In small towns all across North America, one of the major highlights for residents both young and old is the annual rodeo and midway.
It doesn’t matter where you go — north or south of the border, or on the east or the west coast — there is a county fair, an ag fair, or an expo of some sort.
And these events draw big crowds from within the area and without, often marking the most exciting weekend of the year in town.
Whether it’s the amateur cowboys looking to make a name for themselves on the circuit, the trade show that brings a unique shopping experience to town for the weekend, the often-nauseating midway rides or the carnies offering passers-by the opportunity to spend $5 to win a $2 prize, these events have a timeless appeal. It is most certainly in the best interest of Westlock and area residents, then to chip in and help get the Westlock & District Ag Society’s racetrack moved from its currently location directly south of the Jubilee Arena to its proposed new location on the Ag grounds to the west.
It certainly won’t be an easy task, with a hefty price tag of about $700,000, especially considering how much this community has given to the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre fundraising efforts — $1.1 million so far, and the Spirit Foundation hopes for another $500,000.
Considering the ag society has only raised about $12,000 so far, there’s obviously a long road ahead. But it need not be so tough if everyone plays a part.
The $700,000 price tag translates to roughly $50 for every man, woman and child living within Westlock County. If grant money comes available, or if some generous businesses step up, that amount could be reduced substantially.
With in-kind donations from the town and the county, fewer grants and donations will be needed. It’s true that many hands make light work.
What’s really at stake here isn’t just the racetrack, but as ag society secretary treasurer Cheyanne Erickson pointed out, it’s the whole fair that’s at stake.
And the whole fair, as most will agree, is perhaps the most entertaining and exciting weekend in Westlock, like it is in small communities across the continent. It would be a shame to lose that.
