Bagpipes and Banjos

Well the weekend is upon us.

I know that traditionally when CFL fans think about rivalry they think about Labour Day weekend, however, here in the Peg we always think Banjo Bowl.

Every year the Winnipeg Blue Bombers head out west to visit the Saskatchewan Rough Riders for Labour day and then both teams arrive in Winnipeg the following weekend for a rematch.

So why Banjo Bowl? I'm glad you asked.

A few years back, let's say 2003, former Bomber place kicker Troy Westwood may or may not have referred to all people of Saskatchewan as "a bunch of banjo playing inbreds..." which obviously isn't true. This statment clearly refers to ALL Rough Rider fans, regardless of residence.

Still the already heated rivalry between Manitoba and Saskatchewan was cranked up another notch. Flash forward to present day...

Sure Winnipeg is having a rough 2009 season, but Lyle Bauer and his staff are simply being kind to the Rough Rider nation... I mean c'mon they're from Saskatchewan!

So does this pathetic disease of White and Green permeate into the pipe band world? You know it! While none of the Saskatchewan pipe bands actually wears the awful colours of minty green and stained white, there is always one joker wearing a jersey at the pub after Winnipeg Scottish Festival.

Of course this is all in good fun. Tongue in cheek if you must have it pointed out. My beloved Blue Bombers are having the worst season I can remember in my 24 years... (I've blocked out the Jeff Reinbold incident from my memory) and Saskatchewan, well they're pretty hot right now.

So we'll enjoy a great weekend here and we'll host our prairie partners. Why? Because when push comes to shove we all have one of the most important things in common.... We aren't from Toronto!

Go Bombers!

Sean