Halkirk Herald
An estimated 1,000-plus fans watched Saturday’s 16th annual Halkirk Elks Bull-a-rama. The weather was beautiful and lots of folks brought their campers and spent the weekend.
Jillian Schaffner sang O Canada and the Ladies of the Heartland officiated at the grand opening.
Following the Cowboy’s Prayer, the entertainment began with the youngsters in the wild pony races and the ladies in the calf scramble, and then the first round of bull riding.
During the first intermission, a moving tribute was given to Canada’s fallen soldiers. It included a reading by announcer Les McIntyre and the flag-bearers were the Ladies of the Heartland.
Local rock band Paper Bag Skirt entertained and a group of adult riders on horseback promoted a new competitive sport that features shooting at balloons in the arena. It was a fun addition to the program.
During the second intermission, six mini chuckwagons from the Marwayne area raced. Local clown Johnny D added a laugh and the kids were entertained by a sand-pile full of coins.
The Halkirk seniors who ran the food booth were busy selling burgers and pop while GW High sold popcorn and cotton candy The Halkirk Hicks assisted with the 50-50 sales and Denise Marquart won more than $1,400 and Brook Johnson won $100.
And when the last cowboy rode the last bull, the winner of the trophy saddle, donated by Green Gate, was Armondo Davilla from Mexico.
The beer gardens were well attended, the dancing to Domino was fantastic and the fireworks were excellent. It just gets better every year.
Capital Power Corporation, formerly known as Green Gate, held a barbecue and information session last Tuesday in the hall. More than 150 residents who are interested in the Halkirk Wind Project showed up for the casual evening. All of the county councillors were present. Capital Power also set up a booth at the Bull-a-rama grounds Saturday.
Pictures for the Halkirk history book are headed to the printers this week.
Dale and Melody Kent spent 10 days at Fort Nelson in northern B.C. with Greg, Laura and Rob. They took a side trip to the Liard hot springs, which are close to the Yukon border.
Brian Kent from Camrose spent this past week with his grandparents, Dale and Melody.
Brody and Brandyn Baird were part of a group that attended the first East Central Hockey School last week in Stettler.
Riny and Leroy Soice from Calgary spent the weekend with John and Judy deMos and attended the Bull-a-rama. John and Riny are siblings.
Also attending the weekend activities were Wes and Betty Rammell from Medicine Hat. They stayed with cousins Kent and Evelyn Johnson.
On the previous weekend, a triathlon in Strathmore attracted 250 competitors.
Entered from these parts were Jennifer (Engel) Pekrul, who placed fifth, Sandra Johnson, who placed ninth, and Tina Ensign and Denise Marquart.
Congratulations to Greg Boxma and Candace Potter, who were married at the Missionary Church in Castor. A large crowd of family and friends attended the reception and dance in the Castor Hall. The newlyweds will make their home on the family farm north of Halkirk.
Rod Kneeland is a proud first-time grandpa, with the arrival of six-pound, 12-ounce Zackery Alexander Kneeland, who was born Aug. 6 to Shannon and Alisha in Red Deer. Congratulations.
Birthday greetings go out to Deirdrie Muncy, who recently celebrated her special birthday with family and friends.
Anne Neilson attended a family gathering at the Club Café in Stettler. In attendance were members of the Neilson, Fowler and Walker families.
Cecil Bird of Sydney, Australia, was in the area, visiting with sister Shirley Brodersen, Larry and Sandy and family, and with friends in the area.
Irene Schilling had two weeks to catch up with her grandson, Jesie Schilling of Wainwright. Margaret Kros and Jay, as well as Irene and Jesie, took a train ride that was enjoyed by all.
Alec and Deanna Mont-Briand from Qu’Appelle, Sask., spent several days camping and fishing at Canyon Creek, west of Slave Lake, with Kent and Evelyn Johnson.
Roy Haeberle has had lots of company of late. Visitors included Delbert and Ruby Jolly from Boyle, Ruby’s sister Ruth Kromm from Stettler, Paul and Beth Thibault from Red Deer, and Myrt Hooper and Gail McMillan.