Competitors at the Canada Day Drumheller powwow show off their skills in the hopes of providing knowledge on the culture as well as attain sweet prizes, on July 1, 2017.
 mailphoto by Terri Huxley

The Drumheller Heritage, Arts & Culture Committee have opened up the floodgates or in this case second year of Arts and Culture grants. Individuals or groups can apply for up to $1,000 in funds for their event or activity.
“These grants are to encourage arts and culture in Drumheller,” said Darren Goldthorpe, Manager of Recreation, Arts & Culture. “We have some talented artists and cultural experiences in the area and we want to support them in their projects.”
The Heritage, Arts and Culture committee is made up of elected officials, members of the administration team at the Town and volunteer members of the public. The committee is also responsible for the heritage building designation, as well as the Canada 150 funds for this year.
Last year, local groups were eager to utilize the new grant.
“Last year, the Heritage, Arts & Culture committee supported the Drumheller Library in hosting their Cosmicon, the East Coulee School Museum in their Miss Morrison program, as well as the Powwow which was held on Canada Day,” said Rhian Russell, Chair of the Arts & Culture committee. “I am looking forward to see the projects planned this year.”
The funds currently stand at $5,000 but if anyone in the community who would like to support the grant by donating money, the committee would be elated to be in contact.
The application form is available on the Town of Drumheller website at: dinosaurvalley.com/heritage-arts-and- culture grants or from Judy Quintin-Arvidson at jarvidson@dinosaurvalley.com or by calling 403-823-1324.

Spots are filling up fast for the 14th annual Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women held by Starland County.
After ten years of being on the Southern Alberta Grazing School for women committee, Starland County is able to host the event for another year, running from July 25 to 26.
“It rotates throughout southern Alberta,” said Dara Kudras, Assistant Agriculture Fieldman of Starland County.
Starland has hosted twice before with both successful attendance rates.
“It usually always sells out,” said Kudras. “We take 45 registrants and then 5 industry people.”
On the first day, the school focuses on range and riparian health, weeds, grazing principles and water systems for cattle and pastures as well as plant identification.
“We do a plant ID quiz out in the field as well,” said Kudras.
To finish up the day, the Last Chance Saloon out in Wayne hosts a supper for the large group.
For the second and final day, the morning consists of classroom style learning of riparian health assessments and the role of beavers and other important contributors to the ecosystem.
Ranching women will also be coming in to speak about their own operations like Jesse Williams from Special Areas.
Tamara Quashnick with Steadfast Veterinary Services will give a speech on post-calving care. “She is a really good speaker,” said Kudras.
In addition to the morning classes, a talk on verified beef and social license will be presented from a Canadian Beef round table member.
After that, everyone hops onto a well-maintained bus for a field trip up to Primrose Farms located south of Big Valley. A tour of the robotic dairy and mixed farm operation will be the highlight of the trip.
“Cremona Primrose is one of our ranching women so she is going to talk a minute about her story,” said Kudras. “She’s got pigs and chickens and all kinds of things.”
After visiting Prim rose’s, the group will travel to Calvin Raessler’s ‘Top Grass Beef’ farm where the range health assessment and plant identification quiz will take place.
“It’s just a really nice setting, it’s right below the Hand Hills and I think it’s a little bit different for the people that come from down south,” said Kudras.
Kudras is beyond excited to share her love of the land through education and experiences.
“It’s going to be a jam packed two days – I’m just excited to showcase Starland County and show what we have to offer.”

To sign up for the event, click the link here.