The only constant in the last couple of years of The Rumsey Ride For Stars has been changed.
Organizers have successfully adapted to new formats, and new avenues of fundraising to keep the event going. Now that they can go back to an in-person event for the 33rd annual Ride on August 14, it comes with a new site and trail.
“Over the last couple of years we have had to make a lot of changes and this year is no exception,” said one of the organizers Rob Richmond.
He explained they began talking to the Rumsey Ag Society, about doing the event right in town at the rodeo grounds.
“All the events are going to take place right in Rumsey at the Agriplex and the grounds. There is lots of camping and trailer parking,” he said.
The second piece was finding a venue for the actual trail ride. They connected with the East Central Heritage Society, which stewards the Nature Trail, which runs from Morrin to Rumsey along the former railway line.
“They were more than excited about doing it. The Heritage Society does a lot of things in Stettler too. They own the trail, it is actually made for hiking and walking and Horseback riding,” said Richmond.
Now they are set to go.
“We basically have all the great events. We have the trail ride, the poker rally and the silent auction, and it will be at the Agriplex,” he said. “We were always rain or shine at the ranch, but now we have a little protection for that.”
Other activities you have come to expect at the event are back, including the raffles, Jill Brodies Ducks and Dogs Demo, and the meals, including the Rumsey Volunteer Fire Department Breakfast, Gooch’s Lunch and the beef dinner.
“The nice thing is, we have a nice partnership with the Rumsey Ag Society, and a new partnership with East Central Heritage Society, they are very excited, and some of their group members are going to come out ride day and help out,” Richmond said.
The experience of going through the pandemic has not only shown the resiliency of the group and its ability to adapt, but it also created a few new events and maybe traditions.
“We have brought forward a few little events we did the last couple of years,” he said. “The last couple of years showed us the generous support and spirit we had because a lot of other fundraisers couldn’t happen, and we made it happen.”
They are continuing with the “Your Ride for Stars, where participants can collect pledges and do the ride at their own leisure, rather than just on the event day.
They are also bringing back the online auction on Facebook.
“It will be just 10 items, just for fun because people love doing bidding wars. And it provides an opportunity and an option if they can’t make it to Rumsey.”
One more tradition is Rob, now becoming the annual Walk for Stars. He will be walking from Morrin, through Rowley to Rumsey on August 13. He has begun his training and is taking pledges for his 33 km walk.
Watch the ​​33rd Annual Ride for Stars Facebook pages for details of all the events as they unfold.