The Agricultural Society Board (ASB) hosted their Annual Appreciation Supper at Summerdale Hall on Thursday, Jan. 8, as a way to honour those who make significant contributions to ASB and the County of Barrhead.
The event included dinner and several short presentations on the importance of teaching children where their food comes from, and how a small family business blossomed into what it is today.
Luree Williamson spoke on behalf of Ag For Life, a not-for-profit organization based out of Calgary that works mainly with schools and communities on agricultural education, and rural and farm safety.
The organization is three-years-old, Williamson said, adding that they currently have numerous programs such as the City Slickers that are used to teach students about where their food comes from and the importance of farm safety.
Eddie Zdrodowski spoke about their family owned and operated winery, and the steps they took to get where they are today.
Shady Lane Estates has been years in the making, Zdrodowski said, adding that the wine is available for purchase at the winery itself and at various farmers’ markets around the area.
Zdrodowski explained the difficulties faced when growing strawberries and how the family overcame them over the years with innovative ideas.
The ASB also handed out various door prizes, including tool belts and gardening books.
Marvin Schatz, County Councillor and chairman of the ASB, started the presentation of awards after a slideshow of the properties being honoured.
Two properties for each division received an award for Rural Beautification, and two families received the 2014 Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award.
The Government of Alberta grants this award to properties that have remained in the family for over 100 years.
This year the Gelderman family and the Maykut family received the honors, which were presented by Schatz.
For more coverage see this week’s edition of Town and Country.
