The newest board of the Drumheller & District Agricultural Society is looking forward to this year, with  site improvements and a variety of events scheduled.
    Despite its hurdles, the local non-profit Ag Society seems to have its nose to the grindstone in getting things done. A casino fundraiser put $10,000 in the bank for the society, and they’re working on improving the grounds with a spring cleaning blitz that includes painting, and generating new ideas for adding some revenue.
    “We’re in the midst of putting together a sponsor package to help fund some of this (projects/events),” said Ag Society President Bryan Telford.
    Telford said they are working on events to get the public’s interest back into the barn.
    First Vice-President Rhonda Gill has been working on securing bookings for a Spring Fair for the barn, similar to the Christmas fair held there this past December.
    “I was approached by people (vendors), so decided to try something different,” she explained, adding the Ag Society has a few different committees working on projects.
    In addition to a number of weddings, the stampede grounds this year will be hosting the RCMP Musical Ride in July, the “Loud As Hell” metal concerts for September long weekend, BCA pool finals, and four dates for the stock cars. The “Boogie in the Badlands” car show is scheduled again for the downtown core in May. Earlier this week, the society learned “Tough Mudders” is coming to Drumheller and the Society will be a host partner.
    Telford said they’re working with the chuckwagons, but they can’t get a date set, and they’re also wanting to schedule miniature bulls for the August long weekend.
    The miniature bulls are a smaller version of the actual rodeo bulls for youth aged 7 to 17. Telford said he was thinking about mutton busting at the same time as they would go hand in hand, but it depends on dates and dollars to get it off the ground.
    “What would the area like to see? What would interest them to come up here?” Telford asks.
    He would appreciate community input and encourages people to email their ideas to him at b.telford@hotmail.com.

The Hussar Community Hall is one step closer to realizing its new look, thanks to a $150,000 donation from Cenovus Energy.
    On Wednesday afternoon, representatives of the company were at the Sundowner Senior Centre to make the presentation to the  Hussar and District Hall Maintenance Society to support its renovation project.
    “At Cenovus we are committed to making sure that communities where we are living and operate are stronger because we are there,” said Mandy Bishop, Senior Advisor, Community Investment, Cenovus Energy. “We work with our community partners to build better futures together and we want to share in our success.”
    She stresses the importance of the hall to Hussar and its surrounding communities. The company also utilizes the hall for its monthly safety meetings.
    Bishop said she worked closely with the association to learn what their needs were. She explains that Cenovus’ community investment focuses on education, sustainable communities and safety.
    “This one really fits with the sustainable community piece because it helps build community capacity,” said Bishop.

    The hall was built in 1979 and while it has been well maintained over the years, it was time for some upgrades. The association has already tackled some of the issues including storage space. The next phase will be an upgrade to its electrical, plumbing, washrooms and kitchen.
    Cenovus is supporting the kitchen renovation aspect of the project. This includes plumbing, replacing cupboards, and counters with modern and functional stainless steel fixtures. There will also be new oven and fridge space and a more functional layout.
    With this donation, they will be renaming the area the “Cenovus Kitchen.”
    “Our hall is a gathering place, like all halls are, for all ages, for clubs, wedding dances, showers, etc., our hall is used extensively,” said Kathy Dundas of the Hussar and District Hall Maintenance Society.
    “Thanks to Cenovus we are able to start this project a little sooner than we have planned, and on behalf of the Hussar and District Hall Maintenance Society and the whole of our community, we really appreciate your generous donation.”
    The Association has been working hard to complete the project. Earlier this year  they were the winners of the UFA Rural  From the Roots Up Contest and received $50,000. Chinook Credit Union also contributed $25,000 to the project.