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Ideas that could grow up to be columns
Chris Clegg
South Peace News
First, congratulations to all parties involved for convincing the Alberta government to take a good, long second look at the Seal Lake resource road grant application.
The M.D. of Big Lakes, Town of High Prairie, Peavine Metis Settlement and Northern Sunrise County all played a hand in getting the grant denial reversed.
The news was announced June 5 the project will be receiving the full $1.5 million. Now, the M.D. can proceed with tendering Phase 2 of the project.
It would be nice to be a fly on the wall, however, and know if the M.D.’s decision to spend another $1 million on the project had anything to do with the Alberta government’s move to reverse its decision.
After all, with so much commitment from so many parties, how could the government refuse, especially after the M.D. stepped forward with another huge chunk of dough?
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Second, it was nice to see someone step forward to revive the High Prairie Street Festival.
Marigold Enterprises will be holding the festival July 1. Their efforts should be applauded but why July 1? Why go head-to-head with the Pioneer Threshermen’s Association at Triangle and, to a lesser extent, Joussard?
In previous years, the festival was always held the second or third weekend in July. It was a perfect time. Not too much happening as everyone gears up for the High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo and people in town were looking for something to do. The festival brought huge crowds each year with everyone having a terrific time.
Again, great to see the festival revived but hoping it doesn’t affect attendance and volunteer recruitment for events at Triangle.
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Third, what a terrific evening June 6 at Boondocks Grill as the restaurant and Connie Sabo’s belly dancers group staged an evening of truly outstanding entertainment.
The evening had a full Mediterranean theme with a traditional meal of Arabic food, then the dancing.
It’s rare for a small community to see such an event. I was told restaurants are lucky to have one dancer perform. The local group, however, attended en masse with 10 dancers performing to entertain and delight the audience.
For me, the events I enjoy most each year in the region (when I can attend) are the Elks Pro Rodeo, North Country Fair, St. Mark’s Nativity Celebration, the Ukrainian and Repertoire performances and . . . this one!
Boondocks will be hosting another night similar to this in a month or two. Sabo’s group is also considering hosting a public performance at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre later this year. If they do so, don’t miss it!
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In closing, the M.D. of Big Lakes council should be embarrassed for not supporting Canada Day festivities at Joussard.
It’s hard to imagine why the M.D. couldn’t cough up $500 for this occasion.
“You’ll support the rodeo but not Canada Day?” asked Joussard Councillor Guy L’Heureux.
I’m certainly not against supporting the rodeo. I also agree with the M.D.’s decision to not support a Father’s Day Brunch in Joussard.
But this decision makes no sense. Councillors, this is Canada Day! It’s a special day to celebrate our country.
Frankly, this was a terrible decision!
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