Grow Arena Project Builds on Success

Emily Mailhot Reporter

Vegreville News Advertiser

Seeds of change were planted by the Grow Arena Project on Sunday, May 5th, with a pancake breakfast to commemorate the second crop planted in support of the Two Hills Arena.

The day began with pancakes, coffee, and the opportunity for guests to sponsor acres of the crop and contribute to the project. Guests cycled in and out throughout the morning, happy to enjoy an event in support of their community.

Later on in the morning, guests gathered around as they planted the first seeds of this year’s pea crop. The rest of the crop was then planted throughout that day.

Terry Kitz of the Grow Arena Project said that they were glad to get the seeds in the ground without too much rescheduling. “We’ve started planting right on schedule, and now we just need to let the weather warm up a bit.”

Also for the seeding event, two new sponsors were added to the board, for both cash and product donations adding onto the provisions from Syngenta, Vibrance Max seed treatment, Elatis in-crop fungicide, Nutrien Ag Solutions supplying fertilizer, NuFarm supplying pre-burn chemical “Valtera” and fall desiccant “DriFast,” as well as cash donations from the County of Two Hills, Two Hills and District Agricultural Society, the Town of Two Hills, and several other individuals and businesses.

The 2019 seeding equipment was provided by Deerland in Vegreville, with volunteer labour from Deerland employees and others.

The Grow Arena Project hopes to host another event later on in the year when Webbs Machinery sprays the crops. “It’s really good exposure for our sponsors, and allows them to highlight the equipment they’ve donated.”

Building on the approximate $.5M raised since they began, the Grow Arena Project hopes to reach their goal and make big changes for the Two Hills Arena by the end of their 5-year plan.