“Rock for Diabetes” raises over $1,130 in rollin’ good time

Richard Froese,
Smoky River Express

Local funding has been approved to support an upgrading project to Smoky River agricultural fairgrounds. At its regular meeting Nov. 8, council of the Municipal District of Smoky River granted funding of $9,900 to Smoky River Agricultural Society for four of the eight components to upgrade the grounds in partnership with Smoky River Gymkhana Club and Smoky River 4-Ever 4-H Club. “I’m sure the society will be very happy with this funding,” says Reeve Donald Dumont. Council approved the four projects which qualify for 11 per cent funding under the municipality’s program to support community non-profit sporting and recreation organizations in the Smoky River region by assisting in the financing of major construction, renovation, expansion, purchase or upgrading of community facilities. Funding from the MD will support a wash bay, 20 horse stalls, fencing for the horse area, and poll shed awnings. However, funding was not eligible for renovations to the food concession, storage shed, panels, and continuous eaves for an existing building. Totalling just under $100,000 for the entire project, the society requested $10,900. For the complete project, the society recently received a $40,000 grant from the Agriculture Initiative Program of Alberta Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development with funding from the Alberta Lottery Fund, along with $41,000 raised by the agricultural society. “The projects would benefit the entire Smoky River region,” says Frank Cote, vice-president of the agricultural society, who spoke to council with 4-H leader Tara Lea and gymkhana club treasurer Doris Maisonneuve. “The barn has gotten old and needs work,” adds Maisonneuve. With this new barn, the society could host the RCMP Musical Ride and other major events to attract people to the region, says Cote.