The High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo July 28-29 is the biggest event each year in High Prairie. Toss in the annual Gun and Sportsman Show in April, High Prairie Light-Up each November and the Indian Relay Races in September as other major events.
In Falher, citizens recently celebrated Honey Fest, and opened two new first-class recreation facilities.
In Peace River, Rotaract just held River Days to packed crowds and thousands of smiling faces.
There are several smaller events in each community. Museums celebrate Canada Day. There are Farmer’s Days, Harvest Festival, Hoedown Jamboree, barbecues, customer appreciation days and much more. Indigenous people are very visible in their celebrations. It is a virtual paradise of events to attend for residents itching to get out and do something.
It is interesting to note the biggest events are organized by volunteers. Many municipal governments support these events financially but the down-to-earth, roll up your sleeves and get things done work is completed by volunteers. Not by paid people.
The general rule is most elected people and administration in local governments are nowhere to be seen at these events. Agreed, they put in many, many hours at their real job and are tired and need to recharge but as the saying goes, if you want something done, get a busy person to do it.
A comment was made at a recent Town of High Prairie meeting by a man attending as a delegation. He said if council was going to hire an economic development officer, it had to be the right person. That right person, he suggested, is someone – anyone – who will buy into the community.
Interesting! In other words, get involved. Join the Elks, Rotaract, or Honey Fest committees.
How many people have we hired in Peace River, Falher, High Prairie and other places, where employees come and work for a few years, then leave?
Not being privy to the job applications, but perhaps our elected leaders should be looking at the applicant’s volunteer service. These are the people who truly get involved in their community and do the grassroots work needed to make community events successful.
Every citizen in the North Peace and South Peace knows the history of their local council or school board. Just how long are these employees working and truly investing in their community before leaving? The list of those who get involved is a lot shorter than those who do.
Any volunteer will tell you the rewards are well worth the effort when the event is over. Despite the headaches and surprises which arise at each event, there are far more smiling faces and happy people to remember when all is said and done.
A community’s biggest asset is its volunteers. They drive most of the events we enjoy and we thank them for it.
Consider joining an organization in your community, no matter what your job. Invest your time and effort in the community and it will invest in you. Too many people do not realize the rewards.
Chris Clegg