This amusing photograph was taken in 1942 for the North Vancouver Kinsmen Club's country carnival and gymkhana in aid of the Milk for Britain Fund.
In 1941, Britain sent out a desperate radio appeal for milk for British children. Kinsmen and Kinettes founder Hal Rogers rallied Kin members across Canada to raise funds for the purchase of powdered milk.
The fundraising event was held over two days in June 1942 at Mahon Park. Each carnival admission ticket entered participants in a draw for a number of valuable prizes including a weekend trip to Harrison Hot Springs. A highlight of the event was the gymkhana. Gymkhana is an equestrian event consisting of speed pattern racing and timed games for riders on horses. The North Vancouver Schools Band and Kitsilano Boys’ Band provided music.
The two-day event raised more than $2,000 of the North Van club’s 1942 goal of $5,000 for the Milk for Britain Fund.
Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to learn about MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver opening in 2021.
Currently, the Archives of North Vancouver at 3203 Institute Rd. in Lynn Valley is open by appointment only. Contact: archives@monova.ca
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