The weather in early May is always hit or miss but despite the chilly skies during this years event, the Annual Country Connections Spring Festival was still a ton of fun for those that came out to enjoy the occasion on Saturday, May 3.
According to Vicki Klinger the Recreation Coordinator at the CRCA, about 1,500 people enjoyed the day’s events, sponsored by the Chestermere Agricultural Society. The windy morning kicked off with a delicious pancake breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of Chestermere.
The 7th Annual Pest Fest, sponsored by Chestermere Vet Clinic always draws a lot of children and creates plenty of smiles as various members of the animal kingdom show off their many talents. There was a dog agility course, horse rides, dogs herding ducks and of course a friendly petting zoo.
The day got off to a slow start in the KidZone but as time progressed, the sun eventually came out to fight off the chill of the wind so the bouncy houses and mini golf became more populated with families bundled up and ready for fun. There was even an entertainment stage outside with non-stop singing and dancing which helped to keep bodies warm. Entertainers took the stage throughout the day performing for the happy crowds.
Unfortunately, the fun activities located outside in the KidZone are generally run by volunteers from the local business community but this year event coordinators found it difficult to find businesses willing to commit their time to help.
“If it wasn’t for members from the Strathmore Air Cadets, the climbing wall and some of the bouncy houses would have been shut down because we had no one to run them for us,” says Klinger. “I put out a last minute call for volunteers once I realized that the usual businesses could not help out so I am thankful that the group from Strathmore stepped up to help us. They said they had a great time and were thrilled to help so it worked out well for everyone in the end.”
Despite the lack in local volunteers, Klinger said it was a wonderful day. “We had some individuals that really stepped up and made a significant impact in the success of the day, and everyone I spoke to that attended had a wonderful time.”
The rabbit show and competitions are always a popular event and this year was no different. Kids and adults alike line up to watch the four legged hoppers make their way through a course showing off that they are not just soft to pet, but also very intelligent.
As always, the trade show drew a large amount of people throughout the day with all the interesting and useful products available including arts and craft and photography as well as the usual home businesses like Tupperware. Face painters kept hard at work with children’s requests of butterflies, fairies, animals and monsters. Some community groups like Chestermere Therapy Dogs, 1st Chestermere Scout Group and St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish were on hand to update visitors of upcoming local activities and fundraising efforts.
“The beauty of events like these is the opportunity to visit and catch with so many friends from the community” says Klinger. “The more we have these events, the stronger we become in the sense that we are building friendships.” Klinger added that event organizers will be looking at possibly moving the date back by a couple of weeks next year, perhaps to the weekend following the May long weekend, in hopes of warmer temperatures.
Although the wind chill may have kept some people away, those that attended the Annual Spring Festival certainly had a great time and proved that the City of Chestermere is still full of community spirit.
