The Drumheller and District Ag Society is looking for more new board members for their AGM. This comes after a couple of key long-time members have decided to retire from the board.
The Ag Society Annual General Meeting is coming up on December 13. Those stepping down from the board includes longtime treasurer Howard McKee and President Mike Hansen.
McKee has volunteered with the Ag Society for about 4 decades and the bulk of those years he has been doing the books.
“I have enjoyed it, but it seems like 40 years has gone so fast,” he said. “It is time, I want to enjoy life.”
He has enjoyed his time working with the Ag Society over the years and he has seen the ups and downs at Dinosaur Downs. The facility once hosted rodeos and chuckwagons, but most recently has been a hot spot for motorsports.
He says the Ag Society could always use more volunteers.
“We need more members, we can’t get the young members because they don’t seem to want to get involved. It is sad,” said McKee.
He said the racing has sparked some interest.
“It brought in energy but not locals,” said McKee. “We can’t have an executive that lives out of the area, it’s just too hard to keep everything working. I’m sure someone will step up and do a good job.”
Hansen has spent a good part of 30 years on the board, the last eight as president.
“Of course it is hard to step away, it gets in your blood, but the time comes when you have to let someone else do it,” said Hansen.
Hansen was on the board as motorsports became more popular. Today they see everything from IMCA Modifieds to flat track motorcycle racing and even vintage Model T racers.
“It’s been a long run, it has been enjoyable, I have had some really good people and some lemons, but that’s part of life,” said Hansen.
He encourages people to step up and support the society, and in turn support the community.
“I think it worked out. It was close to 9,000 people that went through there this year,” he said. “There are three local cars, and we have attracted the most cars of any track in Alberta consistently, so that is huge.”
The AGM is Thursday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Dinosaur Downs.
