Claybank, SK -
The hills were alive, with the sound of...Airsoft gunfire? The Claybank Brick Plant National Historic site and Massold Clay Canyons were the scene of an Airsoft event that portrayed a number of military styled skirmishes.
A company known as Counterfeit Combat from Melville Saskatchewan owned by Al Benesocky hosted a very elaborate event using the Plant and hills as it's location. Operation Mason Relic was a first for the Claybank Brick Plant, this type of game utilizes electric Airsoft rifles that use small "non marking" 6mm bb's for amunition and is based on the honour system for hits.
Some 45 people actually camped on the grounds of the Brick Plant on a very frosty Friday night prior to the May 9th event. 214 uniformed players, 10 of which were female, carried Airsoft rifles, gear, and rode in a number of authentic military vehicles as they participated in the organized Airsoft game. Alpha and Bravo squads were made up of players who came from Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, B.C., and of course Saskatchewan. They were very impressed with the Brick Plant and surrounding area as a stage for the scenarios of play. The particpants had out of bounds sections mapped out for them which contained buildings and areas they were not to enter, everything else was part of a well thought out strategic plan to secure areas for their teams. Plant Manager, Hilda Maier said "It was like standing in the middle of a war movie". The Historical Society was pleased with the event. We found the participants were very respectful of the integrity of the site and we would certainly welcome Counterfeit Combat back."
Lunch and supper were available for purchase to particpants with staff and board members cooking and serving.
Heritage Day Event June 28, 2009, gates opening at 10:30 a.m. - $8 per person or $20 per family - Affordable, Family, Fun!! On this special day much of the machinery at the Brick Plant is running, grinding clay and pressing brick. Hay rides to the Clay Pits area as well as railway rides on the Claybank Spur line. Entertainment, Hands on demonstrations, Ruhbarb baking/cooking contest, Saskatoon berry pie, food concessions and much much more, check out up coming events on our web site www.claybankbrick.ca
