The little town with a big, rich history is 100.
Big Valley will be celebrating its centennial this August 1 - 3 over the August long weekend.
The town’s history in ranching and farming runs deep, as do its ties to the railroad. There was coal mining in the area until the 1950s, and the area also has a history with oil and gas development.
The town is combining its five year homecoming event with the centennial celebrations.
Big Valley Mayor Gail Knudson said homecoming welcomes anyone with a connection to the village. Her estimate is that at least 450 invitations were sent out by the homecoming committee for this year.
Knudson said the village has planned a weekend full of events and entertainment for all ages.
The Village of Big Valley, celebrating its centennial this year, received the designation of Provincial Historic Resource for its grain elevator in 2013. The elevator was built in 1960 and remained in use until 1998.
The events are taking place in Big Valley’s downtown.
“There’s basically something for everyone. Everybody’s been working really hard,” said Knudson. “Gun shows to a penny carnival to a geocache treasure hunt and a concert on Sunday night.”
There’s also a parade on Saturday morning at 10 a.m, and the opening ceremonies for the celebrations take place immediately following.
There will be a display of fireworks on Saturday night, and service groups will be providing meals over the weekend.
“It’s coming together really nicely,” said Knudson.
Everyone has volunteered in some way, she said, and the homecoming committee, town staff and Friends of the Library have worked hard to make the event happen.
Knudson said it’s also the 25th year the railway excursions have been coming into Big Valley from Stettler.
The railway station in Big Valley is the original station built in 1912, and there are still remains of the local rail yards and former roundhouse.
