We can always tell summer is almost here when we begin to notice an increase in the bustle around our village and Alberta Prairie Steam Tours begins to gear up for two train arrivals to Big Valley per week. This weekend will have trains arriving on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. The Saturday train, which will arrive at approximately 4 p.m., is a "limited" train which includes a stage show, therefore volunteers will not be opening our local facilities for touring until 5:30 or 6 p.m. Sunday's train is the Father's Day special and will arrive at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Big Valley is very excited to be hosting a Canada Day BBQ in the village again this year. We hope all of the new people moving into Big Valley will feel welcome to come out and enjoy this family oriented 'block party' style community event. Everyone is invited to come out to the Jubilee Hall, enjoy some hotdogs and watch the kids play super fun games. Be sure to poke your head outside at around 11 p.m. and watch the fireworks display down by the ball diamonds. Hope to see you all there.
Several volunteers from the community of Craigmyle travelled to the community of Big Valley last summer to transport the lighted "100" sign to their community. The sign has been and is still proudly displayed at the entrance into the Craigmyle hamlet. Craigmyle wishes to thank the community of Big Valley for the use of this sign. Craigmyle, like Big Valley before them, is gearing up to celebrate their centennial. July 17-19 promises to be a fun filled weekend for all those in attendance.
The Big Valley Historical Society had an interesting couple visiting the museum this past week in search of information on the lady's grandfather who was born in Big Valley in 1926. The family name was McAdam and they lived south east of Big Valley in the Ozark School area. The couple was very delighted when photographs of the great grandfather and great grandmother holding the grandfather's older brother were found. The lady had never seen photos of her great grandparents before. The couple left very excited and were heading out to find the Ozark schoolhouse and have a look around that area. The Historical Society is always thrilled to find information in their archival collection when visitors come searching for family histories. They have quite a bit of archival material, including five different history books, as well as over 5000 photographs, and various maps and documents.