Organizations across the province have felt the impacts of the restrictions put in place by the Alberta government to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Despite easing restrictions, 4-H clubs in the local Drumheller and surrounding areas have felt the impacts-from being unable to hold in-person meetings, to moving their annual show and sales online.
“Hussar 4-H has definitely been impacted by the pandemic,” general leader for the Hussar 4-H multi-club Barb Slemko tells the Mail. “We were able to hold our first two monthly meetings of the year in person, with the rest being via Zoom.”
Slemko notes enrollment in the club is down this year, which she “partly” attributes to COVID; this year the Hussar Multi Club has 20 members, down from 34 members in 2020.
Virtual meetings and lower enrollment numbers have not stopped the 4-H group, however, and Slemko says they have been working to fulfill the program’s core values.
In previous years members visited seniors at the Bassano Lodge; due to social distancing and other COVID restrictions, the club was unable to do so this year and instead held a socially distanced food drive with donations delivered to the Wheatland County Food Bank in Strathmore.
Restrictions have also impacted the regular Show and Sale for multiple clubs across the community.
The Hussar 4-H club will be holding a members only achievement day, which has been permitted by a special exemption from Alberta Health Services. Their annual Show and Sale was held online by the Rosehill Auction Service Ltd.
Drumheller and District club will be holding a show on Sunday, June 6 at Holowath farm; due to ongoing restrictions the show will not be open to the public. The sale will be moved online and hosted by Olds Auction Mart with bids opening Monday, June 7 at 7 p.m.
The Rockyford club will also be holding their sale online, through Team Auction Sales, beginning Monday, June 7 at 9 a.m. until Friday, June 11 at 7 p.m. Photos and videos of the animals will be available for viewing starting Tuesday, June 1.
Bidders are encouraged to register ahead of the auctions if they wish to participate.
