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Memories of Folklorama from a former Miss Judaea (1972): Marla Guberman
By MARLA BERCHARD (née GUBERMAN)
In August 1972, I was three months shy of my eighteenth birthday when I was selected by a panel to be the female representative of Folklorama’s Jewish Pavilion, Shalom Square. Folklorama was still in its infancy, just a few years since its inception, and my official title was “Miss Judaea.” It was a time I will always cherish.
At age 32, a dynamic lady by the name of Gail Stapon co-founded Folklorama. Gail was the “den mother” to all the Folklorama representatives, coordinator of our events, and our etiquette coach. She passed away in 2015, and a tribute to her interesting life is in the Winnipeg Free Press Passages section. Of personal interest, her husband Norm, who just passed this summer, a.k.a. “Stormin’ Norman”, at one time, played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Here are a few of the highlights of my recollections:
As ”Miss Judaea,” I entered a pageant competition, with the winner being crowned “Miss Folklorama.” While not really my thing – and even though I did not win the title, I was one of the top three runners up! I’m guessing that was a little bit of an ego boost!
Each pavilion had its own mayor, and our mayor was a lovely lady, by the name of Freda Fineman. Freda and I, along with each of the other girls and their mayor,s had a “coming out” at Winnipeg’s City Hall, where we were introduced by the then-Mayor, Steven Juba. That was the first official kickoff to the events!
A parade followed, which began at Winnipeg International Airport. Each girl was assigned to a fancy convertible, and as we sat on the back of the folded down roofs, wearing our pavilion costumes, we smiled and waved to the spectators lining the streets who came out to support us, while the parade proceeded all the way down Portage Avenue. I think I mastered the art of “the wave” after that procession!
Later that evening, the girls had a formal introduction on a stage outside the Centennial Concert Hall. We each had our own “walk through” where we were asked to introduce ourselves and say a greeting in our country’s language. In consultation with my late Uncle, Zion Bendel, z”l, who at one time was Principal of the Rosh Pina Hebrew School – and my first Hebrew school teacher, we composed my greeting, which I committed to memory. When my turn came to walk across the stage and recite, I was so nervous I completely forgot what I had memorized, and all I could stammer was “Shalom!” It was an embarrassing moment!
The horse races at Assiniboia Downs were next. We were allowed to invite a plus one. Since I wasn’t seeing anyone special at that time, my date was my brother, Brian Guberman. Now, that is a whole other story, sadly, as Brian went missing in 1974, never to be seen again. But he was a charming date, nevertheless, and admiring eyes were upon him at the racetrack. I think we placed and won a small bet that evening! I’m sure there are many Winnipeggers who may fondly remember Brian for his many performances, including playing “Perchik” from “Fiddler on the Roof” at Rainbow Stage, the Hollow Mug and more. I have made a website about him and am still searching for him after all these years, looking for any clues regarding his disappearance.
The pageant included the obligatory swimsuit competition, under the guise of a pool party at the Elmwood waterfront property of one of the judges: Bill someone, a local politician, whose last name I do not recall. Most girls dared not get wet, especially their hair, lest it spoil their appearance, but not me! Never one to miss an opportunity for a good swim, I and Miss Russia had a great time getting fully soaked, hair and all!
Our pavilion, Shalom Square, was at the old YMHA building on Hargrave Street. Although competing for the crown involved the usual components, another important criterion was how well we demonstrated knowledge of our culture and traditions. I was happy to share our customs and foods with the public and visiting dignitaries, including Mayor Steven Juba, and the then reigning Miss Canada, 1972, Donna Sawicky. Both of my parents, Lil and Wally Guberman, (z”l , Dad only, as Mom is still alive and very well at almost 102), were also volunteers at the pavilion. The Chai Dancers performed, as well as others whom I do not recall. I believe the emcee of the show was Lyle Smordin, who was a well-known local announcer at the time. The girls were given one night off from our hosting duties to visit other pavilions, which was a lot of fun!
The crowning of Miss Folklorama took place on the main stage at the Centennial Concert Hall at the end of Folklorama’s two week run. Miss Latvia took the crown. Friendships were forged amongst us girls, and post events, coffees and connections lasted for a while. Miss Korea and I had a special friendship and we stayed in touch.
I’m not sure exactly when the shift from being a solo female hostess to having male and female ambassadors occurred, as in the years shortly after, I left the city for travels to Israel and other places. I married my sweetheart in 1978, Henry Berchard, son of Holocaust survivors, Sam and Eva Berchard, z”l, and after the birth of our three daughters, we moved to Victoria in 1992. I regret I have not attended another Folklorama since, although it is on my bucket list!
I still have the dress and headpiece I designed and wore as my interpretation of an Israeli dress. I tried it on, and fifty-one years later it still fits! The trim was crocheted by my Baba, Annie Rose, (whose story I wrote in the Jewish Foundation’s Endowment Book of Life, and which was dramatized by Kayla Gordon and her actors at the Foundation’s fiftieth anniversary gala), and which was sewn by my neighbor, Stefania Karpa.
It was a wonderful experience for me, the memories mostly still as fresh as the day they were lived. Mom supplied me with a few photos from her album, featuring Mayor Juba, Freda Fineman, Lyle Smordin, Miss Canada 1972, and me, too. It’s a good diversion to reminisce about the past, to get away from other more serious issues of the day, to think about a time that was sweet, carefree, and a much younger version of myself!
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Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says
Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.
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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion
Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.
Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos
Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.
In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.
Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.
After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.
Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos
Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.
- Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
- Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
- Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
- Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
- Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.
Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.
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Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
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Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.