Andrew Agricultural Society Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Andrew Agricultural Society Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The Andrew Agricultural Society celebrated its 50th anniversary July 9 and 10th.

There were a variety of events held throughout the weekend, which included a Farmer’s Market, Slo- Pitch Tournament, Kids Zone, Beer Gardens, Pancake Breakfast and Banquet and Dance.

It was a special time to socialize with family and friends as well as past and current members of the Ag. Society. Some of the original group of volunteers were on hand for the festivities Saturday evening. They included: Sylvia Ostapowich, Grace Blashko, Shirley Andriashuk as well as Loretta Hodge whose late husband Lee started the hockey program.

“We moved here in 1972,” said Loretta. They owned the hotel and Lee also ran a water hauling company with Matt Danyluk who used to run the ball tournaments for the Ag. Society. “My husband started hockey and coached as many as three teams at a time,” added Loretta.

Both Loretta and Shirley have many fond memories. They both had children in hockey and recalled some of the good times they shared together travelling to hockey schools in summertime. Shirley remembered being on the ferry going to Victoria and some of the passengers looking on in amazement as kid after kid piled out of their motorhome.

Loretta said Shirley was fondly called ‘Baba’ by one and all. “Shirley was the work horse. Chief cook and bottle washer,” said Loretta. That was because Shirley ran the concession at the arena and also catered all of the events the Ag. Society held. “You wouldn’t believe how many hamburgers and perogies we made,” added Shirley.

L-R: Dave Fedun, Shirley Andriashuk, Loretta Hodge and Sylvia Ostapowich.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

“It, (volunteering) was very rewarding over the years,” said Shirley, whose late husband Ed also did a lot of volunteering for the group. “It was hard work, but enjoyable,” added Loretta. They became like a family and loved the camaraderie and shared experiences. Dave Fedun feels exactly the same, and spent a lot of time behind the bench in addition to playing on Andrew’s senior men’s hockey team that played in the Beaverhill Hockey League.

Dave said his friend Ken Danyluk was spearheading the Ag. Society. Dave said his wife was involved with the Ag. Society as well. Dave’s three boys played hockey and his daughter ran the time clock and kept score at the games.

Dave said they made “lifelong friends” and had many great memories over the years. “I’m very happy to see a lot of the younger people are interested in keeping the Ag. Society going,” added Dave with a broad smile.

The Ag. Society also operated the Figure Skating Club. “Both my husband and I were involved with the Ag. Society,” said Sylvia Ostapowich. Her husband Jim coached hockey and she was the President for the Andrew Figure Skating Club for many years as their three daughters skated. Sylvia remembers her son not being too happy she put him in figure skating, but she wanted him to “learn how to skate properly” before going into hockey.

Sylvia’s friend Grace Blashko was the Secretary of the Andrew Figure Skating Club. She had two children who were involved with that in the mid-‘70’s. Sylvia said many people got involved with the Ag. Society to help get the arena built, and later convert from natural to artificial ice.

L-R: Ken Levicki and his wife Sara and their children Axel and Kelvin along with his dad Terry Levicki.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

With rodeos, Hawaiian dances, and a variety of other events, Sylvia added, “It, (Ag. Society) was the fabric of the community. And it still is today.” She said if younger people hadn’t stepped up to volunteer there wouldn’t be an Ag. Society.

The former volunteers give much credit to current Ag. Society President Carrie Hrehorets whose parents were some of the founders and pillars of the Ag. Society.

Hrehorets told the crowd of 140 people she’s been on the executive for 13 years, as have most of the current executive. “And the years before us, other people remained on the executive for many years as well,”

I have many fond memories of my parents and their close friends who worked tirelessly to keep the Ag. Society going and the arena open.

These truly are the best memories of my life, and I’m sure a few of you here tonight can agree to that as well. I guess that’s where the saying, “It take a village to raise a child” would apply. Everyone worked together to provide as much opportunities as they could for the children.”

Hrehorets said over the years they have lost a multitude of people who were very involved with the Ag Society. Every year since 2009 we have hosted the Andrew Memorial Hockey Tournament and it is this event we honour these people.” A moment of silence was held to remember them.

In closing, Hrehorets asked guests to raise a glass to toast the Ag. Society for 50 years of “incredible volunteerism and many friendships and memories made.”

Terry Levicki, who operated the Ag Society Farmers Market with his partner Sonia, were in attendance. He made the displays of photos and newspaper clippings for the event, for which Hrehorets thanked him for.

Levicki currently manages and maintains the arena. He said he played old timers hockey for many years and that his three boys Ken, Brad and Michael grew up playing hockey in Andrew.

Marty Stewart played and coached hockey in Andrew after moving to the community in 2007. He said he enjoyed his time volunteering and was happy to be involved with the organization over the years.