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Action-packed weekends in store for Big Valley

Big Valley will be a hub of action next weekend with some rodeo and slo-pitch tournament on the go.
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Big Valley Bulletin. FILE PHOTO

Linda Stillinger

Big Valley Column

Big Valley’s annual Bust Out Rodeo takes place on Friday, Jul. 28 and Saturday, Jul. 29 at their brand new rodeo grounds located at the north end of the village. Rodeo events begin at 7 p.m. on Friday followed by their annual dance. This year they also have a fireworks display scheduled for Friday night. Catch all the rodeo action at 7 p.m. on both days. For more information contact Tom Cassidy at 403-740-3488.

In addition to the Bust Out Rodeo, the Big Valley Fire Department will be hosting their annual Slo-Pitch Tournament on July 28, 29, and 30 with a full concession and some great ball. Come out and enjoy a burger and some good times with friends and family.

On Saturday, July 29 they will host their famed steak supper at the Big Valley Ball Diamonds. Enjoy a great meal made by our firefighters just for you. They will be serving steak, beans, baked potato, salads, buns, juice, coffee and of course those great desserts. Supper starts at 5 p.m., so get there early to get the best desserts!

Then on Sunday, July 30, the Fire Department present their annual pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m. at the ball diamonds. Enjoy great food with friends and of course your volunteer fire department. On the menu will be scrambled eggs, pancakes, hash browns, ham, juice and coffee and if there are leftovers, upgrade your ham to steak.

Proceeds from these events go toward the purchase of vital tools and equipment for the Big Valley Fire Department so come on out and support your local firefighters.

In the midst of all this action there will be four trains coming to the village, beginning on Thursday, July 27 with the train arriving at 4:10 p.m. and departing at 6 p.m. On both Friday, Jul. 28 and Saturday, July 29 the train will pull into the station at 4:10 p.m. and leave at 6 p.m. Then on Sunday, July 30 the train will arrive in the village at 12:40 p.m. and depart at 2:30 p.m.

The following weekend of Aug. 4, 5 and 6 brings the 14th annual Métis Hivernant Days to Big Valley. 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 p.m. come meet the train as it arrives at the Big Valley station 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 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 will begin 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.