Perhaps one of the greatest event casualties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is the cancellation of Bunnock World Championship in Macklin. Every year thousands flock to the west central town to participate in the unique event that Macklin is famous for.

Long time Macklin Mayor Patrick Doetzel said the cancellation was hard, especially when you consider the amount of time that goes into planning.

"This would of been our 28th year. It's something that you pretty well have to start planning for on the last day of the tournament," Mr. Doetzel shared. "As players, they already start thinking of where am I going to be next year? Whether or not I can be in this tournament? For those that work at the event, they're planning on what they're going to do different next year. What worked this year? It's something we're dealing with through out the year."

Proceeds from the tournament often go towards philanthropic efforts in and around the community and area. This year those groups will no doubt be impact from the event's cancellation. Efforts to make them up will likely occur in the coming months.

Along with the loss of those philanthropic funds, Macklin is also loosing something that can't be counted on a ledger. The relationships, memories, and bonds that are formed during the event will be lost this year.

"Everybody has fun, everybody talks with everyone. It's one big social gathering," Mr. Doetzel said. "We probably have 3500 people come for this event, and it's a lot of fun. You meet with so many different people through out the weekend, and talking with so many. It is a let down. It's something you look forward to every year. It's sad. I was excited for Bunnock this year and when COVID came along I was hoping there was going to be some kind of remedy before it effected Bunnock... unfortunately that wasn't the case."

Mayor Doetzel is confident in the 2021 tournament taking place. He knows the organizers are hard at work on plans for next summer. In the mean time we had to ask if Mr. Doetzel would be working on his game?

"I always thought I had a reputation to live up to, but they've watched me for 27 years," Mayor Doetzel laughed. "I have nothing to prove anymore."