Barrhead has done it again.
Less than two weeks after the end of the 55-Plus Summer Games, hailed as one of the best in living memory, Barrhead hosted the Blue Heron Fair Days.
Long-time Barrheadians, newcomers and visitors were of one opinion: the three-day fair was a sensational – or should that be sun-sational? – success.
Yes even the sun emerged from its summer slumbers to come out to play. And for that we must all be extremely grateful since so many of the events were outside: the parade, rodeo, ball tournament, mounted shooting, Fresh Air cinema and children’s activities.
Nobody should have taken the success of the fair for guaranteed. In the days leading up to it, there didn’t seem to be much talk, or great sense of anticipation, about what the Aug. 9-11 weekend promised.
Perhaps Barrhead was suffering from a post-Games hangover. Understandable, given the amount of work such a showpiece occasion demanded, with people from around Alberta converging on the town for four days.
Well, when you have a hangover, the only treatment is a tonic. What better tonic to revive the party spirit than the Demolition Derby?
The growl of engines, acrid stench of fuel, and pulse-pounding sound of metal slamming into metal is guaranteed to whip up a frenzy of excitement.
That’s what happened on Friday evening when a bumper crowd filled the stands at the Rodeo Grounds. Every thump and crash was greeted with a roar of approval.
During any pause in the action, announcer Steve Lyster kept everyone in good humour with jokey anecdotes. Announcing is a tricky affair, requiring mental agility and powers of improvisation as you constantly deal with the unexpected.
Steve is a natural for such occasions, injecting fun into everything that happens, even when there is a glitch.
Saturday saw a wonderful mix of activities to keep children and adults constantly entertained. Once again the rodeo proved an irresistible draw, with the Barrhead area well represented.
Junior bull riders Ryder Bailey, from Fort Assiniboine, and Mayerthorpe’s Dayne Johner impressed onlookers, as did local cowboy Edwin Perrin when the day ended with the eagerly awaited bull-riding event.
Nearby the arena, children’s faces were illuminated by a variety of activities, including a petting zoo, giant slide and bouncy castle.
Meanwhile, a stone’s throw away was the exhibition hall featuring an historical railway display. What can one say to do justice to this amazing railway?
With its detailed design it was a huge hit, and we can only hope the LaBaJa club returns to Barrhead with its award-winning layout.
So yes, it has truly been a marvellous summer of sport, culture, fun and friendship. And when it mattered the most the sun emerged to bless us all.
