Stettler County hosted the 47th Annual Community Service Awards on March 6 at the Stettler Agriplex.
The awards honour "exceptional volunteers in agriculture, recreation and culture" throughout the County of Stettler.
Additionally, Stettler County is celebrating 70 years in 2025, a milestone which was recognized during the celebration.
County Reeve Larry Clarke and Councillors Dave Grover, Ernie Gendre, Justin Stevens and Paul McKay were all in attendance for the event, as were several county staff.
Lorraine Hankins had Reeve Clarke come forward to give greetings from the county to start things off.
"It's great to see this room full again," said Clarke, by way of opening. "We're here to celebrate you, our people who bring our communities alive."
Following Clarke's welcome, Stettler Agricultural Society director Neil Heck went forward to take over as the emcee of the evening.
"It takes a whole community to make these things go," said Heck.
It was then time for supper, a catered meal including roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, a variety of salads and a variety of desserts put on by T.C.'s Catering.
Before and during supper, guitarist and vocalist Amanda Hawkins entertained the crowd in her debut solo performance.
Once the supper dishes were cleared, it was time for the main event.
The first award presented was the Stettler Dodge Community Service Award presented by Brook Doan and Kelly Hicks of Stettler Dodge. The award was presented to Bernie Jackson of Wells Furniture for her many years of dedication to the community.
Next up was the Atco Arts, Culture and Heritage Award, presented by Perry Christian and Colleen Crowie of Atco to Karen Wahlund of the Stettler Museum.
The third award presented was the Erskine Social Recreation Community Service Award, presented by Holly Moir from Vision Credit Union and Stettler County Council. Justin Stevens. The award was presented to Anthony Jackson, though being unavailable, was accepted on his behalf by his niece Avery Chick.
Fourth was the Sullivan Lake West Agricultural Society Community Service Award, presented by John Schofer of the Society. The award was presented to Raelynn Knowles, but as she was absent, Schofer also accepted on her behalf.
Next up was the Donalda & District Agricultural Society Community Service Award, presented by Teresa Kneeland of the Donalda Ag. Society and Jamie Comchi of ATB Financial. The award was presented to
The Big Valley Youth Agricultural Society Community Service Award was next, presented by Andrea Webster of the Big Valley Ag. Society and Scott McKenzie of TD Bank Group. The award was presented to Riley Baird.
Stettler and District Agricultural Society was presented when Jenna Watson accepted that society's Community service award from Dwayne Martin of the Ag. Society, and Lindy Fuchs and Brandi Page of Scotiabank.
The next award presented was the Rochon Sands Hall and Rec Community Service award, presented by Shawna Benson. The Award was presented to a couple, Blaine and Nadine Brison.
Red Willow was represented next, with the Red Willow Agricultural Society Community Service Award, presented by Junae Arnfinson. The award was presented to another couple, Lee and Janet Adam.
The final award of the evening to be presented was the Endmoor Youth Community Service Award, presented again by John Schofer and Shannon Kavanagh of the Royal Bank of Canada. The award was presented to Alerie Sorenson.
The Stettler County Community Service Awards will be hosted by the Westwoods Agricultural Society in 2026.
