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Successful pig roast held in Holden Page 3
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 106 Issue 50
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
3rd annual Tofield Western Days draws the crowds crowds into into town town KARI JANZEN PHOTO, MORE ON PAGE 14 & 15
Kari Janzen and Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporters Many were in town during the four-day third annual Western Days celebration in Tofield from Thursday, August 8 to Sunday, August 11. The food truck fest kicked off a weekend full of events at the Tofield sports grounds on Thursday, prior to the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Canada Bull Bash. Five food trucks were on site, with a variety of food to choose from including Mexican, Asian and barbeque. The trucks were all locally sourced from Camrose, Fort Saskatchewan, Amisk, and Edmonton. Live music filled the sports grounds from musician Doug Robb. A foam pit, petting zoo, face painting station, and inflatables were available for families to enjoy. The Tattered Turquoise Boutique traveled from Midale, SK to attend the fair, with western and boho apparel available for purchase. Fifteen bull riders were present for the Bull Bash. Out of the 15, four rank in the top 10 athletes nationally; Nick Tetz (#1), Dakota Buttar (#3), Coy Robbins (#4), and Aaron Roy (#7). Tyler Craig (2023 Tofield champion) from Crossfield, AB was also competing again this year. The stands were full of fans from the beginning to the end of the competition. Fireworks, music, cheering, and excitement filled the arena. Fans were also able to participate in the 50/50 raffle through the evening, and
the winner went home with over $1,400. Nick Tetz took home the Tofield championship with an impressive 37 points, winning a prize of over $2,500. When Tetz showed up at the Tofield Bull Bash he was ranking #2 nationally, but after his win he has taken the #1 spot. Tetz was crowned the PBR Canada champion in 2022. He will be the fourth multitime PBR Canada title holder if he can hold his #1 ranking through to the PBR Canada finals in November held in Edmonton. On Friday several blocks of main street Tofield were sectioned off for Promenade. The street fair featured food, entertainment, market vendors and displays, a petting zoo, inflatables, a mechanical bull, minigolf and much more. Bullying Enns, a nonprofit organization that supports children who have been bullied, was set up during Promenade. The group was created in 2017 by Steve Enns when he offered a young boy a ride to school on his motorcycle and changed his life forever. The group’s goal is to support children that are being bullied and offer a ride to or from school to show support and that they are a valued part of society. Bullying Enns member G.P. was riding for Guardians of the Children when he met Steve Enns and decided to start riding for Bullying Enns. G.P. specifically has been
Lukas Skuban of Westlock, AB rides a bull in the junior bull riding event on Saturday. Skuban fell off before the eight seconds were up, receiving no score. He also got stepped on by the bull, but walked out of the arena a short time later. helping make a difference in children’s lives in our community since 2019. “Making a difference for one kid at a time, one ride at a time. You affect one and it’s contagious; we are making a difference in the schools,”said G.P. During Covid the group, comprised of volunteers, organized 224 birthday drive-bys for children to feel supported and connected to their community during the difficult time.
They have travelled to BC, Grande Prairie, Red Deer, and Camrose. In many of these places there are Bullying Enns groups locally. They are working on becoming more involved in Tofield. On Saturday before the first performance of the 41st annual Sodbuster rodeo, a hearty pancake breakfast fed over 200 people. “Preparation is generally for roughly 250 people,” said Town of Tofield Assistant Chief Adminis-
trative Officer Jeff Edwards. “This year there were a total of 218 plates sold. However, this does not take into consideration those that may have had a second plate,” he said. The funds raised from the breakfast go to the Tofield Agricultural Society, and this year the money was put towards Phase Two of the Arena project. “There are many hands that come together to have this take place.
There are Town of Tofield employees, Town Council, the general public, and Ag Society members. The breakfast is a highlight for the community amongst all of the other exciting integral pieces to the weekend. Truly, a person would be challenged to find a full breakfast such as this for such an affordable cost,” Edwards said. About 20 tables were set up in the Tofield Arena meeting room on Story continues on page 14