Blue Heron Fair Days to go ahead

BARRHEAD-Blue Heron Fair Days are on.

After a year long hiatus, the Barrhead Agricultural Society has decided that they have enough time to organize the fair, which will take place on Aug. 14 and 15.

Barrhead Agricultural Society president Jackie Miller said the board decided to go ahead with the fair following a June 27 meeting.

"We did not want to have to cancel Fair Days for another year because of the pandemic, which is one of the reasons why we decided to wait so long to make a decision," she said.

Miller added that when Premier Jason Kenney announced on June 18 that the province had met its target of having 70 per cent of Albertans over 12 years old receiving their first COVID-19 vaccinations, the potential of hosting the event became feasible. Meeting that target meant that under the province's Open For Summer plan, the restriction on indoor and outdoor social gatherings, has also been lifted as of July 1, along with the requirement for physical distancing and masks.

"It will be on a smaller scale, but the fair is on," she said, adding the biggest casualty of the restrictions was the demolition derby.

Barrhead Demolition Derby president Ashley Mast announced the cancellation of the popular event via a June 16 Facebook post, citing the inability of organizers and competitors to plan for the event due to uncertainties surrounding public health restrictions.

The pared-down event, as it stands, will consist mainly of the rodeo.

On Saturday, Aug. 14, the rodeo will start at 5 p.m., while Sunday's performance begins at 1 p.m. A "slack" or overflow competition will also take place at a time yet to be determined but will be held sometime Sunday morning.

For the children, the organizers have arranged for the Balloon Fairies, artists from Edmonton specializing in balloon animals, face painting and storytelling.

During intermission, there will be a host of children's rodeo events, such as sheep riding, a boot race and a calf scramble.

She added they are also looking into other entertainment possibilities for those who are not rodeo fans.

Miller noted that they are also in the process of applying for a beer garden, adding there is a bit of a process to undertake through Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), but said she is confident they will receive approval in time.

However, she reiterated that the 2021 version of Blue Heron Fair Days, will be a scaled-down version.

"We are still not sure if we will have a parade," she said, adding they are currently polling residents if they want a parade and/or are willing to volunteer and be part of it.

Tickets for the performances are $10 for adults, while tickets for children six and up are $5. Children five and under are free.

Wildrose Rodeo Association (WRA)

WRA president Glen Nash said they are thrilled to have Barrhead on the circuit once again.

"We are happier than hell to have Barrhead go. Most of our rodeos that were scheduled [before the lifting of restrictions] for the summer have confirmed," he said. 

According to the WRA website, there are 11 WRA, Lakeland Rodeo Association (LRA) and Foothills Cowboy Association (FCA) sanctioned events in July and August. Three more rodeos potentially to be added to the list. 

With having so many events over such a short time, the Barrhead Leader asked Nash if he was concerned about having enough stock animals or that there would be enough competitors.