CHESTERMERE – The Chestermere Agricultural Society is proud to host the Country Connections Spring Festival for another year.
The fair will be held at the Chestermere Recreation Centre on Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be lots of activities, food and fun for the whole family including a rabbit show and competition, rabbit hopping contests, the Quilters Guild Show and Sale, a trade show, kid zone and entertainment stage, PetFest, the Parade of Garage Sales and more.
One of the biggest parts of the spring festival will be the fourth annual PetFest. In 2009, Event Coordinator Vicki Klinger met with Shaunna & Brad Zeiler from Wags to Whiskers, Diana Mercer from Animal Traxx Dog Walking Services and Gabriela Rotaru from the Chestermere Vet Clinic and in no time, the PetFest concept was born.
There are many pet services and products in the Chestermere area, so it is an opportunity for people to learn about everything available pets in their community and meet the people personally. Pets are welcome at the event, but pet owners are asked to bring pet waste bags and leashes.
There will be pet contests starting at 1 p.m., so everyone is encourage to dress up their pets to compete in the Funniest, Best Dressed and Cutest Pet categories for numerous prizes.
Klinger said that more vendors are still needed to participate in PetFest, and anyone interested is urged to come forward.
“We hope we can find more people interested in doing demonstrations throughout the day such as fly balls, agility dogs and obedience training demonstrations, or anything else they would like to share, like grooming,” Klinger said. “It’s as easy as letting us know if you would like to host a center stage activity or demonstration.”
The registration for vendors is $20 and each vendor is asked to bring a small tent for themselves in case of rain, and to help unify the look of the festival. Each vendor is also asked to contribute a prize or gift certificate as prizes for the contests.
To register as a PetFest Exhibitor or would like more info please email recreation@chestermerecrca.com.
A new addition to the spring festival this year is the Calgary Stampede Entertainment Stage, coordinated by DJ Ann Hutter with local musical talent Candie Schmidt assisting.
Local performers who would like to showcase their talent are invited to participate. Email annhutter@outwestman.com for more details.
Lastly, the fifth annual Chestermere Parade of Garage Sales will also be held on May 5. The event, organized by local resident Patricia Virk, draws thousands of people from Calgary and surrounding communities to Chestermere.
“It is the best spring weekend to have your garage sale,” Klinger said.
Maps of the garage sales will be available in the Chestermere Recreation Centre parking lot (look for the blue BMO tent) after 8:00 a.m. on the morning of May 5. To register your sale or for further information, email PATRICIA.VIRK@bmo.com or call 403-204-3628.
Klinger said that the spring festival is a great chance for the community to come together, but also for businesses, services and other organizations to promote themselves locally.
Fore more information or to participate, e-mail Vicki at recreation@chestermerecrca.com.
