July 2016 - Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society

PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE
As we move into July we are looking forward to a busy couple of months with
the Races, Rodeo and Fair taking place at the Track. Thank you to staff and
especially volunteers for their efforts into making the grounds look great.
Our kickoff event, the Half Marathon was a great success. We had an
estimated 1,053 runners – many more than we expected. Thank you to Rick
and many volunteers for helping out.
At the office we had a change in our bookkeeping position and we welcome
Richelle Skrilec to fill the position. Please drop by and say hi! Thank you to
Lorelei for her time and efforts while serving at MRAS.
As mentioned in my previous messages, we will be starting work on the
mechanic components at MRAS with the heating and hot water systems
getting a complete makeover. Please note below the current schedule which
may impact the availably of services at the Track:
Quonset & Quonset Washrooms
July 12 & 13 (Tuesday and Wednesday) - Removal and
installation of hot water tank and furnace, including gas
and electrical connections. Quonset washrooms closed.
July 14 (Thursday) – Installation of Quonset tube
heater. Quonset closed.
2016BOARDOFDIRECTORS
BrentFoster–[email protected]
President
RalphOnicul–[email protected]
VicePresident
MalcolmSills–[email protected]
PastPresident
AnnaMarieMullane–[email protected]
Treasurer
FayeWhite–[email protected]
Secretary
[email protected]
BarbCastell–[email protected]
Main Hall
July 18 (Monday) – Removal of furnaces in lower level.
July 26 – 28 (Tuesday - Thursday) – Installation of Hall
furnaces.
July 29 (Friday) – Installation of furnace in safe room.
Do we have water? Thank you to Malcolm and Frank for
fixing the electrical wiring issue needing attention at the
plant / well.
Last but not least – memberships! Becoming a member
of MRAS saves you time and money. The annual fee
allows you to get free admission to all events! Please
contact the office to get a membership or to the MRAS
website.
RickCharlton–
[email protected]
BillJackson–[email protected]
StaceyMcArthur–
[email protected]
ShaneDarling–[email protected]
See you at the Track!
Brent
Brent Foster
MRAS President
KarieWylie–[email protected]
NEWEMPLOYEE
Please allow me to introduce Richelle Skrilec, the new MRAS Bookkeeper /
Administrative Assistant. Richelle comes to us with a very strong bookkeeping
and administrative background including her own bookkeeping business, and has
knowledge in assisting Canadian non-profits and charities. She will be available
to assist with our larger events as needed throughout the season.
Richelle is in the office Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can
be reached at:
403.931.3411
[email protected]
Next time you visit the Racetrack please drop by and introduce yourself to Richelle.
Welcome, Richelle!!
- Kelly Dinning
EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITY
Spolumbo’s Fine Foods at the MRAS Concession is looking for a part time
employee from July to October.
The ideal candidate will:
• Be 16 years of age or older
• Have reliable transportation
• Have the ability to work as a cashier, deli clerk and complete other tasks as required.
To apply or inquire about this position please contact Michael Solobay at [email protected]
MILLARVILLECOMMUNITYLIBRARY
Summer hours for the library are:
Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, September 6th
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Encourage your children to keep reading over the summer by signing them up for the Summer Reading
Program at your local library. Here at Millarville we will be running our program on a drop-in basis, every
Wednesday from 10:30 am – 7:30 pm. The program is open to children from preschool to grade 6 and there
will be activities and crafts and of course lots of books to read!
MILLARVILLERODEO
We can hardly believe it but the 20th annual
Millarville Rodeo is right around the corner! Mark
your calendars – July 22 to 24th the Millarville
Racetrack will host the best FCA rodeo in the
foothills with nearly 300 contestants battling for
prize money and a coveted champion buckle. In
honor of our milestone anniversary, we have added
a few new features for 2016.
Come out on Saturday and Sunday is Pony Bronc
Riding. That’s right – young cowboys will be
matched up with ponies (think the Shetland kind) to
see if they can last eight seconds! If you’ve ever
had the pleasure of riding a pony in your youth, you
know they can often be a bit unpredictable. We are
thrilled be the first Southern Alberta rodeo to
showcase this wildly entertaining event.
After a multi-year hiatus, we are hosting a Cabaret
featuring Drew Gregory, 2015 ACMA Male Artist of
the Year. The Cabaret will be licensed for those 18
and over and will run from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on
Saturday, July 23. If you work up an appetite
dancing, you can grab a great bite to eat right at the
dance with food service being offered by the
fantastic Rusty Spur Catering. Tickets for the dance
will be available at the door for $15 each.
This year, we have made a change to our Local
Junior Barrel Racing event. It will now fall under the
FCA’s event “Peewee Barrel Racing.” We will still be
accepting local entries for kids 10 and under who
want to make their rodeo debut. Further details can
be found on the adjacent page.
Last but not least, the ever-popular Millarville
Musical Ride will perform prior to the Grand Entry
alongside trick rider Shelby Cummings. Don’t miss
Shelby’s death-defying performances on both
Saturday and Sunday.
With Calgary Stampede coming up, take a moment
to remember that the Millarville Rodeo is where
many of the pro’s you see in that arena get their
start. We’re very proud of our contribution to the
sport of rodeo, and we can’t do that without the
support of the rodeo fans and sponsors.
We would like to thank all our sponsors for helping
us put on a great show. Our presenting event
sponsors for 2016 are:
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Bowa Enviromental;
Pengrowth Energy;
Agriterra High River;
Sapphire Water International;
Rolling Mix Concrete;
White Moose Ranch;
UFA;
Okotoks Ford;
Fountain Tire;
Village Brewery; and
Foothills Auctioneers Stavely.
Thank you to our local rodeo supporters:
• Ron Scott Financial;
• Bar T5 Agra Services;
• The Antony Family;
• Rick and Lillian Dalton;
• Absolut Masonry; and
• Liberty Mortgage Services Ltd.
Of course, we also need to take a moment to
recognize the MRAS site sponsors:
• Okotoks GMC;
• Okotoks Ford Lincoln;
• Integrity Post Structure; and
• Crescent Point Energy.
Come join us to celebrate our milestone
anniversary! The rodeo runs Friday at 6:30 p.m. and
Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Adults are $15 and
kids 6-12 are only $5. Remember, if you have an
MRAS membership you get complimentary
admission with your membership. Unfortunately,
there is no camping available at the 2016 rodeo, so
please plan for a responsible ride home.
See you at the Rodeo!
MILLARVILLERODEOMEMORIES
By: MRAS Historical Committee
It’s hard to believe it’s already been 20 years
for the Millarville Rodeo. Since the first rodeo
in May 1996, the rodeo has faced weather
challenges and competition from other rodeos
but has persevered. The third weekend in July
is officially rodeo weekend at the Millarville
Racetrack.
The first rodeo committee was chaired by Rob
Bergevin and Gord Campbell. In addition to the
classic rodeo events – saddle bronc, bareback,
bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling and
First Millarville Rodeo Committee in 1997
barrel racing - there was cattle penning, a
western trade fair, beer gardens, children’s
area, Calgary Stampede Show Riders, and Stampede Queen and Princesses in attendance. Over the years
the Rodeo has showcased novice bronc riding, junior bull riding, wild cow milking, wild horse races, miniature
chuckwagon races, trick and precision riding, our own Millarville Musical Ride, mutton busting, team penning,
Friday evening family night, a huge Brahma Bull, various forms of shooting entertainment, wild mustang
shows and ranch roping demonstrations.
The goal of the first rodeo committee was to bring something new to the MRAS, to promote the sport and
engage youth in rodeo. They are associated with the Foothills Cowboy Association and stock contractors
Richards Rodeo Company and Pengelly Rodeo Stock. When the rodeo was held in May, the rodeo
committee would visit the local schools to promote the Friday evening Family Night with free tickets. One of
the most satisfying events was the “Magic Rodeo” on Friday mornings for special needs children. It really
meant a lot to these kids to be up close and personal with the animals and the cowboys.
As part of the Foothills Cowboy Association, the Millarville Rodeo is firmly committed to the FCA’s “Building a
Cowboy” program. Throughout the year they are involved in the Wrangler Rodeo and the High School Rodeo
circuit, offering the facilities at the Millarville Racetrack and providing volunteer support. The rodeo committee
continues to be involved in clinics and training for young cowboys and cowgirls.
Many of today’s top cowboys got their start at the Millarville rodeo - locals such as Sam Kelts, Tyler, Kyle and
Chad Thomson, Marty, Casey and Jake Vernon, Dustin Flundra, and Tommy Clarke to name a few. The flag
girls are all local and have come up through 4-H or Pony Club. There is always a local person to sing O
Canada and we have enjoyed hearing from the likes of Sandra Bull, Ashleigh Sandul, Maddie Thompson,
Stephanie Bergevin and Cassie Calloway. The rodeo is fortunate to have great announcing from Dave
Poulsen and Rob Bergevin. Rodeo clown Dennis Halstead is always a crowd pleaser.
The rodeo often hosts a dance or cabaret but the location has changed over the years from the Black
Diamond hotel bar, the Oilfields Arena, the Millarville riding arena and most recently, under the stars!
This year’s rodeo chairman is Dave Clarke, who has held that position more than once in the last twenty
years. There are quite a few members from that first committee who have stayed involved with the rodeo
over the years, or who have left and come back. Dave says it’s been a lot of fun and they could not have
done it without the tremendous community support and amazing volunteers.
SOUTHERNALBERTAPERMACULTURECONVERGENCE2016
There are many speculations about climate change, sustainability and what the future holds for us and future
generations. As individuals, many things are out of our control, but we can practice
Permaculture. Permaculture is a design system that aims to create sustainable human habitats, wherever
you choose to live.
Many Permaculture practitioners in our province are gathering together this July 8-10th in Turner Valley, to
host a Permaculture gathering including hands-on workshops, tours of Permaculture properties, and a
sampling of local/organic foods. Permaculture advocates aim to grow as much of their own food as possible,
reduce energy use, and increase energy efficiency in housing, economics and food production. Presenters
will offer workshops in: rainwater catchment, fermenting foods, creative facilitation, making paper,
sustainability and economics, making herbal salves, wildcrafting medicinals, video documenting your
(Permaculture) project, and using wildflowers in the landscape.
PRIDDIS&MILLARVILLEFAIR
Calling all owners of farming equipment – come ‘Along for the Ride’ at
the Priddis & Millarville Fair. There will be a TRACTOR PULL on
Saturday, August 20. Weigh in is at 8 a.m. and pulls are at 9 a.m.
and 1:30 p.m. FARM TRUCKS other than the first place winner from
2015 are eligible to enter in 2016 – this is a rule change for 2016.
TRACTORS, TRUCKS & ANTIQUE AUTOS please plan to join the
Parade of Power around the racetrack at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
We’d love to have your equipment for display on Sunday too.
For all Fair enthusiasts - have you searched through the 2016 Fair
book to find the classes that catch your eye? Once you’ve decided
what you are going to enter, you can submit your choices online at
primil.fairmanager.com , mail in your paper entry form (in the back of
the fair book) to the MRAS office or drop off your entry form at your
next visit to the racetrack. The deadline for entries is August 14.
The Fair Committee is very excited to offer “3 Little Pigs” as our raffle prizes this year (see next page for
details). They are on display at each Farmers’ Market – stop by the ‘Pig Pen’ near the Information Booth and
have a good look. We are selling raffle tickets for $5 each and the proceeds will be shared with Rowan
House Emergency Shelter.
$5 RAFFLE TICKETS
To win one of 3 little pigs!
A one-of-a-kind,
not-so-little garden pig
A lovely, ceramic pig
to grace your home
A cute, motorized pig
to entertain your family
Draw will take place
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
at the Priddis & Millarville Fair
- ONLY 2000 TICKETS PRINTED Proceeds split between the Priddis & Millarville Fair (75%)
and Rowan House Emergency Shelter (25%)
RUNTOTHEFARMERS’MARKETWRAPUP
The 5th annual Millarville “Run To The Farmers’ Market”
on June 18 drew 1,200 registrations, helped by a team
of 150 local volunteers. The event, an MRAS fundraiser,
has quadrupled in size since its first year in 2012.
“The event is about 73% female, high by any
comparison with other events, even though our course
is pretty tough,” said Race Director Rick Charlton. “But
we’re fairly unique with the Millarville Farmers’ Market at
the finish line and our finishers medals created by a
local Farmers’ Market artisan. And, of course, COBS
Bread cinnamon buns on the course. People have a lot
of fun,” continued Rick.
The event is divided into four categories - a 21.1km half
marathon, a two-person half marathon relay (legs of
9km and 12.1km and the eclectic COBS Cinnamon Bun Run 8-Miler with its “Bunner” and “Runner”
categories.
About 55% of participants came from Calgary but about 40 came from Millarville addresses, up from only two
in 2012.
Aaron Swanson, an Okotoks native, won the men’s half marathon in 1:14:21:67 while Trisha Drobeck of
Missoula, Montana, fresh off a February appearance at the USA Olympic Marathon trials, won the women’s
side in 1:21:57:93.
In the COBS Cinnamon Bun Run, Andrew Drobeck of Missoula, an experienced Ironman triathlete, managed
to stop and down two cinnamon buns along the 8-Mile route as a “Bunner” while still getting to the finish line
ahead of his male 8-Mile “Runner” counterpart, Derek Campbell of Calgary. That earned Drobeck a $75
bonus. He told us he was taking only about 15 seconds to down each of the buns. Drobeck finished in
47:32:36, averaging 3:41 per KM wire-to-wire in spite
of his pit stops.
Annie Hird of Calgary missed accomplishing the
same thing on the women’s “Bunner” side, finishing
only nine seconds behind her 8-Mile “Runner”
counterpart Ella Hnatyshyn of Calgary. Annie was
taking about one minute to down each of her
cinnamon buns after dipping them in water. The
ladies averaged a smoking pace of 4:32 and 4:33
per KM respectively. All four 8-Miler course records
fell on the day.
The Race Committee would like to thank COBS Bread, Centennial Village Okotoks (Kelly & Lee Hodgins),
OK Tire Black Diamond/Kumho Tire (Justin & Jolene Friesen), Foothills Animal Hospital (Dr. Miranda Logan),
Sobey’s Okotoks (David Gilbert), Country Food Mart AG Goods, Black Diamond (Mark & Rachelle Muller),
Essex Lease Financial Consulting (Russ Paton), Greidanus Honey Mill (Graham Strom), Bar T-5 Agra
Services, Millarville, RBC Dominion Securities, Calgary South, RBC Global Asset Management, Franklin
Templeton, JKR Excavating, Impact Magazine, Running Room, Okotoks Ford, Crescent Point Energy and
Okotoks GMC for their generous support of this event. Please support these community-minded businesses
where you have a chance.
See you on Racetrack Road on June 17, 2017!!
54th Annual Flower Festival
Christ Church Millarville
Sat. July 23 & Sun. July 24
Tea served on Saturday only
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $6.00
Children 6 & under: $3.00
Church Service on Sunday, 11:30 a.m.
All Are Welcome
GOLF TOURNAMENT WRAP UP What a gorgeous day we had for the 3rd annual Millarville Racetrack & Agriculture Society Golf
Tournament! The Turner Valley Golf Club provided a perfect backdrop for a fun, relaxing day of golf
followed by a luncheon and Silent Auction. Although we had fewer golfers than previous year, we still raised
close to $7,000 towards matching government grants to provide upgrades to our facility – this year
concentrating on the MRAS Hall.
First place was captured by Team Schweiger (Fred Schweiger, Jason Douglas, and Rob Baron).
Second place to Team Vernon (Kevin, Terry & Rochelle Vernon & Darcy Rose).
Most honest bragging rights: Team Bull (Gerald & Sandra Bull, Bob O’Callaghan & Joan Allwarden).
Early Bird Draw was won by Team Dawson (Norma Dawson, Judy Kenny, Anita Gaylard & Jean Whyte).
Skill prizes were as follows:
Men’s Closest to the Pin
Women’s Closest to the Pin
Men’s Longest Drive
Women’s Longest Drive
Men’s Longest Putt
Women’s Longest Putt
Closest to the Stick Pony Corral
-
Bill Ward
Marney Delver
Mike Duerholt
Heather Lunn
Malcolm Sills
Karen Vernon
Dave Lynn
Sand Draw went to Larry Delver and Water Draw to Marty Vernon.
We would like to thank all those businesses and individuals who donated items for the Silent Auction, our
fantastic volunteers and especially our sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t have a golf tournament. Special
thanks to CountryG 3D Design & Printing for the great 3D “GOLF” keychains for all the participants and
volunteers. I personally would like to thank the Golf Committee, consisting of Norma Dawson, Kelly Dinning,
Catherine Duerholt, Gail Dziuba, Bill Jackson, Edith Morlidge and Suzanne Sills for their dedication to making
this tournament a success. Many thanks to staff of The Turner Valley Golf Club, especially Julie in
Tournaments, Blake in the Pro Shop and Kelly in Catering.
Silent Auction donators (in no particular order): Cathy Scatterty, John Barlow MP, Canada’s Sports Hall of
Fame, Calgary Blues Music Association, Jubilations/Aussie Rules, Fairmont Banff Springs, Highwood Golf
and Country Club, Priddis Greens, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Royal Tyrrell Museum, Calaway Park,
Wintergreen Golf and Country Club, Butterfield Acres Farm, Heritage Park, Green Gate Garden Centres,
Kruger Products, Woodland West, Jean Whyte, GolfTec, Whissell Contracting Ltd., D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club,
Eau Claire Distillery, Catherine Duerholt, Canem, Eco Liquor, Valley Liquor, Anita Gaylard, The Corner
House Café, RBC Turner Valley, Big Rock Breweries, Chuckwagon Café & Cattle Co., Okotoks Home
Hardware, Okotoks Eyecare, Bill Jackson, Saskatoon Farm, Boothill Gallery, Blue Rock Gallery, Hotel
Blackfoot, Turner Valley Golf Club, Pearl Laycraft, Rona Black Diamond, Home Depot, We Wash Windows,
Nature Arranged, Tupperware by Stacie, Ginger Laurier, Donna Kendall, One on One Studio, Angie
Denovan, Marney Delver.
Volunteers: MRAS Golf Committee listed above as well as Betty Foran, Anita Gaylard, Judy Kenny,
Jeannine Lewis, Myrna McKay, Tom Walls and Patty Webb.
Our Sponsors:
See you next year -­‐ June 5, 2017 at the Turner Valley Golf Club MILLARVILLEMUTTSWRAPUP
By: Genevieve Moreau
What a year!
The Millarville Mutts and Mustangs 4-H Club
wrapped things up with their Achievement Day on
May 15 at Three-Point Stables. The archery, canine,
and photography competitions started at 10 a.m.
and continued until noon, when the members,
spectators and guests were treated to a potluck.
After lunch, the horse show carried on until 3 p.m.
when the placings were handed out.
The club's energy was still pumping several weeks
later at 4-H on Parade. Led by Jackie Rawn, Dan
Glatt and Jill Oliver, members had their families
bursting with pride. Competing with clubs from
across the region, the club proved the work ethic of
its members.
In the horse show, Elyse McAteer, Joel Evans and
Kailey Morrison came away with highpoint, while
Dylan Todd, Joel Evans, and Isabelle Ladiges
placed 1st, 3rd, and 1st in their divisions in "Jeopardy
Trail." Our senior horse members even won the
Level 4-7 division of "Horse Bowl!”
Three members from the club showcased their
photographs in the competition. All of them
presented wonderful pictures that they should be
very proud of. Congratulations to Nicole Oliver for
winning 1st with her gorgeous night photograph!
In the canine project, Joy Den Haan and her dog
“Sneakers” came in 2nd in beginner showmanship
and beginner agility. Meanwhile, Nathan Glatt and
his dog “Roxy” took 3rd in advanced showmanship
and 4th in advanced obedience.
At the Club Banquet, everyone's hard work was
evident when awards were handed out.
For the equine project awards, the Reserve High
Point winners were Bailee Smith, Dylan Todd, Elyse
McAteer, Chloe Van Aelst and Rachel Glatt. Jeremy
Hartmann, Kiera Sweeney, Amara Furgala, Harry
Rawn, Kailey Morrison and Megan Rawn were the
High Point winners.
The canine Reserve Champion winners were Daniel
Wantenaar and Harry Rawn, while the Grand
Champion winners were Maggie Powell and Nathan
Glatt.
In the archery project, the Grand Champion winners
were Jolene Bohn, Ashley Carver, Greg Oliver and
Nathan Glatt.
In photography, the Reserve Champion was
Veronica Moreau, and the Grand Champion was
Genevieve Moreau.
Awards for excellent record books in all categories
were given to Nicole Oliver, Greg Oliver, Kailey
Morrison, Veronica Moreau, Harry Rawn and
Genevieve Moreau.
On June 18 the members of the club volunteered at
the Millarville Run to the Farmers’ Market. They
stood along the sidelines and cheered the runners
on. Later in the day, many of the club members
from all the projects participated in the Okotoks
Parade. The members thoroughly enjoyed these
events and are excited to participate in them next
year!
Finally, the members of the Mutts and Mustangs
would like to thank their sponsor, Bar T 5, for their
generous support to the club. Throughout the year,
the club received many fantastic deals on products
that were needed.
Overall, it was an exciting year - congratulations to
all! With new members learning the ropes and the
more seasoned members in university, it was a
challenging time for all.
SHEEPCREEKWEAVERS
In Celebration of our 40th anniversary we had a 70’s celebration. We were honored by the attendance of old,
present and new members. Following our final business meeting of the year we enjoyed an uproariously
funny Thursday Morning Live, (our version of Saturday Night Live) including Lois Milner reading highlights
from past meetings, skits from 70’s shows and an ABBA Karaoke featuring instruments recreated using tools
of the trade, and of course there were commercial breaks.
We will also be celebrating our 40th anniversary with a Fleece to Shawl Competition on August 20, 2016 as
an Exhibit at the Priddis and Millarville Fair. Each team may include one weaver, two spinners, two carders
and one alternate. Only five team members can be working on the shawl at one time. Competition will be
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The Shawls will be auctioned off by Silent Auction to recover costs of the competition.
A $100.00 prize will be awarded to the team producing the shawl with the highest Silent Auction bid. There
will be a $25.00 entry fee for each team. Entry fees include the coated fleeces for the shawls, pancake
breakfast, snacks and beverages. Registration will close once a maximum of five teams have registered.
Have fun showing off your Guild or Team’s skills and register for the SCW 40th anniversary Sheep to Shawl
Competition.
TERRY ALLWARDEN AD – July 2016
290108 Parkins Road W. BRAND NEW LISTING
Immaculate and stunning walkout home on 9.86 acres of trees and horse meadows. Beautiful 2 storey situated to capture miles of magnificent views of the Rockies and valley view to John Ware Ridge. Family property with 4 large bedrooms up, large principal rooms, enormous family/games room and cozy home theatre are some of the special features of this one owner home. Value price for our current market. $949,000
DeWINTON
Polo Club Estates: Beautiful 6.5 acre parcel of raw land with great slope for a walkout basement. Perfect location next door to Strathcona Tweeds-­
muir School yet very private. Mountain views, paved access and good water well. $399,000. Registered riding trails with rail fences.
WEST DeWINTON - NEW DRIVEWAY AND ARENA SITE.
10.5 Acres: 2 miles west of Strathcona Tweedsmuir School & the Calgary Polo Club. High on a hillside with full sunny south exposure, mountain views to the west. NOW $675,000. This property is beautiful!
4 Acres west of Millarville. A small piece of country heaven! Delightful parcel is a perfect mix of meadows and ever-­
greens, groomed like a city park! Build your dream home and enjoy true peace and quiet. Paced access on dead end road complete with 5 GPM wa-­
ter. $294,000
MILLARVILLERACINGANDAGRICULTURESOCIETY
403-931-3411/403-931-2404
Box68Millarville,ABT0L1K0
www.millarvilleracetrack.com
OFFICEHOURS
TuesdaytoFriday9a.m.to4p.m.
Saturday7a.m.t03p.m.