Peacock Chirping in Souris Gains Popularity

Souris hosted its fourth annual Peacock Calling Competition, the biggest one yet, attracting hundreds of supporters to the Community Hall during Peacock Days. This year, 83 participants entertained the crowd with their best peacock squawking impressions. Leah Chambers, 18, a three-year veteran of the contest, took home first place in the teen category. The event featured three categories- kids, teens, and adults- with cash prizes of $100 for first place, $50 for second, and $25 for third. Chambers shared that the best part of the competition is how it brings the community together and gives everyone something to look forward to each year.

Monique Perey, the event organizer from Whitfield Drugs, was thrilled to see the contest growing year after year and the overwhelming support from the community. The idea for the competition started in 2020 as an expansion of the annual Peacock Days festival by the Souris and Glenwood Agricultural Society. Perey revealed that the event has blossomed since its inception, surpassing initial expectations. She expressed her gratitude towards her bosses at Whitfield Drugs, Colin McLeod, and Kristin Nickil, for their unwavering support of the event.

The peacock calling contest, free for both participants and spectators, also offered a new ‘best joke’ category this year. Breanne Burch, a first-time participant, took home first place for the joke and peacock call in the adult category. Despite not practicing peacock calls, growing up among peacocks on her farm gave her a familiarity with the sound. Brandon-Souris MP Grant Jackson, one of the judges, shared his longtime connection with Perey and his enthusiasm for participating in the event as a volunteer judge.