What’s the easiest way to attract a big name country star to the valley? Make a short video and enter the Small Town Saturday Night contest.
    Travel Alberta has partnered with Big Valley Jamboree to celebrate its 20th anniversary and to support Alberta’s rural communities by offering them a chance to win a day-long country music celebration on April 28, 2012 in their hometown through a contest called “Small Town Saturday Night”.
    The grand prize includes a concert headlined by Canadian country music artist Dean Brody and a songwriters circle hosted by Alberta’s own Aaron Lines. Big Valley’s Master of Ceremonies Danny Hooper will emcee for the Small Town Saturday Night event. In addition to the excitement of hosting this once-in-a-lifetime concert experience, the winning community can use the event as a fundraiser to support a local charity or municipal initiative.
    “Alberta’s vibrant rural communities are filled with authentic experiences that travellers are looking for,” said Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Jack Hayden. “We want to shine a spotlight on our small towns and give them an opportunity to showcase what makes them unique.”
     Entering is simple:
•    Choose a place to host the event  (local bar, community hall)
•    Connect with a group of passionate local champions
•    Create a two-minute video showcasing what makes your community a great place to visit
•    Upload your video to YouTube and submit your official entry form
•    Invite your friends, neighbours and entire community to vote for your video online
    Deadline for entries is March 2, 2012. A panel of experts will narrow down the eligible entries, choosing the top five submissions based on their depiction of community spirit and involvement, passion for local tourism attractions and events and creativity. The top five will be announced on March 6, 2012 and this will be followed by a public vote for the grand-prize winner, ending on March 20.
     The winning community will be announced on April 2, 2012 and the grand prize concert will take place on April 28, 2012.
    For complete rules and regulations and to download the official information package and entry form please visit www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/STSN.

    Prairie Land Regional Division has extended its contract with Dr. Wes Neumeier and has reappointed him as superintendent.
    The board passed a motion at its December 14 board meeting to renew Neumeier’s contract for a three-year term from July 2012 to June 2015. The motion is pending Ministerial approval.
    “The board appreciates Dr. Neumeier’s focus on achievement, student learning and his problem-solving approach as he works with and through others to create safe and caring school environments for all students,” said a statement from the board.
    Board of Trustee chair Ed Brinkman of Craigmyle said it was an easy decision for the board.
    Neumeier was appointed superintendent of schools and chief executive officer for PLRD in 2009.  The board said in a statement, Dr. Neumeier also brings a collaborative and empowering leadership style that supports the Board of Trustees and administration.