From June 10-12 Busby-area residents will gather to enjoy Farmers Day, a celebration of agriculture and community.
Starting with the first pitch of the hamlet’s annual slo-pitch tournament, the event will play host to a parade, farmers’ market, chili cook-off, tractor rodeo and a variety of carnival-themed entertainments.
The festival, explained Busby Community League president Jen Stoby, has been a long-standing tradition for residents, giving them a chance to prepare for the heat of summer while celebrating the spirit of family that’s held the hamlet together for more than 100 years.
“It’s an excellent community event, but we also welcome people from all over,” Stoby said.
“Last year was our centennial so we’re keeping on with the tradition. The breakfast is phenomenal and there’s lots of free activities.”
“It also helps mark the end of seeding,” added community lead and Busby store owner Cathy Sehn. “It’s a day that we, as a community can get together and celebrate.”
Sehn still vividly recalls her first Farmers Day parade 20 years ago.
“We had so many kids on bikes. It was so flipping cute. Every year is different, so you never know what will be there.”
The parade is a regular fixture and represents a slice of life for residents, with classic cars, local RCMP and community organizations making an appearance, capped by the Busby Gymkhana Club, an equestrian riding club that helps promote and celebrate the area’s rural roots.
Though the slo-pitch tournament starts Thursday or Friday, depending on registration, the day’s official opening ceremony on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. prominently features the hamlet’s gymkhana riders.
“It allows our members come out and enjoy the day,” said club president Tracy Bruens.
“It just brings families and people together that want to spend time on their horses in a nice relaxed family environment.”
The weekend will also feature an actual gymkhana competition, with five riding categories, including barrel racing, flags and a novelty category.
Riders in the junior and open categories will be graded on a point system, with a prize for the highest score of the day.
“We have a bronc halter for the point-winner,” Bruens said.
Whether focused on Busby’s rural traditions, the food, or even just a chance to shake off the winter blues, Bruens added that the most important part of Farmers Day is giving residents the chance to enjoy one another’s company.
“There’s fast times; there’s slow times; there’s little kids going out there and participating. It’s lots of fun and we enjoy being part of the community,” Bruens said.
“It’s our way of representing.”
