The North American Chuckwagon Championship (NACC) kicked off on July 4 at Halstead Downs, offering attendees a heart-pounding spectacle that featured drivers from the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA). This nine-day event promised excitement and delivered in spades, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats with every thundering race.
From July 4 to 7, each evening at 5:30 p.m. (except for Family Day on July 7, when gates opened at 4 p.m.), skilled chuckwagon drivers faced off in fierce competition. The anticipation
culminated on Sunday, July 7, with the Championship race at 3 p.m. But the excitement didn’t stop there. Races resumed from July 10 to 14, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m., except on Championship Sunday, July 14, when they opened at 3 p.m., ensuring nine full days of adrenaline-pumping action.
Admission was accessible to all, with tickets priced at $20 per day and free entry for children under 12. Beyond the gripping races, the event boasted a variety of amenities. Concessions offered a range of treats, beer gardens provided refreshing beverages, and a merchandise booth sold souvenirs to commemorate the exhilarating event.
The NACC was more than just races; it was a celebration of heri -
tage and entertainment. On July 4, the Pre-Race Show featured the Heritage Heat, a tribute race between brothers Dale and Devin Mitsuing in honour of their late father, Ray Mitsuing. “It felt amazing to be out there on the track again, but to do it for my Dad meant a lot, I said this one is for you Dad,” said Devin Mitsuing, emotionally reflecting on the race.
The excitement continued to build with each passing day. On July 5, spectators were dazzled by trick riders, a spectacle repeated on July 11. July 6 and 7 added the thrill of Indian relay races. As the sun set, the big top tent came alive with music, with High Limits performing on July 4 and 12, and the Dirt Road Maniacs on
July 6 and 14.
The event paused for non-race days on July 8, with participants and supporters coming together for a Charity Golf Tournament at Rolling Greens Fairway, and July 9 saw the NACC’s commitment to community engagement with an Equine Therapy Mental Health and Youth Programs initiative, showcasing the healing power of horses.
Luke Tournier won the 2024 North American Chuckwagon Championship after 9 days of racing. This is the 2nd win and the 2nd in a row at the NACC for Luke Tournier and his team. Luke won the dash with his Outriders Sandy McKenzie & Quinn Langevin. Luke was also this years aggregate winner as well.
Vermilion 4-H Sheep Club Gears Up For The 49th Annual Achievement Day
Lorna Hamilton Reporter
Excitement is building as the Vermilion 4-H Sheep Club prepares for its highly anticipated 49th Annual Achievement Day, set to take place on Tuesday, July 23. This event provides an excellent platform for the club members to showcase their hard work and dedication to the public.
Over the course of the year, club members have engaged in a variety of activities and workshops designed to enhance their knowledge and skills. They have learned effective communication techniques, participated in hands-on grooming, nutrition, parasite management, and pathology workshops, among others. Armed with this valuable knowledge, the members are now eager to demonstrate their expertise at the upcoming event.
to the event, the club members find themselves fully immersed in washing, grooming, and diligently working with their project animals.
This preparation not only enables the members to refine their skills but also helps their project animals acclimate to the show environment. As a result, the members and their animals become more poised, attentive, and better equipped to follow the ring master’s instructions and respond to the judge’s inquiries. Furthermore, this thorough preparation significantly reduces stress levels for both the participants and the animals.
The highlight of the day will be the opportunity for club members to exhibit their market lambs and goats. Starting at 12:30 p.m., spectators can witness the impressive showcase of these well-raised animals
venue.
Enthusiastic buyers will have the chance to explore a wide array of options in the market, including three goats and 11 market lambs.
“The club has also done a charity lamb this year. The Flanders family is feeding a lamb that will be sold by auction at the sale. The children in the club voted and decided to donate the profits from the lamb to the breakfast programs at the three schools in Vermilion,” commented Dr. Becky Newman.
The event also presents a golden opportunity for individuals who are considering joining the club to gain valuable insight into the club’s activities. Attendees can even take part in leading a sheep around the ring and engage with club members to address
any inquiries they may have at 4:30 p.m.
Contrary to popular belief, 4-H is not exclusively for individuals with farming backgrounds or those involved in sheep rearing. It serves as an inclusive platform for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of sheep and acquiring diverse skills, all while fostering new connections within the community.
The Vermilion 4-H Sheep Club’s 49th Annual Achievement Day promises to be a memorable occasion, showcasing the remarkable achievements of its dedicated members. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 23, and come witness the incredible display of talent, dedication, and hard work at the Vermilion Ag Society Sheep Barn.
Junior Market Lamb 2023. Photo Lorna Hamilton
Lorna Hamilton Reporter
Reflections Funeral Home And KH Designs Restore Damaged Monuments
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Reflections Funeral Home and KH Designs joined forces on Wednesday, July 10, to restore and repair monuments at St. Helen’s Anglican Church cemetery, located southwest of Vermilion. The restoration effort took place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., following the discovery of damage to the monuments.
“The volunteers responsible for maintaining the cemetery contacted us to inquire about the cost of restoring the monuments that had been knocked off their bases, possibly by wildlife or another cause,” explained Candice Anderson, owner of Reflections Funeral Home. “I reached out to KH Designs and suggested that we both do something out of goodwill.”
In response to the situation, the two
businesses decided to donate their time, materials, and effort to restore the monuments. Corbin Huxtable from KH Designs and Jim Storch, an employee of Reflections Funeral Home, spent the morning placing the monuments back on their bases and repairing any damage.
“We are always looking out for our community and seeking ways to help where we can,” Anderson added.
This collaborative effort highlights the dedication of two local businesses to support their community and preserve its historical landmarks. The work of Reflections Funeral Home and KH Designs ensures that the monuments at St. Helen’s Anglican Church cemetery continue to stand as a testament to the area’s heritage and in remembrance and respect of those who rest there.
Dawn Hames Columnist
It’s the beautiful days of summer. Fresh strawberries are now in season, and when they are in season, they are at their freshest and the best prices. Strawberries are high in beneficial antioxidants and Vitamin C. Researchers have found that strawberries help regulate blood sugar. Three serving a week of strawberries have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammation properties. I recently bought a 1 pound, (450 grams) clam shell of strawberries and turned them into a wonderful dessert. This dessert is light and delicate, with just the right amount of sweetness. It works best with ripe strawberries. I have developed 2 variations of the same dessert, one using whipping cream, and the other is a low-fat version, for those with
Craig Baird Columnist
Back in July 1918, Vermilion was a booming place and while it
Strawberry Dream Bars
gall bladder problems in digesting fat.
Strawberry Dream Bars
Crust
1 1/2 cups graham wafers
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
Filling
3 cups of fresh strawberries, chopped
2 cups of whipping cream
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 pouches of Knox gelatin
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup hot water
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl combine the graham wafers, butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cut up one pound of washed strawberries (you will have approximately 3 cups).
Take the crust out of the oven and let it cool. Into a large mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of whipping cream, sugar and
vanilla. Beat until soft peaks are formed. In a small bowl add the powdered gelatin and the room temperature water. Stir until dissolved, and then add in the hot water and stir until it is well mixed. Pour the gelatin mixture into the whipped cream mixture, and beat until well combined. Stir in the chopped strawberries. Pour the entire mixture over the graham wafer crust, and spread it out evenly. Chill to allow the gelatin to completely set.
Strawberry Fluff Squares
Crust
1 cup graham wafers
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
Filling
2 cups of fresh strawberries, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
2 pouches of Dream whip
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 pouches of Knox gelatin
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup hot water
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl combine the graham wafers, butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8 x8nch pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cut up washed strawberries until you will have approximately 2 cups, and sprinkle with the sugar. Take the crust out of the oven and let it cool. Into a large mixing bowl, add the 2 pouches of dream whip, milk and vanilla. Beat until soft peaks are formed. In a small bowl add the powdered gelatin and the room temperature water. Stir until dissolved, and then add in the hot water and stir until it is well mixed. Pour the gelatin mixture into the whipped cream mixture, and beat until well combined. Stir in the chopped strawberries. Pour the entire mixture over the graham wafer crust, and spread it out evenly. Chill to allow the gelatin to completely set.
The Largest Swine Club In Alberta
had many new businesses and new residents arriving almost on a daily basis, it also had something else.
The largest pig club in the entire province. It was reported that there were over 50 members of the club, with 84 purebred young pigs that were cared for by the members.
Clubs like Vermilion’s were organized by the Department of Agriculture with the cooperation and funding from banks to encourage children on farms to learn more about purebred stock and teach them how to care for the animals.
A.F. Reynolds, the manager of
Reynolds stated he had not gone into the effort with enthusiasm but once he saw the interest on the faces of the children, he quickly saw the benefits of it.
Each of the children were given a bank note and Reynolds had no doubt that the children would be paying back what they owed on schedule. The children repay their note when they sell their pigs.
For the clubs, the government chose the pigs and the only rule of the club was that the parents of the child could not interfere in any way with the proceeds of the pig or pigs.
Of the 50 members, 18 were girls.
There had only been one casualty among the pigs. One boy, who took his care of the two pigs very seriously, was home when his mother took out some poison to kill gophers. She used a pail for that poison and after she
was done, left it on the doorstep. Unfortunately, the boy grabbed the pail to feed the pigs. There was still trace poison within the pail and the two pigs died shortly after being fed.
When told by the boy what happened, Reynolds stated that no farmer is never discouraged and things happen. He was then given a second note to buy new pigs.
At the 1918 fall fair, the children could exhibit their pigs and earn over $100 in prizes. They would then sell the pigs to make back the money they owed the bank.
Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx.com
Support Craig by donating at www.canadaehx.com (Click Donate)
Listen to his podcast Canadian History Ehx on all podcast platforms.
Susan Chikie, Lorna Hamilton of the Gove nment of Canada
Caylie Gnyra Reporter
VIBE’s Summer Pizza Series Brings the Heat
In the sweltering 38 degree Celsius afternoon heat of Wednesday, July 10, VIBE (Vermilion Is Being Empowered) hosted the second installment of its weekly open oven pizza nights at the outdoor community oven in the Heritage Park. This inviting space, nestled between the Senior Centre and the Vermilion Heritage Museum, offered a unique opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy delicious wood-fired pizza.
Running every Wednesday throughout the summer from 6–7 p.m., the event invites community members to bring their own raw pizzas for VIBE to cook for free in the wood-fired oven. VIBE staff and other volunteers throughout the community have undergone special training to know how to use the oven, which takes three hours to heat up to the 1,000 degree Fahrenheit mark required for wood-fired pizzas. Once reaching that temperature, pizzas cook in just three minutes. VIBE reserves the 6 p.m. hour for cooking pizzas in that hot temperature, but invites the public to bring bread, lasagna,
Doreen Klatt Columnist
Mom (Alice) and Dad (Ray) were married in 1949 and they had a family of 5 boys and 5 girls.
Mom and Dad had both played ball when they were young, and in fact, Dad played ball for years as an adult too. Dad was a fireball pitcher in his Fenham school years and for years to come, and although he couldn’t run any more, was still pitching for our family reunions when he was about 70.
So naturally, all 10 of us kids learned and loved playing ball too. It was nothing to see us all outside playing scrub, Dad included, or playing catch, playing 500, taking turns batting out flies, hammering out grounders until we learned to snag them before they got away from us.
In the latter 1970’s and through the 80’s my Dad coached a girls softball team called the “Battle River Babes”. It consisted of his 5 daughters, and a few daughter- in- laws, also a few local girls from our community. We played together like a well-oiled machine. He was a great coach, he taught us to think ahead of the play and read the game, and my personal favourite, how to steal bases.
It was fun to travel to all the tournaments all within a few hours from home that he entered us in. When we lost, he encouraged good sportsmanship, but
or other items to bake after 7 p.m., once the oven’s temperature has dropped to around 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit.
VIBE asks that all pizzas brought to the oven have a thin crust and are either raw or defrosted and with no oil underneath, as VIBE uses cornmeal to ensure the crusts do not stick to the bottom of the oven. While some enjoy the labour of love that goes into making pizza from scratch, others have appreciated being able to pick up 2-for-1 uncooked pizzas from Express Pizza to cook in the community oven.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own knives, pizza cutters, cutting boards, utensils, plates, drinks, and any other food they might want to enjoy, as well as a blanket for having a picnic on the grass, as seating could be limited.
In addition to serving up piping hot pizzas, VIBE also came equipped with large outdoor games, playing cards, and a family door prize. There will be a special final celebration on August 28 featuring free churros straight out of the oven complemented by ice cream generously supplied by Prairie Vision Vermilion.
The Senior Centre is always looking for volunteers to help operate the oven. Interested individuals can reach out to Dianne Dunn at 780-853-4292 for training. Notably, each event requires a commitment of approximately five hours to heat, cook, and clean the oven.
This event was made possible by the Vermilion Wellness Coalition, which covered the rental costs of the facility. VIBE’s open oven pizza nights are a unique community tradition, bringing people together to enjoy good food and great company.
Battle River Babes
we more often won. To keep it short, this story is about my sisters and I, but each of our teammates were equally as gifted and we were privileged to play with them.
I was a pitcher for our team, I loved pitching, and loved striking batters out; got that from my Dad. I hit my first home run playing for the Battle River Babes, not a fielders miss either, it was “outa here”, and over the fence! Home runs were natural for some of the other girls but I had to work hard for it and so it was very special to me when I could knock one out of the park!
My sister, Lori who usually played left field was a powerful batter and could just slug that ball! Nothing got past my sister Judy playing short stop and nobody could catch her stealing bases. Judy was also the sub-pitcher. She got hit with a line drive one time and even though she hit the ground she managed to throw the ball to first base and get the batter out!
My sister Faye could really run too! She turned to run one time for a high fly ball that was way over her head and the ball dropped right into her glove while she was running! Another time Sister Faye caught a grounder way out in field and fired the ball to home plate and put a runner out and the coach for the other team asked Dad if that was a “guy” playing out in field and Dad just laughed “no, that’s my daughter”, she had an amazing arm on her!
My sister, Rena was our bat catcher.
She guarded home base with precision and speed and made opposing players nervous about skidding in for a steal. The athleticism and exertion to catch a line drive or a high fly, throw straight as an arrow to put an unsuspecting base runner “out”, snag an out-of-control grounder, running hard to steal a base, or skid into home plate was evident in every single player on our team. I loved the chatter from our players (a lingo all its own; swing batta batta), and my Dad always saying “good game, girls, good game”. Playing ball with Rena was extra
special to all of us because she died in a car accident in 1986 and we were glad to have shared that time with her. Mom and Dad had pins made for our team. Many years have passed and now two more generations of Flewell ball players have excelled. At our Flewell Family Christmas party in 2023, my sisters and I made some of our great nieces honorary members of the Battle River Babes team and presented them with pins. I’m sure Dad has been watching from heaven and saying, “good game, girls, good game”!
Battle River Babes. Photo submitted
From left, Brooklyn Nelson, Breanne Gourley, and Madison Tovell from VIBE tended the wood-fired community oven at Heritage Park on July 10 for the second of weekly summer pizza nights. Photo Caylie Gnyra
Library Launches Summer Reading Program and Chalk
Caylie Gnyra Reporter
The Vermilion Public Library (VPL) unveiled a new website on July 5, kicking off a summer full of reading adventures.
The Summer Reading Club for kids aged 0–17 began on July 2 and runs until August 31. The program is designed to encourage children to track their time spent reading over the summer months. Parents can sign their children up online at https://www.vplibrary.ca/Forms/SummerReading-Challenge-Registration or do so in person at the library, where the children can pick up a reading tracker bookmark to start recording their progress.
A child’s first 15 minutes of reading automatically earns them a ballot for the Northern Lights Library System’s (NLLS) grand prize draw, and each hour read after those initial 15 minutes earns another draw ballot. In addition, each completed bookmark submitted to the library may be exchanged for a selection from the library’s prize box, with multiple submissions encouraged. Reading minutes not being tracked online must be submitted to the library by August 29 to be entered into the NLLS grand prize draw.
The NLLS also has a chalk art contest running in conjunction with the Summer Reading Club. Youngsters are invited to submit photos of their chalk art to nllsreadingprograms.ca/contests or at VPL by Saturday, July 27. Online voting will commence on Monday, August 5 at the same link, and the winning artist(s) will receive a paint-your-own stepping stone kit from NLLS.
The library is keen to foster creativity, and will be offering crafternoons for chil-
dren sprinkled throughout the summer. The next one to mark on your calendar is Saturday, July 27, where participants will receive all the supplies and instructions needed to make a seed mosaic with colourful airdry clay. Check https:// www.vplibrary.ca/Events for more library events.
In addition to these events, the library has a growing collection of things other than books to borrow, ranging from board games to a Cricut cutting machine to a projector to a Daisy Reader for people with print disabilities. The library also offers 3D printing.
With all this to offer and more, be sure to make regular visits to the library a part of your summer fun list!
Reading tracker bookmarks for kids to track their summer reading to be eligible for prizes through the Vermilion Public Library and the Northern Lights Library System.
Photo Caylie Gynra
Lorna Hamilton Reporter
The 118th Annual Vermilion Fair is just a week and a half away, and that means the parade is also on its way. So, put on your thinking caps and get ready to enter a float in this year’s parade! The theme for the Fair is ‘Fields of Dreams: 118 Years Of Agricultural Achievements,’ and that theme can resonate throughout the parade. Everyone is encouraged to incorporate the theme into their floats, along with lively music.
Parade Chairperson Heather MacMillan is excited to see the different interpretations of this year’s theme incorporated into each float. “We had some amazing floats last year with their interpretation of Dust, Rust or Bust,’ and I encourage everyone to decorate their floats based on their interpretation of the theme Field of Dreams:118 Years of Agriculture,’” said MacMillan.
The judging categories for this year include Commercial, Out-of-Town, Senior Organization, Junior Organization, Comic, Decorated Bikes, Antiques, and Decorated Ponies. Ribbons for first, second, and third place will be awarded.
“What makes Vermilion’s Parade spectacularly impressive is the creativity that the community brings to celebrating Fairtime. It’s a long-standing tradition that I’m proud to be a part of,” added MacMillan.
There is no registration fee, however, pre-registration is encouraged and can be done on the website at https://www.vermilionag.ca/index.php/parade-registration/ Floats should enter from 44th Street east of the Mall and be set up by 9:30 a.m. on July 25 in the appropriate area for judging and placement within the parade: commercial behind the mall and wrapping around Chrysler; Agricultural, Horses, and Emergency Services lined up in front of College Park; and Out of Town and Junior and Senior Organizations on the grass beside the train tracks. Judging will begin
118th Vermilion Fair Parade
at 10 a.m.
“Watch for the incredible Ag Society Parade volunteers in a Red Vest for help getting the floats where they need to be,” commented MacMillan. The Parade Marshals will be cruising in golf carts to answer any questions. The Parade Committee suggests that after 9 a.m. parade goers refrain from parking on the parade route.
“We are looking for a couple more
volunteers and golf carts to help marshall the route and they can contact me if they are available,” said MacMillan.
The parade will start promptly at 11 a.m., following the same route as in previous years. It will start at the corner of 46th Street, west of Chrysler, proceed along Railway Avenue, turn right at 49 Street, then left at 50 Avenue. It continues until 51 Street, where it will turn south and return to
Railway Avenue. It will then merge with 50 Avenue and end near the Vermilion Health Care Centre.
For more information or if you would like to assist in the parade organization on the morning of the event, please contact the parade chairperson, Heather MacMillan, at 780-853-7012. You can also reach the Vermilion Ag Society Office at 780-8534108.
Lois Brown
Vermilion 40th Class ReunionClassmates And/Or Grads Of 1984
Submitted Saturday, July 27th 1-3 p.m. at Pomeroy Hotel Conference Room.
Calling out classmates who journeyed with us through the years of school in Vermilion…
Some of us starting Kindergarten at St. Saviour Anglican Church and others starting Dorothy Oakley for Grade 1 & 2. In Grade 3 & 4 we were at the S. R. Cooper School (Now the Vermilion Museum) and finished off our Elementary School grades 5 & 6 in the Morrison School. From there we attended J.R. Robson from grades 7-12. Everyone is welcome who traveled with us through the school years in our class...perhaps you joined us at the Cooper School or joined us at J. R. Robson.. perhaps you went on to another school or pursued many of the trades/careers earlier than Grade 12..rest assured you’re welcome! You were born in and around 1966 and started Grade one around 1971.
Reunion is a CASUAL..yes jeans are fine! Luncheon from 1-3 p.m. that is designed to
be inexpensive, accessible (no stairs), light hearted (happy time) of catching up with classmates we had through the years! It’s only $20 per person to attend. I have set up etransfer on my cell 780-581-3435 or email lois35@icloud.com. Classmates are welcome to sponsor teachers to come too! Teachers and support staff have been invited that I have been able to reach out to. If you are a teacher or served as a support staff and know our classmates.. please reach out to me for reserving a spot!
After enjoying a lovely lunch and visit with classmates and teachers...you are welcome to come to the S.R. Cooper School grounds after 3 p.m.! Enjoy walking through the classrooms, gym and hallways..check out the beautiful school grounds that boast of benches, picnic tables, playground equipment and flowerbeds. Great photo opportunities at the Cooper School staircase that is surrounded by lovely flowers! Cooper School is now the Vermilion Museum and contains so much history of the Town and
surrounding areas.
Reunion Hall has been reserved for us at 7 p.m. to enjoy a wonderful time of socializing!
Vermilion Fair Fireworks at 11 p.m. is the Grand Finale of our Class Reunion! It’s still the best fireworks around! Not to be missed!
You’re welcome to come for the entire
Fair starting Thursday at 11 a.m. Vermilion Parade!
Please contact Lois Hollen Brown at 780-581-3435 to reserve a spot at the Vermilion 40th Class Reunion! If you know someone in the photo or that they were our classmates please encourage them to join us! Hoping to have all Reunion Fees in this Friday July 19th.
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SADIE McMINIS
In loving memor y of our Mom (Gran) July 16, 1994
What I would give if I could say, I guess I will go see Mom (Gran) today.
To hear her laugh, to see her smile, to sit and talk with her awhile. With our blessings she fell asleep, with our memories for us to keep. Our hearts still ache with sadness, our eyes still fill with tears.
Although it seems a lifetime it is now 30 years.
Though her smile is gone forever and her hand we cannot touch. We still have memories of the Mom (Gran) we loved so very much. Put your arms around her God and give her special care. Make up for all she suffered and for all tht seemed unfair.
Always in our hearts Rod (Ruby)& Anne Grandchildren
Lori, Alysha, Darcie, Shauna, Breanne, Joel & Mark
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The County of Minburn No. 27 Agricultural Service Board would like to annouce that we will be commencing our 2024 Roadside Mowing Program. The program will consist of mowing all road allowance with up to a fifteen foot cut from the shoulder into the ditch. Persons wishing to cut hay on a road allowance need to complete all cutting prior to the mowing contractor’s arrival. If hay has been cut and is in swath, mowers will go around that swathed ditch however all standing grass will be mowed with absoulutely no exceptions. No mowing will take place under this program prior to August 1, 2024. If crop is seeded on the road grade (shoulder to toe of slope), it will be mowed.
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Russ Shandro
Junior Tigers Of The 1970s Getting Together
Submitted Hockey of the 70’s, in Vermilion was BIG! The Senior Tigers were skilled formidable opponents to any challengers and possessed the reputation as winners for a decade and a half. The Vermilion Juveniles were a dominant force at league and provincial play through the latter part of the 60’s., but the decade of the 70’s was to see the evolvement of the Vermilion Junior B Tigers.
1970 :
Sixteen-year-old Jack Upshall recalls an intense rivalry that existed between St. Paul and Vermilion in Juvenile Hockey. BUT . . . St. Paul was exiting and joining the upstart Central Alberta Junior B Hockey League. The players of Vermilion possessed the desire to become part of the new league. The parents along with their sons and hockey enthusiasts of Vermilion began the Journey. Jack was selected to speak on behalf of the players at the first organizational meeting on September 7th, 1970. The adults endorsed the young hockey player’s ambition.
Greg Johnston condensed the history of this first meeting. A steering committee consisting of Owen Clouston, Rod McPhee, and Tom Lysons got things going. The first Executive Positions were filled by: Scott Morgan - President; Bob Maughan – Vice President; Bill Garnett –Secretary/Treasurer. Directors and Helpers for the Initial Season; Clarence Goldsmith, Ken Fulton, Bud Staden, Charles Upshall, Frank Donald, George Johns, Aldous Kent, William Cross, Frank Mollineux, Byron Moore, Don Maggs. The First Coach of the Junior B Tigers was Bob Maughan, with Larry Jackson and Dan Willis completing the season. The Central Alberta Junior B Hockey League consisted of Olds, Hanna, Barrhead, Leduc, Camrose Lutheran College, Red Deer, Stettler, Fort Saskatchewan.
Jack Upshall who played for the Junior Tigers in their inaugural years 1970-72 goes on to describe some facts and fond memories. Rick Gray and Mike Garret from Kitscoty and Lloydminster joined the team, with Rick being the Captain, Sandy McClellan and Jack being the alternates. Dale Johns was strong in the net and subsequently went on to be a starter for the U of Calgary Dinosaurs. Miles Miller, Alan Cloustan, Les Strome, and Joe Winter provided strong offence for the fledgling team. St. Paul and Barrhead were the dominant teams at that time, a stand-out memory from that first home game …Malcolm McClean’s centre ice “cannon shot” that blew into the St. Paul net. Jack states that there wasn’t any speedometer on that puck, but it was of legendary speed! The Junior Tiger’s first league win, on home ice.
The second season saw the Jr. Tigers supplemented with players from the Flin Flon Bombers organization of the Western Canada Hockey League. Harvey Stewart and Jim McKitrick tending goal while Brian Schuman a high-scoring forward and Al Sorenson on defence. A young talented offensive forward Lorne Brennan from the Kinsmen Midget team earned a spot on the lineup. Lorne’s stay was only to be one season as he was recruited by the New Westminster Bruins for the following season. The crowds were large for both the Seniors and the Juniors. Vermilion supported their Tigers, young and old! Jack recalls retired pro hockey player Brent Macnab and family seated on
the west side near the top row game after game. He recalls how motivating that was for the Junior Tigers, having a Pro watching each home game!
Upshall reminisces about the talented players that bolstered the Junior Tigers from the Marwayne and Kitscoty hockey programs, a compliment to them and their minor hockey programs. More recently with the Junior Tigers, he speaks proudly of nephews Andy Lennon, a goalkeeper, and Royden Jackson at forward. Undoubtedly, there are other secondgeneration players from the area who wore the black and gold! In closing Jack Upshall states, “Getting together again, can only strengthen the Bonds of Friendship that come from team sport and hopefully provide one more reason for today’s Tigers, to show up on time, pay attention, and when it’s your shift to go? Give it 110%, “that’s what we did.”
Stew Weishaar a goaltender for the Junior Tigers relates a few of his recollections: After attending Camrose Lutheran College in the 72-73 season he had decided to return to Lloydminster for employment. In that season the College team played an exhibition game in Vermilion. Camrose came out on top with Stew providing a solid performance. That was key for Stew, joining the Tigers for the 1973-74 season. Upon attending the fall training camp in 73, Stew stated, “I was surprised at how high the bar was set, by coach Henry Wasylik, for himself and goaltending partner Richard King. Henry’s expectations were also the same for each and every player, fortunate enough to make that roster.” Stew goes on to relate personal memories expressing gratitude to each recollection. Henry was a great motivator and expected nothing less than full-out effort from everybody. Dick Hollen, the Team manager helped out in every situation - above and beyond the call of duty, Clarence Venance so unselfishly lent me his new Pontiac to drive back and forth from Lloydminster to Vermilion, for practices and games. The local support was nothing short of Amazing. Following my hockey days as a Junior, I landed a job as a regional sales representative. I routinely visited team supporters, stopping in for a meal or fuel and catching up with the many supporters of the Junior Tigers. Over the years Stew has kept up with a small pocket of players from his day, and states, “Reconnecting with a crosssection of Tiger Players will be fabulous!”
Russ Shandro, 17 years old at the time, provides some hits and misses from his only year with the Junior Tigers in that 1973-74 campaign, and goes on to relate a couple of lasting memories. Training camp of 1973 was challenging. A few newcomers were there to join a highly competitive Tiger Team, which had won the Central Alberta Jr. B Hockey League for the previous two seasons. Over thirty players, veterans, and prospects, were competing to improve the team. Henry Wasylik would not stand for anything less and he emphasized that standard, from the first practice. October would be a challenge, to all who attended. By the end of two weeks of workouts and a few of the exhibition games, there were some elated new players added to the roster and some disappointed veterans who were sent home. It was a season of highs and higher rewards. I recall the fans who packed the stadium at nearly every home game. I recall the fans that followed us to Lloydminster, to St. Paul, to Grande
Centre. I recall the many, many businessmen who were so generous to the Junior Tiger hockey operation. A standout was Mario Nardelli owner of the Brunswick Hotel. That man would feed and lodge players anytime that it was required or requested. His generosity and kindness have been mentioned many times over my lifetime when relating memories of the Tigers. Monty Hunter of Monty’s Men’s Wear, for hanging a hat on my head, after potting three, the neckties that he provided as a compliment, after a strong performance, Bill Lee of Lee’s Café for the numerous complimentary burgers and fries. Sergeant Keith Sutherland, team Vice President, for keeping us within the lines of discipline and providing the rides on the cold nights. Coach Henry Wasylik : demanding, tuff, focussed, a True Sportsman, a Player’s Coach. Henry’s track record distinguishes his accomplishments in the Jr B League. It is impossible to not smile in recollecting my memories of Dick Hollen the Team Manager, Bus Driver, Trainer, Equipment Manager, Medicine Man, and All Round Good Guy. He treated us as equals regardless of age. He could provide some inspiring wisdom like: “ Get out there and play or I’ll kick your hind end!” or the life-altering memorable incident, which involves some description. We were in a heated game and absolutely blowing out the opposition. The final score was 19-2. There was this skirmish that escalated and got real ruff. Captain Mike Macnab was in a vulnerable position and the whole rink heard the “snap!” Mike, unassisted, gets up, standing on his good leg, and propels himself with his injured leg, unassisted, to the bench. Mike says to Dick, “I think my leg is broke.” Dick would have no part of that, steers Mike past the gate, has him lean against the boards then proceeds to lift his leg onto the bench. Play on the ice resumes. Dick then looks into his medi -
cal bag and grabs the only thing that was ever in his medical bag…white tape! He grabs the first roll and begins aggressively wrapping Mike’s ankle, going upward, toward the knee, consuming additional rolls of tape. After completing this “procedure”, Dick is admiring his work. “Us players” are wide-eyed and gasping. Meanwhile, Mike is wreathing in pain and trying not to pass out! The whistle sounds for an offside. Dick then blurts out “now get out there, you pussy!” as Mike enters onto the ice, Dick looks at the few players squirming on the bench and yells “Is anybody else hurting?” The remaining three on the bench, quickly slide to the far end of the box, almost knocking Henry over! Mike returned to the bench, in short order.
There will be many more true events shared at the reunion, but I must add this. At one time it was stated that, for nearly a decade, you could not swing a dead cat, without hitting Staden, in each of the seasons through the 70’s. I don’t know how many were brothers or cousins or second cousins, but there was a pile of them!
The 1973-74, the Junior Tigers played 3 exhibition games, 42 league games, 21 playoff games, with the last playoff game ending on April 13th, 1974. Any team, other than a team capturing a Provincial Championship could not have extended that season any longer.
Thank you, for taking the time to read the comments and recollections from a few former Junior B Tigers of the 70’s, endorsing their respect for the Best Franchise and Best Community Supporters in the Central Alberta Jr. B Hockey League. Please share and extend this information, take it as an invitation to all those who were part of the journey through the 1970’s. Players, Team Directors, and Associates children, will meet at the Vermilion Golf Course at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27.
Little Cowpokes Hosts 14th Season of Junior Rodeos
Caylie Gnyra Reporter
Families with up-and-coming rodeo stars loaded up their trucks and trailers and braved the 35-degree Celsius heat on July 9 for the second of five Little Cowpokes Junior Rodeos of the season.
More than 100 underage equestrians have signed up for the series, taking place at Lakeland College’s indoor riding arena throughout the summer. There, the miniscule difference in temperature offered a welcome reprieve from the scorching heat where the horses and their riders were warming up outside.
Founded by Rebecca and Mark Fletcher 14 years ago, the series aims to provide exposure to local young rodeo athletes in their chosen events. These founders are still very
active and remain an important part of the organization today.
The youngest of the Little Cowpokes participants is the 5 and under crowd, who can compete in barrel racing and goat tail untying. In the next age bracket, from 6–9, children can compete in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, and break-away roping. In the 10–12 bracket, youth may enter any of the events offered to previous age range, as well as team roping and steer riding. The oldest competitors, those aged 13–16, can compete in the same events, as well as in tie-down roping.
The series typically runs over the course of 5 rodeos per year. July 3 kicked off the season, with the second rodeo running July 9. Another rodeo will run July 31, with the finals happening August 16 and 17. Each
Gerard “Jerry” Fortin
Gerard “Jerry” Fortin passed away on June 29, 2024 in Provost, Alberta at the age of 85 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters
Laurie-Anne (Daryle) Pope of Lloydminster, SK and Michelle (Curtis) Deptuck of Lloydminster, AB; grandchildren Ryan (Monica) Pope of Lac Des Arc, AB, Brenden (Kayla) Pope of Lloydminster, SK, Shae (Kyla) Deptuck of Bonnyville, AB, Colten Deptuck of Lloydminster, AB, and Taylor (Ryan) Gilchrist of Paradise Valley, AB.; and great grandchildren Jesse, Noah & Hannah Pope of Lac Des Arc, AB, Mia, Ali & Ace Pope Of Lloydminster, SK, Ryder, Aspen and Emma Deptuck of Bonnyville, AB, and Lena and Laura Deptuck of Lloydminster, AB.
We will treasure our memories of the time spent playing Yahtzee, crib, cards, poker, visits to the casino, many conversations and his French humour.
Cremation has taken place with Value Cremations Edmonton and a private service will be held at a later date.
2000, as amended
the Public Hearing into the proposed Bylaw will be held on:
DATE: July 16, 2024
TIME & LOCATION: 9:05AM in Council Chambers located in the County of Vermilion River Office at 4912-50 Avenue, Kitscoty, AB
Any person wishing to be heard may make written representation to the Council, submitted to planning@county24.com, by fax at 780-846-2716, or dropped off in the secure mailbox located outside the front door of the County office, no later than July 9, 2024 at 12:00 noon. Any written submissions received will be read aloud by Administration during the Public Hearing.
You may also view the Public Hearing via ZOOM video conferencing and all of the Council meeting by click on the meeting registration request on the County website here: County Government Instructions on how to make oral submissions during the meeting will be contained in the registration email you are sent.
After considering the representations made to it concerning the proposed Bylaws, Council may make such amendments or changes as it considers necessary to the proposed bylaws, if any, and proceed to pass or defeat the proposed bylaws.
For additional information, please contact: Planning and Community Services County of Vermilion River Ph: (780) 846-2244 Box 69, 4912 50 Avenue planning@county24.com Kitscoty, AB T0B 2P0
contestant has to participate in three of the five rodeos to qualify for prizes at the finals.
Families travel from as far away as Edson and North Battleford, driving up to four hours each way to take part in the friendly competition. Many members are active in junior and senior high school rodeo as well, and several past members have gone on to become quite competitive in the pro rodeo world. Participants and parents are heavily involved in making the events possible, manning gates and helping with poles and barrels where needed.
The dedication of the participants and their families, along with the continued support from the founders, ensures that the legacy of this event will carry on for many more years. As the season progresses, anticipation builds for the finals in August, where the hard work and determination of these young cowpokes will culminate in a celebration of their skills and achievements. Whether they aspire to join the pro rodeo circuit or simply enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of the sport, the Little Cowpokes Junior Rodeo provides a unique and invaluable experience for all involved.
From left, Young Vermilion rodeo athletes Hayes Gibson, Kenzi Westman, Swayde Adamson, Taryn Westman, and Brit Adamson between events at the Little Cowpokes Junior Rodeo on Tuesday, July 9. Photo Caylie Gnyra
A bylaw of the County of Vermilion River in the Province of Alberta for the purpose of closing to public travel and disposing of portions of a public highway in accordance with Section 22 of the Municipal Government Act, Chapter M26 Revised Statutes of Alberta
