If you haven’t gotten your fix of rodeo action yet this year, it’s high time to check out the Rockyford Rodeo.
    The steadfast event, which has been around for 62 years is back this weekend, July 26-28 promising a full slate of rodeo events, as well as chuck and chariots, mini wild pony races,  mutton busting and mini bronc riding.
    President of the Rockyford Lions, Jace Mullen said variety helps keep the event fresh.
    “We will bring in things spur of the moment, we try to do something different and have a great group of volunteers that help us,” he said.
The show offers something for everyone. While there is great action at the rodeo and in the infield, there is also a family dance on Friday night, pancakes and parade on Saturday morning, a barbecue beef supper and cabaret featuring TC & Company.
    There will be bouncy houses for the kids as well as a catch and keep.
    One event they are bringing back is the relay race.
    ‘They have a few teams set up and we are looking at a few more,” said Mullen.
    The relay race features teams of two who will race the track, with a baton handoff.
    “We did it a few years ago, but we didn’t have many teams, so it looks like there is more interest,” he said.
    At the heart of the event is a good old fashioned rodeo.
    “It’s an up-close and personal rodeo,” he said.
Slack begins on Friday at 11 a.m. and the chucks and chariots run at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, breakfast is served starting at 7 a.m., with the parade at 10 a.m., and the rodeo at 12:30. The chucks and chariots are back on the track at 6:30 and then dance the night away at the cabaret.
    On Sunday morning, breakfast will be served in benefit of the Rockyford Library and the rodeo goes at 10 a.m. the chucks are on track at 4:30 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta has decided not to proceed with its Drumheller project and has turned over the land it secured to the town.
     Council agreed at its Monday, July 22 meeting to take possession of the parcel of land in North Drumheller that Habitat for Humanity had planned on building a duplex. In 2016 a local group was struck and began fundraising for the project.
    According to an update provided by Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, at that time, it was thought this project would meet a need in the community and provide an opportunity for two families to purchase starter homes through Habitat’s affordable mortgage program.
    Unfortunately, this plan could not be realized. It became apparent by mid-2018 the economics of rental versus purchase in Drumheller had changed for local families.
    In late 2018 Habitat for Humanity made a concerted effort to find families that would be eligible for its unique program, including a mail-out campaign. Families purchase the homes through Habitat’s affordable mortgage program.  
    The parcel of land on Poplar Street, one of the largest expenses for a project such as this was donated by the late Albert Clark. The land has been donated to the municipality for “appropriate beneficial community use to be determined by the council.”
    The local committee set out to fundraise for the project and has amassed about $85,000.  According to the updates, Habitat has been in contact with the donors and sponsors and made appropriate arrangements. It states some funds have been returned while others have been reallocated to other Habitat projects.
    Drumheller residents who made a contribution to the local project and wish to learn more about the status of your donation can contact Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta at 403-253-9331.