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End of an era: Stettler Auction Mart changes hands

After two-and-a-half decades of tending to one of the oldest establishments in town – the Stettler Auction Mart – owners Jim . . . .
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The new owners of Stettler Auction Mart – Gary Rairdan and wife Leigh Rairdan (missing from the picture)

After two-and-a-half decades of tending to one of the oldest establishments in town – the Stettler Auction Mart – owners Jim Abel and Greg Hayden are passing on the reins to another committed family, the Rairdans of Stettler – Darrell, Darla, Gary and Leigh.

The new owners took possession of the auction mart on Monday, Oct. 17.

With no immediate off-spring willing to move to agriculture, both Abel and Hayden decided it was time for them to move on.

"We were looking for prospective buyers who are as committed as us," said Hayden. "And we are really happy that our business is going from one committed family to another. The Rairdans are locally raised agricultural people and are very familiar with the auction mart."

Abel and Hayden took over ownership in the 1990s from their father-in-law Charlie McKay, co-founder with Thomas (Ace) Pratt; together they founded the auction mart 63 years ago.

"Over the decades we have made renovations, adapting to the new technology in terms of both infrastructure and marketing," said Abel. "I will be helping out the brothers for the next three years, before retiring."

However, Hayden has different plans. Although he will still be working alongside the Rairdans for the next two to three months, Hayden looks forward to setting up an agricultural-cattle based operation out of Stettler with his son, Quinn Hayden.

"It is with a happy heart and a world of humility that we make this decision," said Hayden. "We thank the agricultural community of Stettler for their never-ending support, and Karen, myself, Jim and Marilyn would like to wish the new owners all the best in their endeavour."

Speaking of their new venture, one of the owners, Darla Rairdan said, "We have been in the agricultural industry for 114 years and both Gary and I grew up playing here at the auction mart, while our mothers – Marilyn LaRose and Norma Rairdan – finished their work."

"Gary and I have been friends since I was four years old, before I married his brother Darrell," explained Darla.

Darla recalled that her father, Paul LaRose, had worked with the original owners McKay and Pratt and while Gary's dad would haul pigs in at the auction mart on Mondays when the pig sale happened in those days, Gary and she would have a heyday, playing.

"Charlie McKay gave a quarter to all the kids," added Darla. "We love cattle, and even now we get our 'cow fix' from helping out at other ranches."

As the Rairdans look forward to their new venture, they are hoping to continue the tradition of this venerable and historic establishment, the Stettler Auction Mart.