News | DrumhellerMail

Stampede and Ag Society soldiers on

    While they have been through a difficult season, the Drumheller Stampede and Ag Society is continuing to thrive and appear to be getting stronger.
   The Ag Society has been in a state of flux over the past couple seasons, with changes to the executive and the loss of the WPCA. Mike Hansen, president of the Drumheller and District Ag Society, said it has been a lot of work to have the community take a second look and build trust.
   “I think we have made good progress,” said Hansen.
   While it appeared to be a blow to lose the chucks, they have soldiered on.
   “The chuckwagons were here for eleven years, which is really good for a lot of things. Often, events have a lifespan of about six years,” said Hansen.
   While it wasn’t WPCA, the Ag Society brought in the Alberta Pony Chuckwagon Association and had a successful show. Hansen said they are already in the planning stages for next year’s show. He says the entertainment value of the Pony Chuckwagon and Chariots is better with more close exciting finishes.
   “The guys want to come back, they really enjoyed it,” said Hansen.
   He said they are aiming for a four-day show on the August Long Weekend, and they are looking at more than 50 wagons coming for the event. A tarp auction allowing locals to get in on the action to support drivers is slated for March 16.
   While the Ag Society is excited about bringing the pony chucks, they are certainly not a one trick pony.
   The Society is continuing to work with the IMCA to bring car racing to the track. Other racing outfits are also interested in coming to Drumheller.
   Last year they were able to get the Drumheller Demolition Derby off the ground, although it was not the success they hoped it would be. They are already looking at how to rebuild the famous Drumheller event.
   Other regular Drumheller events continue on, including the Christmas Bazaar, which enjoyed its third year. “It will definitely carry on,” said Hansen.
   To build support for their events, they have begun themed dinner events on a regular basis. On February 9, they brought the Chevelles to the Stampede barn for a concert to help raise funds for their events.
   There are all kinds of opportunities for those interested to get involved with the Drumheller and District Ag Society. For more information, call 403-823-9339.

Cenovus partners with Drumheller Family Literacy

    Cenovus Energy is helping residents of Drumheller get started on the right literary foot. On Saturday, January 26, the energy company donated $45,000 over three years to Drumheller Family Literacy.
   The money will be used to support programs to increase literacy for both children and adults in Drumheller.
   “Cenovus is pleased to support Drumheller Family Literacy,” said Leanne Courchesne, Cenovus group lead, community investment. “The project offers tremendous learning support to many youth and families and we’re excited to be a part of that. We strive to be a good neighbour and support the communities where we live and work.”
   The goal of Drumheller Family Literacy is to increase literacy and educational supports for families and children and help raise high school completion rates from 72 per cent. Drumheller Family Literacy also assists adults, roughly 38 per cent of which struggle daily with low literacy levels.

Cenovus donated $45,000 over three years to Drumheller Family Literacy on Saturday, January 26. Present for the donation were Laurie Armstrong (left), Mayor Terry Yemen, Cenovus group lead Leanne Courchesne, Drumheller Family Literacy Coordinator Louise Henrickson, and Shelly Frisky.

Mayor to receive Jubilee Medal

    Drumheller’s Mayor Terry Yemen will be a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
   Yemen learned last week that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has selected Mayor Yemen to receive the award.
   According to a letter from FCM Preisident Karen Leibovici, the award is in honour of the contributions he has made to the community and to all of Canada. The medal is being sent directly from the Governor General of Canada.
   “Your peers in local government across the country admire your accomplishments as a community leader and congratulate you on earning this prestigious award,” said Leibovici in her correspondence. “FCM chose you to receive this distinction for your exemplary efforts to make your community a great place to live. It recognizes the important role municipalities – and their elected leaders – play in ensuring our prosperity and high quality of life.”
   The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized. The medal was created by the Government of Canada to mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years of service to this country.

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