However, a lot more than ten people enjoy the amenities of the Oungre Memorial Regional Park (OMRP), located just north of town.
With an all-season Communiplex featuring an indoor pool, a nine-hole golf course, an 18-hole mini golf course, a disc golf course, and more, OMRP is a hidden gem in the regional parks system here in southern Saskatchewan. However, running and maintaining these many amenities is not free, and OMRP has set up a flurry of fundraising activities, including a fan-favourite: the annual Barbecue Cook-off.
Erica Pederson, chairman of the OMRP, has organized the cook-off for the last four years, and she said it’s been a sizzling success.
“This Saturday, July 26th. We are excited to host our 4th annual barbecue cook-off from 5:30 to 9 p.m. This event will feature 6 to 8 local teams showcasing their BBQ skills for the chance to win cash prizes. Having organized the barbecue cook-off for the last four years, I am thrilled to see the incredible turnout of people come and to sample the delicious food. All proceeds from the cook-off will go right back into supporting the park.”
Picture the summertime scene: sunny and warm weather, the smell and sizzle of barbeque in the air, the laughter of kids running around throwing water balloons, and maybe getting some reprieve from the heat by diving into the Communiplex pool. Pederson says the support they’ve had for this fundraiser over the years has been excellent.
“The community has been really awesome to support the cook-off. I mean, obviously, it's in the summer, so it's always busy, so it's always hard to pick a good day, but I'd love for other communities to come in and get inspiration to do the same thing in their parks as well. Our park is a little bit different. Each park is different, but our park seems to have a lot of amenities (so it) would be nice for people to just come out and see what we have down here.”
For more information surrounding the 4th annual OMRP BBQ Cook Off, including how to register, contact Erica Peterson at 306-861-2916. For more details about OMRP, check out the Regional Parks of Saskatchewan’s website or visit the OMRP’s Facebook page.