Wednesday, June 29, 2022 Vol. 45, No. 26
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Good Sam Club caravan takes over Viking Patricia Harcourt Editor
The Alberta Provincial Good Sam Association’s cavalcade rolled into Viking last week ready to enjoy the hospitality and amenities of the site chosen for their Spring RV Campout/Rally. There were several days of activities, tours and meals prepared by local clubs and organizations for about 200 people in 101 rigs nestled around the Carena. The visit finally happened after a two year delay brought on by the pandemic’s arrival in 2020. Now with restrictions mostly lifted, the town and happy campers decided to have another go at it - this time very successfully. “Alberta is a beautiful place and we have absolutely fabulous small communities throughout Alberta,” said Randy Fischer, Provincial Director for the Alberta Good Sams Association. “In places like Viking, the people are so friendly
and helpful,” said Fischer, thanking Mayor Laura Yakiwchuk and the town office and public works staff for their efforts in that regard. “Everybody’s just been fabulous,” he said. “I hope we can return their goodwill.” The theme for Viking was, not surprisingly, hockey and the complex arena was festooned with hockey jerseys and other memorabilia. “I’m a hockey fan,” said Fischer, noting that was “part of the reason” he was so excited to be here because of the seven Sutter brothers and their famous hockey legacy. Fischer fondly remembered Brent Sutter’s previous time with the New York Islanders, Darryl’s with the Calgary Flames, and Rich and Ron when they were with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. “I love the way the Sutters play hockey,” he said, who also enjoys Darryl Sutter’s dry sense of humour. And there was a definite highlight to their stay on
Saturday morning when Grace Sutter came to a “meet and greet” session. Grace was swamped with attention as she spoke of her sons’ hockey experiences over the years to many people eager to have a personal word with her. That evening the Good Sams held a private banquet and the hockey theme was self evident as they were invited to wear a jersey or other hockey related clothing to the event. But this was just one of the many activities that took place. Everyone
arriving last Wednesday enjoyed a hamburger supper at the Carena put on by the Viking Fish and Game Association. A Thursday cold cut luncheon put on by the Viking Women’s Hospital Auxiliary was open to the public, taking place during the town’s first Farmers’ Market at the community hall. Good Sam first-timers Terrill and Ken Thesen of Drayton Valley were full of praise for Viking. “It’s a nice community,” said Terrill. “It was great, fantastic,” added Ken, speaking of the meal at the hall.
“It’s great the way the community has come together.” Then Terrill joked, “You’ve got to turn the tap off, though,” referring to the rain which thankfully stopped on Friday. Several groups got together to put on Friday night’s pig roast at the Carena - including Viking Royal Purple, Viking Legion and the Viking Historical Society. The meal ended with an ice cream social. The Viking Ag Society stepped in again to host a delicious Brunch Saturday morning with a delightful
jam session of local musicians as accompaniment. The dance following Saturday night’s banquet in the evening which featured the music of another local group, Torlea Flats. The culmination of the five day visit was a pancake breakfast put on by the Viking Fire Department at the fire station house. “We chose this community on the basis of adequate facilities, parking at the facility for the motor homes and the enthusiasm of the community,” said Fischer. “We wanted Continued on Page 7
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