GRASSLAND - Grassland School has the motto ‘Small School. Big Heart. Bigger Community Spirit’ for a reason and they showed it once again last Friday, marking the thirtieth year since the school had its very first annual Turkey Trot and Terry Fox Run.
Students and staff hit the road Oct. 14 in the always popular event that sees participants complete a nearly eight-kilometre circuit from the school then north to the Kravontka home for a well-earned break for a campfire hotdog and a drink, some friendly puppies, and some kids’ play, before heading back.
Longtime resident Donnie Kravontka has been a part of the big day in Grassland since the inaugural event in 1992, opening up the property to the walkers, including staff, parents and community members who make sure the kids stay safe on their trek, which is a fundraising effort for the school combined with the annual Terry Fox Run.
Volunteers from the Grassland Fire Department also played a big role as they do every year, escorting the group, that numbered around 50 people this year, as they make their way north, blocking off a portion of Highway 63 for a short time until the students meet the gravel road, and then making sure the route is kept clear from there. Buy-Low in Boyle supplies the snacks.
Not all that much has changed in the last 30 years, but next year is going to be a lot different, as the gracious host makes a trek of his own away from the farm.
“I’m leaving, but hopefully whoever buys the place will keep the turkey trot going,” said Kravontka, adding he was looking forward to taking part in the yearly tradition later in the day, that sees a group photo taken from atop the roof of his home.
“I’ve been supporting that school since we’ve lived here in, 1991-92, and we’ve been taking care of the community through all the different groups, and I’ve been on every committee in this town. The ladies that you see here today, were kids here … There’s a lot of tradition here. My kids usually come home for this but none of them could make it today.”
Kravontka said he got involved when his own kids were in the school and his wife was the principal. He notes that while the event has been postponed a few times since the beginning, it has only happened a few times.
Every year he stokes a large campfire in the driveway, which is ready for the group when they arrive. Parents and staff hand out the buns and dogs, while the friendly, resident canines keep the kids entertained while they roast their lunch on the open fire. There’s also a tug-of-war rope and other games and activities.
Grassland School principal Larry Irla is in his first year at the school and said the turkey trot is one of the bigger fundraisers the school holds to help with field trips and other learning opportunities, with a portion going to the Terry Fox Foundation as well.
“Grassland is such a tight-knit community,” Irla said. “It’s a good way to connect with the community and a good way to show that the school is connected to the community and involved in the community … We may have delayed traffic for a minute, but I think people are excited to see this going again.”
Parental Advisory Council president Kelly Chamzuk said she loves that the event is now spanning generations with parents who took part in the first events now watching their kids walk down the same gravel road to the Kravontka farm as they did.
“It's a small community that has generational ties that help make these functions happen. We're very well-supported by our local people and local businesses. Those generational bonds really tie the community together,” she said, pointing out the school has raised more than 80 per cent of its $3,000 goal, with $2,512 coming in so far.
