Morrin History Book Committee, with help from grant funding from the Government of Alberta, has published Blooming Prairies II, the latest history book for the village and surrounding area, which encompasses local stories and histories from 1970 to present.
The book was scheduled to be distributed at the Morrin Centennial Homecoming, but the village’s 100 year celebration had to be postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had many community members pitch in and help procure information, write stories, and proofread. Thanks to everyone in the community for their stories and help,” Melanie Nelson, history book director, told the Mail.
The Morrin History Book Committee began with 10 members under the Morrin Agricultural Society.
In March 2020 the Morrin Agricultural Society was awarded with grant funding as part of the Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women’s Community Initiatives Program. These funds assisted the committee with the cost of publishing.
Work on the book began in November 2016 and Nelson said the entire process, from start to finish, took three and a half years.
Following the first day of sales, Drumheller-Stettler MLA Nate Horner was presented with a copy of Blooming Prairies II by Morrin Agricultural Society president Sheldon Harvey, and members of the Morrin History Book Committee for his part in helping with the grant funding.
In total 680 copies of Blooming Prairies II were printed, and those interested can request a copy through the Morrin Centennial website; Blooming Prairies, which covers the village’s first 50 years, is also available for purchase.

In its sixth year, the Badlands Boogie is bringing music to the historic Graham Ranch this weekend.
The annual concert, which helps raise funds with an eye on saving the East Coulee Truss Bridge, goes this holiday long weekend with three days of music and camping.
“It is looking like it is going to be nice weather and we are going to have our best Badlands Boogie ever,” said organizer John Barry Graham.
This year there will be over 30 performers including blues mainstay Harpdog Brown. The performers run the range from folk, rock, blues, and rap. There is a collection of musicians such as Cathie Brown and J. McLean. With so many restrictions due to COVID-19, festivals all over have been cancelled, Graham said music fans and musicians are looking forward to the event.
“This will be our year to shine. There are no other festivals going, the bands are just itching to play,” said Graham.
He said due to restrictions because of pandemic they are limited to selling just 200 tickets for the event. They are taking all the recommended measures including social distancing and gathering in cohorts and are providing hand washing and sanitizing stations. The camping area adheres to spacing requirements.
There will be food trucks on-site to provide food as well as other vendors.
He said over the history of the event, they have been able to collect approximately $7,500 for the East Coulee Truss Bridge and is hopeful this year they are able to contribute more to the cause, and over time grow the festival.
The performances begin on Friday, September 4 at 5 p.m. and continue until Sunday night. Tickets are available by going to eventbrite.ca