The Rails to Trails task force is officially accepting donations and sponsorships from the community as of Friday, November 18.

Funds raised will help support the development of an approximately 19 kilometre trail network and amenities throughout the Drumheller Valley, from the Midland Bridge to Wayne, via former CN rail right-of-ways; the Town of Drumheller announced in April it had come to an agreement for a 25 year lease for use of the right-of-ways at a cost of $1 per year.

In keeping with the theme of the Town’s historic connection to railway, amenities along this trail will include a total of six stations positioned at key locations along the trail which provide shaded locations to gather, garbage and recycling receptacles, and seating areas, including a main station on the edge of downtown with a donor wall and enhanced amenities. There are also 11 stops planned at key points between stations with a place to rest, dog relief stations, and garbage and recycling receptacles.

The task force is hoping to raise the funds as quickly as possible to complete the trail network in 2023; at minimum, the task force would like to see the trail completed from the Midland Bridge to the Walmart intersection at 19 Street.

Donors will also have the opportunity to sponsor the purchase of seven available bridges in Wayne, and the Midland Bridge. Anyone within the community, whether individuals or families, businesses or organizations, can donate to the development of the trails, and tax receipts are available for donations over $25.

A fundraising dinner and silent auction will be held on Friday, December 2. Task force members show off some of the items available for bid at the auction. (l-r) Madison Colberg, vice-chair Becky Kowalchuk, chair Jason Blanke, Tyler Eddy, Courtney Bell, and Lisa Orton.

For more information or to donate to the project, visit https://www.drumheller.ca/play/trails/rails-to-trails-project.

It should come as no surprise the Hand Hills Lake Club would be spectacular at putting on a rodeo, after all, they have been doing it since 1917.
However, this year they were once again recognized by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association as Small Committee of the Year.
After COVID we were trying to get the rodeo to go, and we were not sure if people were going to show up and if it was going to be the same as it was before,” said President Layton Rosin. He adds there were other small events that were struggling as well, that worked hard to put on a great show.
They successfully bounced back and this year put on a spectacular show for spectators and competitors. The award is not new to the committee, as they won it at least twice prior to COVID-19.
What makes the award special according to Rosin is that it is voted on by the competitor. Some of the feedback they received from those voting on the award said, “Hand Hills offers one of the best rodeos and in a small community they put on a great rodeo for spectators and competitors,” and “Great committee, people get involved with contestants, and being just a small rodeo it felt great to ride there.”
One special comment was “The pie was incredible.”
“It is kind of nice (for the cowboys to say this). It is kind of nice the crowd appreciates it too,” said Rosin.
He adds the one difference between the Hand Hills Lake Club and the committee and other rodeos, is they are not solely a rodeo committee.
“We are a community, a community that puts on an annual rodeo. I think that helps a lot more,” he said. “A lot of us are fourth generation, our grandparents and great-grandparents have put it on.”
He says they have been actively working on getting more people involved in the committee and the community.