Linda Stillinger
Big Valley Bulletin
The countdown is on! This year Big Valley’s annual Bust Out Rodeo takes place on July 28 and 29. Rodeo events begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, followed by a dance and fireworks. Come out to enjoy the pancake breakfast on Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. and take in the steak barbecue hosted by the Big Valley Fire Department beginning at 5 p.m. Catch all the rodeo action at 7 p.m. daily. For more information contact Tom Cassidy at (403) 740-3488.
The 14th annual Métis Hivernant Days comes to Big Valley on the weekend of August 4, 5 and 6. Organized by the Hivernant Métis Cultural Society, this annual three-day family event is a great opportunity to discover Métis history and culture. On Friday at 4:00 p.m. come meet the train as it arrives in Big Valley proudly flying the Métis flags then enjoy traditional dancing, musicians, storytelling and snacks at Big Valley’s Jubilee Hall on Main Street.
Saturday’s activities begin with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by the 10:00 a.m. opening ceremony at the Jubilee Hall. Enjoy horse-drawn Red River Cart rides, try your hand at sash weaving, beading, capote and drum making, or fiddle lessons, or take part in the bannock making contest and the children’s games and crafts. Wrap up the day’s activities at the supper and dance beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Jubilee Hall.
On Sunday the Voyager games begin at 8:30 a.m., the church service is at 10 a.m. and there will be a talent contest from noon till 4 p.m. featuring jigging, singing, fiddling and prizes. Come on out to Big Valley to experience Métis history, culture, music, crafts and dance at this fun, family friendly weekend. For more information contact Marlene Lanz at (403) 815-6720 or 1-800-267-5844, visit the website at www.hivernantmetisculturesociety.net or email mlanz@shaw.ca.
July birthday wishes go out to Karen Damen – 2, John Balcom – 3, Dale Mailer – 9, Emma McMullin – 11, Chris Laisnez – 12, Abby Tizzard – 14, Ernie Patrussa – 14, Zeke Thurston – 15, Jim Paul Jr. - 16, Craig Gordon – 18, Shauna Laisnez – 19, Blair Stewart – 20, Sonny Stewart – 20, Wilf Dressler – 21, Scott Schell – 22, Jack Skocdopole – 22, Julie Ponto – 22, Don Enns – 22, Lacey Dyck (Stewart) – 23, Rick Tizzard – 26, Jenny Houle – 26, Lorne Fraser – 27, Kelli Clark – 28, Les Mulbach – 29, Kelsey Mailer – 29, Margaret Lane – 31, Bob Spence – 31, and Serena Ponto – 31.
Happy anniversary to Wayne and Phyllis Garrison – 1, Allen and Dina Clark – 2, Andrew and Janet Stewart – 2, Albert and Lori Reule – 7, Walter and Alana Stefanik – 11, Ken and Rose Johnson – 15, Gordon and Priscilla Brown – 15, Edgar and Gabby Siegrist – 19, Doug and Jennifer Brown – 19, Doug and Crystal Bardwell – 20, Dave and Kim Brandon – 22 and Ron and Vi Milton – 29.