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TRACKWATCHSEPTEMBER2016

2016BOARDOFDIRECTORS

BrentFoster–mraspresident@gmail.comPresident

RalphOnicul–rtonciul@telus.net

VicePresident

MalcolmSills–mrsills55@gmail.comPastPresident

AnnaMarieMullane–penruddock@gmail.com

Treasurer

FayeWhite–faye@countrygables.caSecretary

CatherineDuerholt-mcduerholt@gmail.com

BarbCastell–brcastell@thecowboytrail.ca

RickCharlton–

millarvillefarmershalf@gmail.com

BillJackson–willy.17@telus.net

StaceyMcArthur–staceymcarthur21@hotmail.com

ShaneDarling–darling3@me.com

KarieWylie–karie.wylie@gmail.com

PRESIDENT’SMESSAGEGreetings from the Track! With the conclusion of the major events for 2016, we will be turning our attention to finishing well with the Farmers’ Market and kicking off the 2016 Christmas Market. However, let us not forget the events of 2016 – Golf Tournament, Half-Marathon, Races, Rodeo and Fair. All events were great successes with an overall increase in attendance, sponsorship and volunteer input, community involvement and fun by all. A big thank you goes out to the event chairs, volunteers and staff for your long hours in putting on these events. The Board and staff also wish to thank the local residents in supporting MRAS, as you give up your time and resources in not only for this year but also for the years past. Much is still going on at the Track. As previously mentioned, we continue with the improvements to the water treatment plant and will commence work in November on the interior upgrade of the Hall. But we are not stopping there. We are already looking to next year as we plan events and further improvements to the site. To that end, if you are, or if you know someone who might be, interested in being on the MRAS Board, I encourage you to talk to myself, or any of our current Board members. We will be happy to discuss the current and future focus of the Board with you. This is a great opportunity to help guide MRAS into the coming years ensuring this important part of our agricultural community continues for many years to come. I welcome your comments and suggestions as we move forward. Please feel to reach out to me at mraspresident@gmail.com. See you at the Track! Brent Foster, MRAS President

SOUPSISTERS Soups Sisters and Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society have teamed up to make soup in the Hall Kitchen for Rowan House Emergency Shelter. Come and spend a social afternoon with us for lively conversation, chopping, laughter and warm kitchen camaraderie that culminate in a simple, sit-down meal of soup, salad, bread and wine for all participants. Each event produces approximately 150-250 servings of fresh soup that goes directly to Rowan House. When:

• Sunday, September 25, 2016 • Sunday, November 20, 2016 • Sunday, January 29, 2017 • Sunday, March 26, 2017 • Sunday, May 28, 2017

Cost: $55 Soup Sisters and Broth Brothers charge a $55 participation fee per person to cover the expenses of ingredients for the soups, the venue, equipment, supervision, and a Chef or professional facilitator. This ensures that the finest ingredients possible are used every time for the soups we provide to women, children and youth. Gather up a group of friends and join us! For more information or to book a soup making event contact millarville@soupsisters.org.

Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society is looking for Board Members!

This is a great opportunity to meet new people while helping to support our community activities. Help us guide and shape MRAS for the future.

To learn more, please contact:

Brent Foster mraspresident@gmail.com

MRASRODEO By: The MRAS Board of Directors The MRAS Board is interested in reviewing ideas and proposals for development of new family-oriented, community-focused events, with particular emphasis on a refurbishment of the MRAS Rodeo. If you are interested in being part of a new committee, we want to hear from you! The new committee will focus on new event ideas such as an open rodeo, ranch rodeo or little britches rodeo, and will work closely with both the Board and MRAS staff. Please feel free to contact any one of the Board members or the MRAS office with your ideas. The MRAS Board would like to thank our past rodeo committees for the support and time given over the past 20 years.

MILLARVILLEMUSICALRIDE The Millarville Musical Ride is a drill team that does performances and parades. The team is recruiting riders for the 2017 season. This club is open to ALL AGES. If you would like to improve your riding skills, perform for appreciative crowds, have your horse learn from their experiences, make new friends and have fun - this is the group for you! You must supply your own horse and transportation, and make a commitment to be part of this wonderful team. For more information, contact Donna Buckland 403-710-9167 or dwbuckland@aol.com. Make sure to visit our website www.millarvillemusicalride.com and “Like” us on Facebook. SUNDAY PRACTICES START: November 13, 2016 (11 am – 1 pm)

MILLARVILLECOMMUNITYLIBRARYBy: Norma Dawson With the coming of fall, there will be some new programs at the library.

We are still offering badminton and pickleball for those people who want to get out and get some exercise. We have a new class on the Enneagram System, which will be a useful tool that will deepen and change your understanding of yourself and others. There will also be another beginner ukulele class, which has been so popular and lots of locals are now happily playing the ukulele regularly. There will also be a follow up to the beginner class, which did not get into the fall schedule, but we will let all beginner class graduates aware of this opportunity to further their musical journey. We are offering a computer basics class for those who are not comfortable with the Internet, Microsoft office, etc. There are also some interesting cake decorating classes for adults only and for adults and children. For details on any of the above courses, visit the Foothills Continuing Education Council website at foothillscontinuinged.org. The library resumes its regular hours on Tuesday, September 6th. We are open from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:00 am-7:30 pm on Wednesday, and 9:00 – noon on Friday. Be sure to drop in and see what your local library has to offer!

SheepCreekWeaversImportantDates

Sheep Creek Weavers annual show and sale

October 15, 2016 10 am – 4 pm

MRAS Hall

Sheep Creek Weavers Fiber Arts Guild “Ruby Show” August 30 to September 29, 2016

Sheep Creek River Library Turner Valley

PRIDDIS&MILLARVILLEFAIRWRAPUP By: Suzanne Sills on behalf of the Fair Committee The 109th Priddis & Millarville Fair is a wrap! We were blessed with sunny skies and little wind throughout both days of the ground-breaking two-day Fair on August 20 and 21. We hosted more than 6000 visitors over the weekend and were pleased to hear lots of positive comments and see so many smiling faces. We are pleased to report that over 500 people entered 3500 exhibits. In spite of the crazy summer weather, the horticulture departments had some wonderful displays. We had a record number of tractors out for the tractor pull on Saturday and the inaugural heavy horse pull drew a respectable crowd on Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning started off with a mounted Skill at Arms demonstration followed by the Joust with local Radar Goddard and friends. When asked what jousters do if it rains, Radar promptly replied, “we rust!” The goats, bees and petting zoo drew a large number of visitors on both days, as did the bench exhibits in the arena, hall and Quonset. After a slow start to the rooster crowing competition, the boys found their voices

and put on a show for the crowd that gathered each time the roosters came out on stage. One of the highlights of a country fair is the opportunity to capture a slice of the action to take home. We auctioned off 16 pies and three decorative sheaves. The Fair quilt, made by our own Donna Kendall, sold for a record breaking $2600! We are pleased to announce that Petunia the pig, our grand raffle prize, has a home in the MD of Foothills. Jordon Ruddock’s name was drawn first and without hesitation, she

chose Petunia as her prize. She then very unselfishly donated Petunia to Barb Castell who dearly wanted her in her yard. The ceramic pig is gracing a local garden and a two-year-old boy in south Calgary is enjoying the small pink battery operated pig. Watch for a future article on fair raffle prizes – where are they now? It hard to find enough words to properly thank all of our volunteers for the incredible effort they put into ensuring the Fair is fun, entertaining and educational. It takes a village to host the Fair and the community that we’ve built within this volunteer group is truly amazing. We welcomed many new people who all said they would be happy to come back next year and give exhibiting a go as well. The Fair is pleased to award prizes for the best of the best in each department. The judges, who provide written comments on the rational for each award, determine the Award of Excellence winners. Recipients were invited to the stage on Sunday afternoon to receive trophies to accompany those large purple rosette ribbons. Four people received Outstanding Exhibitor/Contributor awards – Sue Hicks,

Doug Mackie, Wyatt Runge and Sage Runge. Their nomination letters will be published in future editions of Track Watch.

At the next Fair Committee meeting in early September we will do a complete debrief on the two-day Fair format and will report our preliminary plans for the 2017 Fair in the October edition of Track Watch and on the MRAS website. If you want to be a part of it, give us a shout!

Award of Excellence

Department Winner

Dairy Goats (Saturday) Lelia Cranswick

Dairy Goats (Sunday) Kristy Harrison

Photography Barb Larson

Junior Photography Rory Peters

Field Crops Jim McKevitt

Junior Field Crops Easton Olthuis

Fibre Arts Krista Mcintosh

Junior Fibre Arts Ellery Donald

Home Cooking & Baking Bernice McAllister

Junior Home Cooking & Baking Monica Pollock

Arts & Handicrafts Becky Scovill

Junior Arts & Handicrafts Wyatt Runge

Flowers Paul Rishaug

Junior Flowers Claire Sanden

Vegetables & Fruits Patty Webb

Junior Vegetables & Fruits Easton Olthius

Woodworking Travis Allen

Junior Woodworking Reese Grover

Poultry, Waterfowl & Pigeons Ed Fandrick

Junior Poultry, Waterfowl & Pigeons Jullian Skeels

Sheep Marleen Palsson

Junior Sheep Grace Heuver

Llama Fleece Margart Lewis

Beef Heifers Josie Hughes

ABCCAMP–ENRICHINGEXPERIENCE July 26 – 28, 2016 at MRAS By: Cyndi Rowat “It was awesome! I am definitely coming back next year,” sums up thirteen year-old Megan Burke’s opinion of this year’s Alberta South Region’s ABC camp, a three-day intensive camp hosted at Millarville Racing and Agriculture Society. Hot and tired, Burke and her friend Kenna Keenas of Wheatland Pony Club were all smiles sharing some of the highlights of their week. ABC Camp is in its second year and boasts extraordinary coaching opportunities for pony club members in the region who are tested C Level and above. Organized by parent and regional show chair, Jackie Rawn, the event was attended by thirteen eager members. Both Keenas and Burke are C Level senior members in their club and much of their club responsibility is in helping their younger members. “This was a chance to focus on us. Kind of a reward for us” explains Burke. “It was a step up, without coaches and parents. No little kids. It was all on us. It was weird. We always know what to do, but now, we got to do it.” The budding athletes were fueled with nutritious meals to help keep up with their busy schedules, which included two mounted riding instructions per day, lunging sessions, a cross-country session at Eversfield Equestrian south of Turner Valley, stable management sessions as well as some fun activities and a special speaker and free time to lounge around with new friends and care for their horses. The members also stayed on grounds, camping in the hall, which for some, was a welcome change from staying in a hotel with strings attached to parents or coaches. Both Burke and Keenas were excited to train with eventing coach Sandra Donnelly, the camp’s show jumping coach. “I like how she teaches and I got to jump really high” grinned Keenas. Donnelly is an A Level Pony Club Alumni as well as the highest placed Canadian eventer from the 2008 Olympics and runs Donnelly Eventing out of Alborak Stables west of Calgary. “I learned a lot this week,” shares Burke. “I learned how to balance my horse before the fences.” “I learned not to twist my body,” chimes Keenas. “I knew it, but I didn’t know how to fix it.” Sixteen year-old Brooke Fielding of Water Valley, Alberta is a C2 Level rider with the Cochrane Pony Club realized her highlight was her group members. “They were super supportive, and I really liked switching horses. It was nice that my friends would willingly switch horses for the dressage” Riders B Level and above are required to switch horses and certainly Fielding learned much from riding with riders her senior. “I really enjoy learning. The physio-therapist session was a highlight for me” she says, referring to an evening session with physiotherapist Sandra Sokoloski from Summit Sport Physiotherapy in Okotoks. Sokoloski got these athletes thinking more about their position and themselves as a big part of the team equation.

FEI Level Dressage coach, Shelley Malbeuf of Freedom Farms East of Calgary assisted the young riders in establishing better performances out of their horses in the flat phase of the camp. Eversfield Equestrian’s coach Glynis Barnes provided experienced instruction over a variety of cross country obstacles, coach Kathy Wayne shared her experience in correct lunging and HA Level pony club alumni Emily Harris educated members on correct bandaging, wound care and other topics. It is this development of the ‘whole’ independent and self-reliant equestrian that makes ABC camp a unique and valued experience. One hand takes the other in the leadership and partnership of this type of a program. These experiences and opportunities would not have been achievable if not for the volunteers and support of the Millarville Racetrack and Agricultural Society. Having camping on site for parent volunteers, the use of so many of the facilities, the terrific venue and the placid setting all made for an enriching experience that none of these pony clubbers will soon forget. Thank you to all who made this possible! For those thinking of coming to camp next year, Field suggests, “It is about the interacting with your horse and your friends. It is the best of both worlds. You need to be prepared. It is a long week.” For more information on Pony Club – http://www.canadianponyclub.org. We are soliciting sponsors for ABC camp for 2017 – please contact the Alberta South Region of Pony Club if you are interested.

Brooke Fielding navigates a ‘Skinny’ jump with her warmblood mare Savannah during the Southern Alberta Region’s ABC Camp. Fielding rides with the Cochrane Pony Club.

Megan Burke of Wheatland Pony Club enjoyed quality time with her Canadian Warmblood Mare Bobbi at the Alberta South Region’s ABC camp. Kenna Keenas of Wheatland Pony Club tackles a brush

jump on Eversfield Equestrian’s cross-country course during the Alberta South Region’s ABC camp.

Photo credit: Jackie Rawn

MRASRODEOWRAPUPBy: Krystal Meade and Dave Clarke With your support, the Rodeo Committee recently hosted the 20th Anniversary MRAS Rodeo. We were thrilled to have amazing weather, strong entries, and of course great crowds. For the past 20 years, our core group of committee members have worked tirelessly to bring our community a fantastic rodeo and this year did not disappoint. We added a couple of great things back for our big showdown including the contract act Happy the Clown. The French Canadian Calf Roper, David Gachon, entertained crowds both Saturday and Sunday with a few interactive antics and dance moves that got the crowd laughing. Another hit this year was the hilarious, action packed, Pony Bronc Riding. This act was a new feature for Southern Alberta rodeos, and we would not be surprised to see this event take off at local rodeos in the coming years. Tough young cowboys and cowgirls were paired up with even tougher ponies in both Saddle Bronc and Bareback events. This pint-sized version of our major events was a huge hit! Lots of laughs were had by all, and admiration to those tough kids that rode those wild little ponies. 11-year-old Bella De Costa also wowed spectators with her amazing trick riding! This Stony Plain cowgirl defied gravity with a variety of tricks on her horse Roper & pony Sweet Pea. Bella has qualified to join Team Canada at the upcoming North American Trick Riding Competition in Las Vegas this December. Pictured is Bella riding her horse, Roper. When we get down to the Foothills Cowboy Association rodeo contestants, they didn't disappoint either. Each Champion took home a nice paycheque in addition to an Olson Silver Champion Buckle, sponsored by Bowa Environmental. Here are the official champions of the 20th Anniversary Millarville Rodeo:

• Saddle Bronc - Ricky Warren • Bareback - Branden Dillman & Nathan Garlick (tie) • Bull Riding - K's Thomson & Dayton Johnston (tie) • Calf Roping - JT Robinson • Steer Wrestling - Jeff Heggie • Ladies Barrel Racing - Mary Ann Toohey • Team Roping - Wayne & Luke Skocdopole • Junior Barrel Racing - Anna Lauweryssen • Boys Steer Riding - Carter Sahli • Novice Horse Riding - K's Thomson • Junior Bull Riding - K's Thomson • PeeWee Barrel Racing - Harleigh Henderson

Over three days, we had close to 50 volunteers assisting us in executing an amazing rodeo. Without this group of wonderful, dedicated, talented folks we simply could not have done it. Thank you so much to each of you who contributed your time and energy in helping us preserve the heritage and wonderful sport of rodeo in

the foothills! Our committee is endlessly grateful. After 20 years, the current Rodeo Committee will be graciously stepping aside and handing the reins over to the MRAS Board of Directors. We've had a great run, met some lifelong friends, and had a lot of fun along the way. The board is looking to revitalize the rodeo going forward, and we wish them every success. Our hats are off to you Millarville! See you down the rodeo trail.

MILLARVILLE ANNUAL COMMUNITY

GARAGE SALE SATURDAY OCTOBER 8, 2016

MILLARVILLE RACERACK RIDING ARENA

10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

INDOORS – RAIN OR SHINE Please be advised there will be a $3 admittance fee per car as this

event is held in conjunction with the last day of the Millarville Farmers’ Market for 2016

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

933-3331 for information.

ARTIFACTSFROMTHEPRIDDIS&MILLARVILLEFAIRBy: MRAS Historical Society These samples demonstrate the spirit of country living, personal pride, and community commitment of exhibitors.

Artifacts from Adult Art and Handicraft Section By: Dorothy Jackson

This is the tricycle I rode 75 years ago. On the farm there were no sidewalks or mowed grass, just hard ground. When I couldn’t pedal I would just push with my feet. I loved to take my teddy ‘Along for the Ride’. Since I have watched my children and grandchildren also enjoy riding my little tricycle. Maybe one day my great-grandchildren, too. Blackie the Horse By: Lorne Maull This horse was made by my

Grandmother and given to me for my second birthday (1938). It was made from sugar sack and hand sewn with heavy thread. Hand carved wooden hooves and leg supports provided the framework. It was stuffed tightly with rags. She painted it using her black and white oil paints. She used real horse hair for the mane and tail. It was mounted at the end of an apple box, and had wheels on it so you could ride it. Over the years of hard work it faded, and broke down. This winter I brought Blackie back to life and restored his original color. Over the years, he has taken many a child ‘Along for the Ride’. Artifacts from Junior Arts & Handicraft Section Glimpses of the Beauty By: Nicole Zacaruk From my perch up near the sky Gently swaying with the breeze, This moment I bare witness. Such sweet vows of love. Of all the sights that I have seen And miles I have flown, Never have I observed such love, Such doting admiration. From soul to soul, Lips to lips. With such sweet sorrow They bid ‘til morrow, With love filled hearts and minds. I spread my wings and go in search Of more rare and precious moments. Glimpses of the beauty So often missed in this world.

Rainy Day – a Haiku By: Michael Walmsley Rain falls from the clouds The creek runs wild with water Here we go again.

Home is Where the Farm Is By: Tesse Lind I describe the feeling as relief That can only be found on a farm I stay in awe and disbelief Of its beauty and charm The fearless unknown around you The exhilaration from being alone It’s where you can stand tall and true In fields of wheat on a prairie throne I have not found a way to explain it The way you can let your spirit soar There is no way you can contain it The way your heart roars You know you’ve found home when You can hear the nature call When you can look at the horizon With no buildings standing tall They say home is where the heart is And I know where my heart belongs In the fields in which it grew up Where it still is growing strong.

MILLARVILLEHALFMARATHONBy: Rick Charlton Planning for the 6th Annual Millarville “Run To The Farmers’ Market” Half Marathon will be ramping up shortly. If you’d like to volunteer to help with planning our June 17, 2017 event, give Rick a buzz at millarvillefarmershalf@gmail.com . We’ll talk about potential tasks in the planning process and where your interests/expertise might lie. The planning committee will meet through the Winter and Spring, with the frequency picking up as we get closer to race morning. We had 1,200 registered participants last year and we’ll be projecting 1,500 for next June. Our event is point-to-point, with all races starting in Black Diamond and all finishing at the 35th season opening day of the Millarville Farmers’ Market. About 150 local volunteers assist with staging the event on race morning. Net proceeds benefit your non-profit Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society.

LATESUMMERMINESTRONEWITHBUTTERNUTSQUASHANDFRESHCORN(Serves6)Recipe from: VegetarianTimes.com Bright, beautiful and bursting with veggies, this colorful minestrone is a great way to stretch the harvest. Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 cup sliced leeks • 1 cup chopped celery • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper • 1 tsp. salt, optional • 4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage, or 2 tsp. dried sage • ½ tsp Italian seasoning • 1 bay leaf • 2 large tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped (1 cup) • 2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (¾- to 1-inch cubes) • 2 cups green beans or flat beans, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 15-oz can or 1½ cups cooked white beans, rinsed and drained • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels • ½ tsp balsamic vinegar • 2–3 tbsp chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish, optional

1. Heat oil in 5-qt. Dutch oven or other large soup pot over medium heat. Add leeks, celery, bell pepper, and salt, if using. Cover, and cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until veggies are softened, stirring occasionally. Uncover, and continue cooking 5 to 6 minutes more, or until celery is somewhat shrunken and leeks are browned. 2. Add garlic, sage, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add tomatoes and 8 cups water, and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes. Add squash, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Add green beans, white beans, and corn; simmer 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in vinegar and mint.