For the past 19 years, the Halkirk Elks have been bringing the bulls to town and they will be here, again, on Saturday afternoon. The gates open at 2 p.m. and the Ladies of the Heartland will perform the opening ceremonies at 3:30 followed by mutton busting with 4-to 6-year-olds, wild pony races for the 7- to 14-year-olds and the ladies’ goat races. Les McIntyre will be the announcer for the saddle bronc and bull riding. Camping is available, kids entertainment, food booth, beer gardens, fireworks ad a dance provide a full day of activities.
On Friday, Aug. 1, the deMos’s took their miniature mare and foal to the Stettler library to visit with the kids in the summer program. The foal is unnamed and the youngsters tried hard to come up with a suitable name.
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Elaine Dahmer Towpich, who passed away on Aug. 4. Elaine had recently moved to Heritage House in Stettler. Services were held at the Halkirk Hall with interment in the Halkirk cemetery followed by a gathering of family and friends. Elaine’s story is on page 466 of Home Fires.
John Romfper from Smoky Lake, formerly of Halkirk and Castor, passed away on Aug. 2 just a few days short of his 100th birthday. A private ceremony was held. Sympathy goes out to his family.
The Theaker sisters, Helen, Lois, Thelma, Clara and Cory and their families, a total of 32, met for a family campout at Crimson Lake, near Rocky on the long weekend. At this time the family celebrated Helen and Ian Whyte’s 40th wedding anniversary. Helen was given her mom’s ruby ring, a present from their dad on their 40th anniversary.
Birthday greetings go out to Marge Wiltse Baker, who celebrated her 80th birthday at the Lynn Valley centre near Penhold on Aug. 2. Marge’s five children, Pam, Laurie, Calvin, Bruce and Darwin and their families plus her sisters Lennice, Phylis, Eunice, Isla and her brother Lynn were among the 68 guests. Vera Airey also attended.
All the family planned a surprise birthday party for Doris Cordel, on Aug. 16. A group of family and friends met at the bull a rama grounds for a pot luck supper, cake and visiting. All of Doris’s siblings, Don of Edmonton, Dianne of Olds and Wayne from Halkirk and their families, were able to attend. Her family sends out a BIG happy birthday to Doris, who celebrates her 60th on Aug. 19.
Hanna Saari, an exchange student from Finland who lived with Dick and Ann Creasey in 1997, attended the Creasey/Hansel wedding in August. Hanna now makes her home in Dallas, Texas and was thrilled to meet up with a few of her former classmates.
The family of Bill and May Jamieson gathered last weekend for a reunion and campout at Ross and Sheryl Bunbury’s. Bill and May, who live at Points West, were unable to attend but 25 of their 28 great-grandchildren were the honoured guests and stole the show.
Dale and Melody Kent along with Dwight and Lina Kent travelled to Camrose to help Geri and Gordie Waterston celebrate their 56th anniversary. Dale, Dwight and Geri are siblings. Last weekend Melody gathered with her sisters in Camrose to help Catharine McKnight celebrate her birthday.
John and Judy deMos were in Calgary to help John’s sister Riny and her hubby LeRoy celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It was a perfect time to visit with lots of relatives and old family friends.
Fran Nish, who makes her home between Calgary, Arizona and Australia, stopped in town for a visit with Anne Neilson and several other friends this week.
HALKIRK HERALD