TRACK WATCHSeptember 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS

Farmers’ MarketJune 17 to October 7

Millarville Chuckwagon & Chariot RacesSeptember 8 to 10

Millarville Community Garage Sale

October 7

Millarville Fall HarvestOctober 7

Millarville Christmas Market

November 9 to 12

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MILLARVILLERACING AND

AGRICULTURALSOCIETY

Office Hours Monday to Saturday

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

403-931-3411 / 403-931-2404Box 68 Millarville AB T0L 1K0www.millarvilleracetrack.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brent Foster - mraspresident@gmail.comPresident

Ralph Onciul - rtonciul@telus.netVice President

Malcolm Sills - mrsills55@gmail.comPast President

Anne Marie Mullane - penruddock@gmail.comTreasurer

Faye White - faye@countrygables.caSecretary

Barb Castell - brcastell@thecowboytrail.ca

Rick Charlton - millarvillefarmershalf@gmail.com

Bill Jackson - willy.17@telus.net

Dwain Lowe - dwainlowe@shaw.ca

Katrin Wittke - katrin.wittke.cal@gmail.com

Greetings from the Track!

It’s hard to believe it’s already September! We are excited to report that we had a great season of events. A huge thank you to the event leads and many, many, many volunteers that assisted with the events this year. The 2017 Priddis & Millarville Fair was a great success with many folks enjoying the two-day event. Thank you to the local community of first responders for joining us! There was plenty of food, prizes, animals and fun to be had. Thank you for those who participated in the auction; who knew a pie could go for $400+. Proceeds of the auction go to help MRAS.

A new event is coming to MRAS in September. The Alberta Chuckwagon & Chariot Association is coming to our facility to race September 8 to 10, headed up by the Heritage Rodeo Committee and volunteers. Races are scheduled to start Friday evening at 6 p.m., with a beer garden and entertainment. Saturday and Sunday will start at 3 p.m., with Saturday keeping the beer garden open until dark with some live entertainment to keep everyone on their feet.

With only three board meetings left in the 2017 term, the board is focusing on year end. MRAS has received word from Alberta Gaming of our next casino placement, and we are scheduled for January 11 and 12, 2018. More details to follow regarding volunteering for this fundraising event.

Have a great September everyone. As always, if you have questions or concerns regarding things at MRAS, please feel free to give me a call or find me at the track.

Brent

Brent FosterMRAS President

SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2017 Alberta Chuckwagon & Chariot Association

21+ TEAMS OF CHUCKS & CHARIOTS!

FRIDAY START 6:00 P.M. SATURDAY START 3:00 P.M.

SUNDAY START 3:00 P.M.

BEER GARDENS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Saturday FARMERS’ MARKET 9-2pm

& Silent Auction in Beer Garden

ADMISSION $10/PERSON 8 AND UNDER FREE WWW.MILLARVILLERACETRACK.COM 403-931-3411 CHUCKS@MILLARVILLERACETRACK.COM

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2017 PRIDDIS & MILLARVILLE FAIRSubmitted by: Suzanne Sills, on behalf of the Fair Committee

The 110th Priddis & Millarville Fair is a wrap! The weather was perfect, the crowd was steady, and the volunteers, exhibitors, and visitors were all smiles. Of special note was the attention that visitors paid to the bench exhibits, the animals and the information made available through enhanced signage. The grandstands scattered around the grounds were used extensively for viewing the demonstrations and competitions. You know things are working when people say “we’ll be back next year”.

One of the highlights of the Fair is the opportunity to take home a special souvenir:

• 2800 ribbons and approximately $17,600 in prize money will bedistributed to the exhibitors

• We auctioned off two quilts, 15 pies, and two decorative sheaves• The raffle prize of a patio BBQ and $500 meat package was won by a Priddis woman who purchased her

ticket from a Rowan House volunteer at an Okotoks Dawg’s baseball game. The portable BBQ was won bya Calgary man who went home with his prize.

• 200 painted rocks, 300 decorated cookies, 50 bird houses, and lots of sheaves and handmade ropes• Countless photos of smiling faces and events you don’t see everyday

Three people received Outstanding Exhibitor/Contributor awards – Karen Deck, Ralph Onciul, and Jackie Rawn. Their nomination letters will be published in future editions of Track Watch.

Hosting an event of this magnitude is a team effort and the Fair team is one of the best. It takes an incredible effort over a solid 10 months that starts with incorporating learnings from the last Fair. In addition to the army of volunteers on site during the Fair, many people work behind the scenes to create the Fair Book, our posters, manage all the exhibitors and their entries in ShoWorks, and get the entire racetrack grounds ready. The Fair continues to thrive because of the enthusiasm and heart that these volunteers give so generously.

If you want to contribute to next year’s Fair or have suggestions for it, let us know at fair@millarvilleracetrack.com.

A WONDERFUL 110TH PRIDDIS & MILLARVILLE FAIRSubmitted by: Lorretta Stabler, Millarville Historical Committee

Outstanding volunteers selflessly donating countless hours. Proud exhibitors, incredible exhibits, awesome judging, and interested visitors/audiences created an agricultural foundation for a fantastic Fair celebrating 110 years. Here are a few “snapshots” highlighting this year’s Celebrating Milestones.

Very detailed pencil drawing of her father’s cowboy boot!

Authentic team and hayrack with moving parts. Horses hand carved from carving wood. Real horsehair mane and tails, leather harness. This is like the one I used to feed cattle with in the winter. When you had a long haul and got cold, you would tie the lines up, then run behind to warm up. You could sit on one of the poles out the back to rest, or keep out of the wind. You had to be careful not to let your team get away on you. It was usually not a problem as the team was old and tired on the 4-mile haul.

These toys were originally made by my Grandmother in the early 1930’s. They were made from flour and sugar sacks stuffed lightly with rags. They had hand carved wooden feet and leg supports. They were all hand-stitched with heavy thread. Cow’s horns were rooster claws, ears, leather mittens, teats were carved from wooden match sticks, sheep wool from old coat linings, and pigs tails were pipe cleaners. She used real horse hair. They were all hand painted with her oil paints.

Award of Excellence - Junior Art and HandicraftJessica Caldwell (Ages 15 -17)

Award of Excellence – Adult Art and Handicraft Team and Hayrack by Lorne Maull

Restoration of my Old ToysLorne Maull

This is the year for big celebrationsA great year of importance for manyWhen we think about our wonderful nationsThis has been a great big year of plenty.

We all get together to celebrateAnd we always have fun and make memoriesCanada’s one hundred fifty to dateThis year will be in a lot of stories.

When children are playing out and aboutActivities with our families are funAnd they all play before they are tired outWe hope this fun time will never be done.

This is a big year for everyone hereBut all too quickly the end will appear

Shakespearean Sonnet Katrina B. (Ages 12 - 14)

“When I was in elementary school, Gramma Kosling was all about embroidery and we had 6 colors of thread. We stitched and stitched. One of us would read a book out loud while the other one stitched - we shared. Then she got sick and I spent years and years doing everything else. Then I discovered embroidery thread that was bigger, brighter and “off the wall”. With a little practice, I was able to do Gramma’s stitches and more.”

Award of Excellence Adult Fibre ArtsDonna Kendall

Award of Excellence — Junior Cooking & Baking Brooke R. (Ages 11 years and under)

The stars shine brightOn this cold summer’s night.Wind blowing everything away,The rain seems to forever stay.

The moonlight covers allOn this cold night in fall.Thunder crackles across the sky,The storm finally says good-bye.

The sun calls us outSo we can all play and shout,The sun finally came to stay,On this warm winter’s day.

The Three SeasonsElle L. (Ages 12-14)

Time stands still A moment plucked from its continuumThere is nothing but the here and nowThe whole world has paused to breathe

Fresh mountain air fills my lungsI am so alive in this momentSo attuned to nature’s heartbeatOne with the rest of the world

Above me, a hawk rides the air currentsFor the sheer, effortless, joy it brings himHe is wild and free, above the cares of the worldFor he knows no other way

The brilliant afternoon sunlightWashes over me in waves, cleansing meThis morning it was simply a glimmer of hopeReaching out across the horizon

My feet are nestled in a bed of wild flowersTiger Lilies and Shooting Stars blooming amidst the greenA backdrop of pine trees forms my stageMy soul wants to dance and sing

All around me the mountains rise

Their peaks thrust up into the sky on all sidesForming a ring of which I am the centerGrounded and yet ever changing

Wind rustles through the long grassThe evergreens sway to its musicIt kisses my cheeks gentlyWhispering stories that I wish I could hear

Here I can fly on belief aloneHere the world is such a beautiful thingHere I can act whichever part I choose without fearHere I have no doubts about my existence

I am grounded and centeredI can see the universe working in perfect tandemBalancing and flowing to give us our experiencesEven in the hectic world below

Standing in such inner peace and serenityFeeling so alive in this mountainous paradiseFlying on wings akin to those of the hawkI can only remain in open, childlike wonder

This world is such a beautiful place to live inIf we can only let time stand still.

Standing StillEmma D. (Ages 15 - 17)

When I hear it’s comingI always come runningto see this great eventwatching it makes me feel contentI have my fair bookto lookat what I will enterwith my attention at center.

Working hardmaking a cardI wait for the big dayI say.

Feeling like a ray of sunshineI can’t wait for the fun timethat I will have at the fair today.

Celebrating Milestones is the thememy entries are just as I dreamedlooking at all the things around meI seea happy timewhich is why I made this rhymeabout the fairthat I really careabout.

My Thoughts About the FairReese G. (Ages 10 - 11)

Thank you to the exhibitors who gave permission to reproduce their poems and to Carol Papworth for photos.

YOU CAN WIN THIS ATV!!

Tickets: $20

Only 500 tickets available

Draw date: November 12,at the Christmas Market

Tickets available at theMRAS office: 403-931-0334

MILLARVILLE HERITAGE RODEOThank you to the Millarville Heritage Rodeo Committee for assisting with the Vulcan Rodeo on August 19-20 and continuing to build our rodeo connections among the neighbouring communities.

OCTOBER 7, 2017 MILLARVILLE HARVEST FESTIVAL

Join us for the final 2017 Farmers’ Market, our Annual Garage Sale and fun

Register as a single or a team of 2 for the HORSESHOE CHAMPIONSHIP

Contest for largest ROOT and VINE Veggies: Carrot Potato Pumpkin Squash

Gourd Zucchini Beets Turnip

Children’s Harvest Craft Area, BBQ, Pies, Entertainment and Fun

Contact the office to Register for Horseshoes or enter your veggies (403-931-3411)

MILLARVILLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALEIt’s that time of year again — time to start going through your house and barn and getting rid of unused and unwanted items for the annual Millarville Community Garage Sale on October 7!

The sale is in conjunction with the final Millarville Farmers’ Market of 2017, and will be indoors at the Racetrack arena. Any previous vendors or local residents (MD of Foothills & Bragg Creek) may register and pay at the MRAS office in person, via email at garagesale@millarvilleracetrack.com, or by phone at 403-931-3411 up until September 23.

Registration for any other vendors will open on September 25.

Tables are: $15 each for one or two $10 each for three or more

Payment by: Debit, Visa, MasterCard, cash, or cheque with identification.

Arena location preference will be given to previous vendors paid up by September 23, followed by new local residents. After that, payment must be received prior to assigning a spot and anyone registered but not paid by the registration deadline will forfeit their requested position in the arena. On September 25, it is a first come, first served placement upon payment.

Go through your unwanted treasures and get ready to register for the 15th Annual Millarville Community Garage Sale!

FAMILY PHOTOS

Get your holiday photos ready early!

We have a photographer coming to the final Farmers' Market of the year and Harvest Festival on October 7.

Please call the MRAS office at 403-931-3411 to book your session.

An Open Invitation to our Community

Because our community matters.In times of change and uncertainty, know that ATB is here. Here to listen, to hear your story. Here to provide smart, simple and helpful banking solutions. Here to see how we can make banking work for you.

Save the date! You're invited to an open house. Tuesday, September 19, 20176:00-8:00pmSheep River Library, Turner ValleyRSVP to Marlene at mryks@atb.com

Or stop by and see us—we welcome the opportunity to chat!

Marlene Ryks, Branch ManagerATB Black Diamond, 122 Centre Ave West

403-933-6190 | mryks@atb.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR - THURSDAY JANUARY 11 AND FRIDAY JANUARY 12

VOLUNTEERS WANTED MRAS is at the CENTURY CASINO in Calgary

We are looking for volunteers to help us work a January 2018 Casino to support the facility.

If you are interested in helping out, please contact the office at

403-931-3411 or office@millarvilleracetrack.com

TRACK WATCH ADVERTISING

Track Watch is a publication of the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society. It is published

monthly, with an emphasis on activities here at the MRAS and around the community.

MRAS welcomes articles and advertising materials for Track Watch from our community members, user groups, local businesses, and

community groups.

If you would like to place an advertisement in Track Watch, please contact

the MRAS office at 403-931-3411 or office@millarvilleracetrack.com.

PRICING

1/4 page ... $40 per issue or $160 for 51/2 page ... $85 per issue or $340 for 5

Full page ... $165 per issue

HALLOWEEN HOWLWe need your help!

We're looking for a volunteer to organize upstairs of the Halloween Howl. This year, the Howl takes place on Saturday, October 28.

In this volunteer role, you’ll work closely with the MRAS staff, who will help with printing posters and shopping for the event.

Role responsibilities include:• Advertise the event in Track Watch and Millarville School

newsletters• Put up posters at the Millarville School• Send a thank you letter for MRAS sponsorship of the event to be put in Track Watch and the

Millarville School newsletter• Recruit volunteers for:

• Set up and take down• Greeting• Helping in the kitchen • Candy bag sorting • Organizing games• ProServe bartender• Pumpkin judge• An emcee

If you're interested in volunteering, at the Halloween Howl, please contact the Shanna Dunneat sbdunne@xplornet.com or 403-931-2193.

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MILLARVILLE ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2015 MILLARVILLE RACETRACK RIDING ARENA

10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

INDOORS – RAIN OR SHINE Please be advised there will be a $3 parking fee as this event is held in conjunction with the last day of

the Millarville Farmers’ Market for 2015

If you would like a spot at the garage sale, contact jwhyte@telus.net or call Jean Whyte at 933-3331 for information.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS