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Weekend after next is annual Hivernant Métis Days

This past weekend Big Valley hosted their annual Live Steam Days.

BIG VALLEY BULLETIN -- This past weekend Big Valley hosted their annual Live Steam Days. There were some marvelous model steam engines and vintage cars showcased on the grass area across from the McAllister Museum. The sound of the whistles and chug-chugging of the engines echoed throughout the village. Thank you to the many dedicated exhibitors, whose efforts to produce and showcase these wonderful machines make our Live Steam Days possible.

Did you know that in the early 1920s Big Valley had an exceptional baseball team? The team got as far as playing Edmonton for the provincial championship. Some of the players on the team were Len Murray, Roy Chapman, Joe Stotzel, Perry Cavanaugh, Sloak Dorman, Chukaluck, Dogey Spencer and the Lewis Brothers. Unfortunately, when the CN relocated from Big Valley, the team broke up.

Yet baseball and slo-pitch have continued to be very popular here in Big Valley, with both kids and adults forming teams and holding various tournaments every summer.

Come on out and support the Big Valley Fire Department when they host their annual ball tournament, pancake breakfast and steak supper on the Aug. 5 weekend. More information to come.

The Big Valley Library would like to remind area parents and kids about our Summer Reading Program. Come join us at the library every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, beginning at 2 p.m. for crafts, fun games, treats and of course, some great books. Everyone is welcome. Children under five must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, stop by the Big Valley Library, phone 403-876-2642 or check us out on facebook.com/bigvalleylibrary.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 13th annual Hivernant Métis Days which come to Big Valley on July 29, 30 and 31. This annual three-day family event is a great opportunity to encounter Métis history and culture. Weekend festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 29 with the arrival of the tourist train proudly flying the Métis flags.

Come experience traditional dancing, musicians and storytelling at Big Valley’s Jubilee Hall or check out the trapper’s camp and teepees. Visit vendors offering traditional crafts, take a horse drawn Red River Cart ride, or try your hand at various crafts, drum making, or fiddle lessons. The weekend will include a church service, talent contest and a supper and dance. For more information contact at Marlene Lanz (403) 815-6720, 1-800-267-5844, visit the website at www.hivernantmetisculturesociety.net or email mlanz@shaw.ca .