3 minute read

Showcase of Community Spirit

Showcase of Community Spirit

Tammy Hewitt - Reporter

Holden Farmer’s day showed generations of community members working together.

On a cloudy, cooler day the Holden Agricultural Society held an event in the Town of Holden that had something for people of all ages. Starting with a parade, featuring the many organizations that keep this town thriving, continuing on with kids’ activities, markets, car show and music. In addition to the events of the day, a few businesses were also open for event goers to enjoy.

(Tammy Hewitt/Photo)

As Beaver County CAO Rosemary Offrey (with Mayor of Holden Tyler Beckett) sold tickets for the inflatables and the Ninja Course, she commented that “it takes unity of organizations to have a successful event.” She believes that the town has always been this way. She went on to say that “many amenities of town are run by volunteers year round.” This was part of why last year the town adopted a new logo “Holden Has Heart”.

In the complex there was much to see with kids’ activities and a vendors market. Families enjoyed different inflatables with things like a ball pit, ninja course, bouncy castle and the Balloon man. To the other end, was the Beaver County 4-H Club Achievement Day Display which has been involved with this event since 2018.

(Tammy Hewitt/Photo)

Neila Nelson, whose family has been involved in 4-H for 10 years said, ”It is always a great day of connecting with neighbors after a busy seeding/calving season.” She was seen enjoying a homemade burger made by the Holden Fire Department.

As to the success of this year’s event, Assistant Fire Chief Dave Marko shared that last year their BBQ didn’t even happen due farmers having a late seeding season. “It was great to see so many people out this year.” Other communities groups such as Holden Rural Academy and Holden’s Legion Branch 57 also had food to enjoy alongside the concession.

The car show portion had a few choice vehicles and motorcycles. Due to the recent rainy weather there were fewer than usual participants though. Due to the recent rainy weather there were fewer than usual participants.

As a true agricultural community that was also a non-profit petting zoo run by Tiffany DeHaan who was there with her two girls. She remarked, “After COVID, I moved my oldest daughter and I out to the country and started this to give people something to do outside. I like seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces. It’s (also) good to bring the animals to the city for kids that don’t live on farms.” The petting zoo had ducks, chickens, sheep and her daughter’s playful pony named “Alcapony”.

(Tammy Hewitt/Photo)

To top off the event, there was a music jam with a country flavor at the Holden Community Hall with various artists.  Some were from our own town of Vegreville such as soloist Tatia Boone and a band made up of Len Sakaluk (banjo) of Vegreville, Terry Williams (guitar) and Deb Hill (mandolin) with another unnamed member playing guitar.

Later on, a supper and late snack was held at the hall with DJ entertainment followed by fireworks for anyone who wanted to stay.

This article is from: