We have all, on occasion, noticed the tall flare stacks dotting the countryside with flames coming out of them. This "burn" is performed to eliminate dangerous undesirable gases from deep below the surface where the oil is being extracted. Nowadays this process is initiated with electronic igniters but before this technology was invented and installed, the gases would have been ignited by a flaming arrow being shot up to the top of the stack. Imagine that! Our Historical Society has a photograph of an oil worker getting ready to shoot the flaming arrow. This would have been quite the dramatic sight to see.
The next regular monthly meeting of the Big Valley Historical Society will be on Tuesday, May 19 in McAlister Motors museum at 7 p.m. Their new building is progressing very nicely though they still have finishing touches to complete before they can get their occupancy permit from the building inspector. They are hoping to be able to start setting up the displays inside very soon.
Our tourist season is upon us. The weather has been great, everything is greening up and soon planting will begin throughout the village. Our local societies, volunteers, businesses and community members have been very busy during the past few weeks cleaning up and preparing the village for all the visitors we are expecting. Alberta Prairie Steam Tours will begin their train arrivals to Big Valley this month. The season opener is this Saturday, May 16, with trains scheduled to pull into the station on the following two Saturdays and two mid-week school trains visiting us on May 26 and 28.
The Big Valley Legion will be holding the presentation ceremony for their annual Poster and Literary Contest at the Big Valley School on Friday, May 22 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Congratulations to all the winners and we would like to thank all the students for their continued participation and excellent work carrying on the Legion's traditions of remembrance.
Don’t forget Big Valley’s annual Memorial Golf Tournament honouring brothers Elmer Kerbes and Lloyd Duncan takes place on Sunday, May 31. Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m. with tee off at 10:00 a.m. There will be lunch and lots of prizes. Everyone is welcome.