Richard Froese

Alberta has a rich foundation of agriculture, culture and history.

Agriculture was in the spotlight as the Alberta government hosted the annual Alberta Open Farm Days from Aug. 17-18 as an opportunity for people to tour farms and find out where food comes from.

Many city folk still think that food simply comes from stores.

While farms all over Alberta promoted the industry and product, just one farm from the High Prairie, Falher, Peace River and Slave Lake regions participated.

Hedibuilt Farms south of Faust celebrated two days and drew about 600 people.

Despite the wet weather on the first day, everyone had a great time – down on the farm.

The High Prairie and Peace regions have a strong agricultural base. Farmers and community leaders occasionally ask government to provide more support to food producers.

Alberta Open Farm Days is a time for local farmers to do their part.

But yet, why did only one local farmer take the opportunity to showcase and promote the valuable industry

Program organizers encourage farms in local cluster areas to participate to allow citizens to visit a variety of agricultural sectors in close proximity.

Provincial promoters states 2024 was the 12th annual Alberta Open Farm Days.

Around 2005, a similar event was a big hit in the Falher region.

Back then, about seven agricultural operations in that area opened their gates to celebrate the agricultural industry.

That inspired a local organization to rent a school bus for a tour.

About 30 people, from babies to seniors, boarded the bus that travelled around the Falher area and north to Nampa.

Those on the tour had a fun and great time and the farm hosts loved the opportunity to promote and explain their farm industry.

Alberta Open Farm Days in the local regions can get bigger and better only with more local farmers participating.

Culture Days returns from Sept. 1-30 as an opportunity to discover, experience and celebrate arts and culture through local events and activities.

Peace River Municipal Library will host about 14 activities over the month, as the only local community listed on the Culture Days schedule of events on the government website.

High Prairie and Falher are not on the list after events were held in each community last year.

However, two other major cultural events are scheduled for the High Prairie area during September, although not listed on the Culture Days calendar.

The second annual Indian Relay Races will be held Sept. 7-8 at the High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo Grounds

After that, the annual Triangle Harvest Festival that returns Sept. 14.

Celebrate the rich culture in local communities and around Alberta.