KIKINO - Kikino Métis Settlement is hoping to one day have the distinction of being home to the world’s largest Red River cart.
According to Roger Littlechilds, settlement administrator for Kikino, the idea to build the world’s biggest cart started out as kind of a joke, to see if the community could qualify for the Guinness World Book of Records. But now, as the project nears completion, Kikino officials are hoping that it will indeed break a world record, and it is no longer a joke.
“We sent in a registration to the Guinness World Book of Records,” Littlechilds told Lakeland This Week, adding that Kikino administration is hoping to hear back from officials with the Guinness World Book of Records within the next week, saying that it will most likely entail an initial site visit.
However, to date, Guinness hasn’t given the community an actual confirmation date as to when this visit could happen.
The concept of building a cart, Littlechilds explained, came from a vision that the community had had for quite a few years to have a landmark that would commemorate the Métis heritage.
After looking at various ideas, Kikino officials decided on a Métis cart, one that would resemble a historical Red River cart, the kind that Métis people used in the pioneer days to migrate to different parts of Canada. According to Littlechilds, this was one of the main means of transportation for people, tents and supplies.
The cart is partly funded through a cultural grant, along with resources from Kikino Métis Settlement administration and comes with a total price tag of $120,000, including labour, materials and consultation fees.
With the wheels standing, the cart is now over 32 feet. However, when the project is done, it could be as big as 40 feet - or even larger.
Those involved are anticipating that the massive cart will be finished by mid-August, just in time for the annual Kikino Silver Birch Rodeo and Celebration Days, which take place from Aug. 16-18.
“So, we’re planning on having like an unveiling or a ceremony then.”
The Métis cart, Littlechilds said, will enhance the community’s cultural identify and heritage. He explained that there will also be a commemorative plaque to honour Adrian Hope, who was one of the founders of the Métis settlements across Alberta. Hope, who was born in Morinville in 1903, spent his preschool years at the Alexander Indian Reservation near Onaway, was a rancher, cowboy, educator and political leader.
“He actually lived here in the settlement,” Littlechilds said.
Littlechilds said the cart will become a public attraction, drawing interest from locals and tourists alike.
The cart will also be added to the list of various large and unusual landmarks scattered across Alberta, registered with Alberta Big Things, such as the UFO landing pad in St. Paul, the World’s Largest Perogy in Glendon, the World’s Largest Mushroom in Vilna, as well as the iconic giant Pysanka (Easter) egg in Vegreville.
