Macklin ’ s bunnock courts winners : Part time ObsessiOn PhOtOgraPhy / andrew CrumP ; COurts : adeLe PauL ; bOnes : Lisa wright
The game , as legend has it , was created by early-19th-century Germanic-Russian soldiers who took to tossing horse anklebones to pass the time on the frozen Siberian tundra . ( Macklin was settled in the early 20th century by German-Russian farmers and colonists fleeing unrest leading up to the Russian Revolution .)
The soldiers ’ informal game was not unlike modern-day horseshoes . Today ’ s version is slightly more structured : It uses 52 bones , 44 of which are divided up and arranged 10 metres apart on level ground . Two teams of four use the remaining eight schmeisers ( throwers ) to knock over the opposing team ’ s bones . The seemingly simple game , with just a dozen or so official rules , becomes serious business on tournament weekend . The entire community of Macklin transforms into a bustling bunnock centre , filling campgrounds , hotels and even nearby towns as competitors flood the area for the one-of-a-kind spectacle . The tournament takes place at Macklin Lake Regional Park on the Saturday and Sunday of the August long weekend . Around 50 bunnock courts are chalked in atop a former baseball diamond and , unlikely as it may seem , this dusty prairie scene is where the magic of Macklin really truly shines .
With competitors ranging in age from five to 95 — plus food venues , entertainment , beer gardens , and a park-and-ride — it ’ s a true family and community affair . There ’ s even a cheeky auction during which qualifying teams are sold to the highest bidder . Organized by Macklin ’ s Bunnock Committee , the volunteer-
Bunnock bones up close
run tournament has been played — rain or shine — without a major hiccup for a quarter of a century . Profits raised from food booths , 50 / 50 draws and entry fees support community initiatives and local charities .
Which brings me to my own championship reign . Playing on a team with my cousins in 2001 , we took home the tourney ’ s top prize and the World Bunnock Championship title ( if only for a year )! As a past victor , I can assure you that it ’ s not the winning or cash prizes that bring people back to Macklin year after year . It ’ s the generous community spirit of this small town — it ’ s contagious . One can ’ t help but come home with a full heart every single year . Make no bones about it !
The Essentials
GETTING THERE From saskatoon , it ’ s about 2.5 hours via highway 14 . From north battleford , follow highways 29 and 14 for about 1.5 hours
WHERE TO STAY whatever your preferred accommodation , book early : hotels and campgrounds book up quickly for the championship weekend
the Prairie moon inn & suites offers comfy accommodations and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet
macklin Lake regional Park features 132 campsites , a swimming area , beach and playground
EAT & DRINK support local charities by dining on the tournament grounds . hometown favourites include sticky “ stretchies ” ( similar to elephant ears ) and curly fries
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