Once again the small Village of Delia has accomplished a momentous task further enhancing the Village and specifically the Veteran’s Memorial Park which has been an ongoing project for about three years. In conjunction with the Delia Communities in Bloom and the Delia and District Agricultural Society but largely due to the efforts of  village resident Bev Hall,  a Memorial Wall has been erected in the Veteran’s Memorial Park honouring the men and women who served in the Canadian Armed forces since 1914 this includes the area surrounding Delia. The Wall contains five hundred and seventeen names and was dedicated at a ceremony held June 14.  In addition to the approximate 200 residents an honour guard was present at this dedication consisting of veterans, legion members, R.C.M.P and members of the South Alberta Light Horse Unit.  This project was mainly funded by donations from individuals who felt it was important to honour the commitment made by our service people to keep our country safe.  Donations were largely gathered through the efforts of Bev Hall for which the community is very appreciative.          
    The Veteran’s Memorial Park welcomes visitors to Delia as it is situated at the entryway to the Village and is in part due to the efforts of namely the Delia Communities in Bloom a committee of the Delia and District Agricultural Society .   Roughly $30,000 has been invested in the park over the last three years mainly from fundraisers and donations.  Cost of the Memorial Wall was approximately $18,000.
    Following the dedication on this cool blustery day people were happy to congregate at the Delia Community Centre for an afternoon of lunch and fellowship and a chance to reminisce. In addition to the Memorial Wall dedication , Delia also launched its new Delia history book with approximately 400 books already sold out of a printing of 500.  A hard working committee of area residents put a lot of work into acquiring the stories , formatting them and securing a publisher. Anyone who is ever involved into compiling one of these books understands the work commitment required.
    Pictured in the dedication ceremony left to right: Bob Gibson, Brian Kirkpatrick, Carol Kirkpatrick, Donald Lance, Diana Lance, Tom Brydges, Cadet Abraham Yarbrough, Lloyd Anderson, Terry Hodson, Constable Chris MacEachern, Trooper Timothy DenHollander and Major Ruby Brydges.

After 25 years (the Drumheller Off Road Vehicle Association (DORVA) is stronger than ever.
    The Club has been through thick and thin, and has come out in its 25th year, ahead of the pack.
     Treasurer for DORVA, Glenn Peake tells The Mail that once again they are hosting a double header of the Alberta Motorsports Association Championship Series on the August Long Weekend and are planning to mark the 25th anniversary.
    “We are planning something special for this,” said Peake.
    Part of the success of the association is its program of continuous improvement. Today they have four tracks including the main pro racetrack, an intermediate track, a beginner circuit and a peewee track for the youngest of riders to spin their wheels.
    Last year they completed an extensive water system program for the pro track. With a newly installed sprinkler system and a water dug out, they are able to pump and douse the entire track in about 10 minutes, minimizing delays on race day, keeping the track safe and the dust to a minimum. They were able to secure a provincial grant for the project.
    This year they are continuing to improve the site. This season they are putting in a new race shack. This is used on race day for registration as well as a meeting space and other uses. Their old building is beyond repair, and DORVA was able to secure a Worlds Largest Dinosaur Legacy Grant for the construction.
    “The previous one has been there probably 25 years, it is slated for the dozer,” said Peake.
     Motocross is a family sport, and this year the club has resurrected its Wednesday evening motos. This is a family event where riders head up for some friendly races with friendly competition for all ages and skill levels.
    “Brad Peake brought it back, and its basically a fun night out to give people a chance to feel a little bit of that competitive spirit,” said Peake, adding they make it clear to riders it is a fun event so they are not taking unnecessary chances.
    “We basically draw for the trophy, so everyone has a chance, this was re-established after a seven year hiatus.”
    This year the members of the club had a chance to see some of the best riders in Canada, right on their home track. Peake explains that the Rock Star Energy Drink National series has events in Calgary and Regina, with a week break in between. During that week, the club invited the racers who have time on their hands to brush up on their skills at the DORVA track free of charge.
    “Every year we offer them at no cost to set up their rigs at DORVA,” said Peake. “I know some of the pros took advantage of it. The way we look at it, it’s cool for some of the kids to come out and watch some of these pros. The offer is always there and someone always takes us up on it.”
    Watch for more on the club’s 25th anniversary as races approach August 1,2 &3.