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Vegreville News Advertiser - September 13, 2023
Making New Memories at UCHV’s Harvest of the Past
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
More than 30 years ago Harvest of the Past became an annual event at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, (UCHV).
Amber White, Head of External Relations and Events, said, “The first Harvest of the Past event, in the form we celebrate today, made its debut in 1991. We are deeply grateful that this exceptional event has endure for decades, evolving into a cherished tradition beloved by our visitors.
Harvest of the Past 2023 was a day brimming with enjoyment for all ages. From the captivating threshing demonstrations to the fascinating horseshoeing and farrier displays and the delightful children’s activities, it was a memorable occasion. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our fantastic visitors, dedicated volunteers and staff for their invaluable contributions in making this event a success.”
Gerard and his wife Dolly have been coming to the Harvest of the past event for the past 20 years of more. The couple, who have been married for 56 years, farmed near Viking for many years before they quit farming in 1990.
Gerard, 80, and Dolly, 76, operated a large farming operation one kilometer south of the community. “We had cattle, feedlot, land partnerships, landlords and farmed 7,000 acres,” said Gerard.
As to why they continue to come back to the UCHV year after year for the event? Gerard said, it’s to encourage other people to come to the event and share their knowledge of farming and the industry has evolved over the years.
“We were at the Reynolds Museum last weekend. So, we talk to people about what’s happening here. They have no idea…Some people think we just magically appeared to this generation right now, but there’s a lot of hard work, blood sweat and tears.
My grandfather and my grandmother which settled between Killiam and Viking, dug a hole in the side of a hill and 10 people stayed there for two winters.
There wasn’t a Walmart. They had to do all the different things they could. They had to raise money and all those sorts of things. One of the things they had to do was live off the land, basically. To feed 10 people every day like that, you have to be pretty resourceful. But they did whatever it took to get the job done. How many people today are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done? They want government to fix everything. But are you willing to do for yourself? We’ve worked with a lot of people and we say, we are willing to help you, but what are you willing to do? I don’t want to do anything. They want everything just handed to them. But to have happiness takes hard work.
Gerard is a second generation farmer and grew up on a dairy farm. My mom’s side of the family carried on that business. It’s one of the largest dairy farms in Alberta. Child Farm between Killam and Viking. They milk 200 cows. Child my mother’s maiden name. My mother is the youngest of nine and I’m the youngest of nine. There’s only two left, my brother and I.” Gerard had a partnership with another brother of his along with a cousin, who he worked with him for 25 years.
Gerard believes whether its farming or marriage a team has to be compatible and pull together. For him and Dolly, the third member of their team is God. There’s no short cut to success and happiness, and for the Wadley’s it is important to share their part of the story.
