We are seeking proposals from certified landscapers and contractors for comprehensive landscaping projects at our facility. Our mission to promote agricultural awareness and education within the community extends to creating a sustainable and inviting outdoor space that reflects our values and commitment to the environment. We invite experienced professionals to submit proposals for a series of projects designed to enhance our grounds and facilities. The full details may be found on our website: https://www.rvcagsociety.ca/rfps igned to enhance our grounds and facilities

RVC Agricultural Society is inviting proposals from experienced and creative video content creators for the development and production of engaging social media video content. We aim to highlight our major yearly events, which include rodeos, fairs, parades, music concerts and family Christmas events, showcasing the rich culture, excitement, and educational value they bring to our community. The full details may be found on our website: https://www.rvcagsociety.ca/rfps

We are thrilled to announce that our 2024 Sponsorship Package is now officially available! This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses and individuals passionate about supporting agriculture, community engagement, and sustainable practices to join forces with us. Our sponsors play a crucial role in enabling us to host events, educational programs, and initiatives that benefit both our local community and the broader public. By partnering with us, you'll gain visibility among our members and attendees while contributing to the growth and success of the agricultural sector. For more details on the sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please contact us directly. Let's cultivate success and growth together in 2024! Our sponsorship package may be viewed below.

Synergy has been fortunate to partner with the Do More Ag Foundation to host a Talk Ask Listen workshop in our community this fall. This is a half day interactive workshop solely dedicated to those who are involved in agriculture. The “Talk, Ask, Listen” workshop was created by farmers for farmers. It has already been delivered to thousands of producers across Canada. We are glad to provide this opportunity for producers from across South East Rocky View County and all surrounding areas to take part in this training at no cost. Date: Wednesday, December 6th Location: The Track Golf Course, Langdon (333 Boulder Creek Dr., Langdon) Time: 10:00am-3:00pm Lunch and Refreshments included Register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/talk-ask-listen-in-chestermere-ab-tickets-745669717197?aff=oddtdtcreator Knowing that knowledge is power and farming is unique, our goal for this workshop is threefold. One, that you walk away with greater awareness and understanding of mental health. Two, you can access this training in the cab of your tractor or at the office. And three, help you and those around you break down barriers and dispel the stigma through three actions - talking, asking and listening.

The 2024 Chestermere Country Fair is a finalist in the Field Law Community Fund Program. Voting is open from October 5 to November 7, 2023, and you may vote daily. Please help us make the 2024 Kids Zone the best one yet! Voting link: https://fieldlawcommunityfund.com/ideas/kids-zone-2024/

Sept 30, 10:30 am $40+GST per person, space is limited. Are you interested in keeping backyard chickens? Do you want to learn more about flock health, handling, cost, by-laws, breeds, coop design, diseases, overwintering and more? Then the Introduction to Backyard Chicken Series is for you! This 2-hour workshop will go over the basics and the necessities when it comes to owning and raising backyard chickens. $40.00 + GST per participant. Invoices will be emailed to you. Space is limited. Register here: https://forms.gle/NRQPJQ6vZZhVMuyo6

Excitement is brewing for the upcoming 2023 Chestermere Country Fair Red Ribbon Competition, where two distinct and captivating LEGO competitions are set to thrill participants and attendees alike. This year, brace yourself for novel challenges and heartwarming tributes, all within the colourful realm of LEGO creativity. 1. Unleash Your Ingenuity: Build Your Own Wagon LEGO Competition Prepare to embark on a journey of boundless imagination as the brand-new Build Your Own Wagon LEGO Competition takes the spotlight. This competition offers a unique platform for builders of all ages to craft their dream wagon, whether it's a delightful red wagon, a quirky Volkswagen, or a grand horse-drawn carriage. The sky's the limit as long as your creation fits within a 10x10" size limit on a standard LEGO baseplate. The rules are simple yet inspiring – your entry must be an original build, free from sets or kits, allowing you to express your individual flair and creativity. Adherence to the general Country Fair rules ensures a level playing field for all participants, while the requirement for each entry to include the term "wagon" in its name adds a touch of whimsy to the competition. With four distinct classes catering to different age groups – from pre-K to 6 years old, 7 - 12 years old, 13 - 18 years old, and 19+ years and older – the Build Your Own Wagon LEGO Competition promises a thrilling adventure for LEGO enthusiasts of all generations. Many thanks to Synergy for helping us with this new competition. 2. Honouring Heroes Through LEGO: The Craig Lawrence Memorial Competition In a heartfelt tribute to the memory of a local hero, the Craig Lawrence Memorial LEGO Competition returns to the Country Fair. This competition invites participants to pay homage to our valiant emergency service professionals by constructing their very own model emergency vehicles. From the blazing fire trucks to the life-saving ambulances, the relentless police cars to the agile helicopters – the possibilities are endless. While parts of kits are allowed, the key to victory lies in originality and imagination. Entrants must ensure their creation remains within a 12x12" size constraint, giving birth to a gallery of unique and heartfelt tributes that celebrate the spirit of our heroes. As the 2023 Chestermere Country Fair Red Ribbon Competition approaches, anticipation runs high for the captivating LEGO showdowns that await. From crafting imaginative wagons to paying homage to those who serve, these competitions promise to unite communities, celebrate creativity, and honour legacies in the most captivating of ways. For more details on the Chestermere Country Fair Red Ribbon Competition, including rules, how to enter and when to enter, please click here: Red Ribbon Competition

In memory of Lana Sproul In memory of Lana Sproul, a beloved member of our community known for her generous heart and acts of kindness, the RVC Agricultural Society is launching the "Kindness Project" for the Chestermere Country Fair. This initiative aims to promote acts of kindness towards individuals or groups, fostering a culture of compassion and empathy. The project invites participants from three age categories: 6 years and under, 11 years and under, and 17 years and under—to engage in thoughtful acts of kindness over the course of one to two months. Participants will document their projects in a journal, and the best entries will be rewarded with cash prizes. The Rules: To ensure the fairness and success of the Lana Sproul Kindness Project, participants must follow these guidelines: General Country Fair Rules: All participants must carefully read and abide by the general Country Fair rules that govern the Red Ribbon competition. This project needs to be documented through photos, drawings, writing etc. in a journal over the summer. It should take place over one to two months and should the journal should have at least six entries documenting the actions that were taken. The initial entry should outline the plan for your Kindness Project and/or the actions that will be taken to carry out your project. The final entry should be a reflection on the impact your Kindness Project had. The Lana Sproul Kindness Project encourages participants to let their imagination soar when coming up with acts of kindness. Whether it's helping an elderly neighbour with grocery shopping, making cards for hospital patients, organizing a fundraising event for a charitable cause, or simply offering a friendly ear to someone in need, every act of kindness counts. This project not only fosters the spirit of kindness but also cultivates empathy and compassion among young individuals. By engaging in selfless acts, participants will learn the value of giving back to their community and helping those less fortunate. To recognize the efforts and thoughtfulness of the participants, cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third-place entries in each age category. However, the true reward lies in the happiness and warmth brought to the recipients of these acts of kindness. Lana Sproul was a member of staff at Indus School from 2005 to 2023. She made a positive difference in the lives of students and staff and is remembered as a kind, caring and compassionate individual who brought out the best in everyone. We want Lana's memory to live on through the Kindness Project category in the Chestermere Country Fair Red Ribbon Competition.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and let the fun begin, because the Chestermere Country Fair is coming on Saturday, September 9, 2023! But hey, don't wait till the last minute to join the excitement – start planning your epic Red Ribbon entries now! We've got an incredible array of categories for kids and adults alike to show off their skills and creativity. From baking your most mouthwatering brownies and cinnamon rolls to cultivating the tallest sunflower or crafting a stunning bouquet of bee-friendly flowers, the possibilities are endless! And that's not all – we've got cucamelons, garlic, crooked carrots, weaving, knitting, sewing, felting, dyeing, photography, colouring, painting, loom crafts, diamond paintings, painted rocks, and a bunch of other surprises waiting for you! Now, you might be wondering, what's the deal with this Red Ribbon Competition? Well, it's not your average contest – it's a bench show! Think sewing, handicrafts, cooking, artwork, and photography, all brought together in a fun and fabulous display during our fair. Ribbons galore are up for grabs, with first, second, and third-place winners in each class. Oh, and don't forget the shiny trophies waiting to be claimed by those who rack up the most points! But wait, there's more! We've shaken things up this year with a fresh twist – a Red Ribbon theme! Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of sunflowers, as this year's theme takes center stage. Throughout the Red Ribbon classes, you'll find special categories that must follow this flowery theme. And guess what? The theme will change every year, so you can expect a burst of new ideas and inspirations! Now, buckle up for some thrift-flipping excitement! We've got a fantastic new addition called the "Thrift Flip." Take a thrift store find and unleash your imagination to transform it into a totally unique outfit. Let your creativity run wild with just a few tweaks, and voilà – you've got yourself a fabulous fashion statement! With a mind-boggling lineup of over 370 different classes for adults and children, you're probably wondering why you haven't signed up yet! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your talents and have a blast with the whole community. Head over to the Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Society website (www.rvcagsociety.ca) to check out the complete list of classes and get started on your winning entries! So mark your calendars, dust off your baking pans, pick up those knitting needles, and channel your inner Picasso – the Chestermere Country Fair is where the fun begins! See you there! PLUS! Country Fair rodeo tickets are now on sale. This year the rodeo will feature professional bull riding, charity bull riding, steer riding, mutton busting, sheep scramble AND rumour has it there may be some broncs thrown in the mix. PLUS!

Despite a little rain trying to dampen our spirits, the third annual Bulls on the Beach event was an absolute hit! The adrenaline-pumping action was unstoppable, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats throughout the entire event. One name stole the show – Beau Gardner! This talented cowboy rode not one, not two, but three bulls during the competition, showcasing his incredible skills and fearlessness. And guess what? He didn't just ride; he dominated! Gardner clinched both the 1st and 4th place, leaving everyone in awe with an impressive 84.5-point ride on the notorious Lazy P Rodeo Company's bull, "IMMA Big Deal." For his outstanding performance, Beau Gardner walked away with a cool $7,440 in his pocket, adding to his grand total earnings of $35,832 this season (as of July 21, 2023). Image courtesy Cole Fired Photography But the excitement didn't stop there. After the intense rodeo action, the evening continued with a fabulous cabaret featuring none other than Joel Ostrom and the Tin Star Band. The energy was electric as people danced the night away, celebrating the thrill of the day's events. We can't let this moment pass without expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors and volunteers. You, dear supporters, have been the backbone of our success. Your unwavering dedication and generous contributions have made Bulls on the Beach a roaring triumph. We are truly thankful for your belief in us and for making this event possible year after year. As the dust settles and the memories linger, we can't help but feel overwhelmed with joy and appreciation for everyone who made this event a wild success. Bulls on the Beach would not be the same without each and every one of you. Here's to an unforgettable year, and we can't wait to see you all again next time for more exhilarating action and moments that will stay with us forever! Thank you!

Experience the Bow Mitsubishi Bulls on the Beach rodeo today! Thrilling rides, ice-cold beers, stunning sunsets, and live music await. Get your tickets now at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/520528975177 before they vanish. Time is running out, don't delay! Secure your spot for an unforgettable event. Hurry, don't miss out! July 21, 2023, at the Chestermere Corral 201 West Chestermere Drive

Background: The Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Society (RVC Ag Society or RCVAS) Board of Directors reached out to the City of Chestermere Council and administration on May 5, 2023, regarding a motion that was passed in 2022. The motion read: "220726-20 Moved by Councillor Shannon Dean Motion Council Direct Administration to work in collaboration the Rocky View/Chestermere Agricultural Society and Rocky View County on the Establishment of Rodeo Grounds within the City of Chestermere or within close proximity to the City of Chestermere, and report back to council by year end. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY." The below letter was then sent on June 10, 2023: Dear Mayor Colvin & City Council, The Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Society is writing to express our profound frustration and disappointment with the lack of communication and transparency from Chestermere City Council and Administration. On May 5, 2023, we reached out to all council members and administration regarding a motion that was passed on July 26, 2022. The motion directed the city administration to collaborate with us on the establishment of a rodeo grounds and provide a report back to the city council by the end of 2022. Regrettably, we have yet to receive any communication from the city administration or council regarding this matter. Additionally, we were disheartened to hear about a public announcement during a city committee meeting that the City of Chestermere is working alongside Centron on the development of rodeo grounds in conjunction with the Agricultural Society. We want to clarify that no representatives from the City of Chestermere or Centron have approached us regarding this project, and the information presented is entirely false. Furthermore, we have concerns about the drawings continuously shared by Mayor Colvin on social media, showcasing plans for the Chestermere Recreation Centre lands. These plans exclude both our office and corral, instead prioritizing the construction of tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts over our existing facilities. Once again, we have not received any communication regarding these changes. Additionally, we wish to express our deep disappointment with the City of Chestermere's decision to temporarily suspend the 2023 Community Grants program. It has been four weeks since the suspension, and we have not received any further information regarding the reasons behind this decision or when the grants will be awarded. This abrupt halt to the grant program has had a significant impact on local non-profit organizations, and its repercussions will be far-reaching for the community as a whole. We respectfully request immediate attention and resolution to these matters. We believe open and transparent communication is vital for the successful collaboration between the Agricultural Society and the council. We eagerly anticipate your prompt response and a productive discussion to address our concerns. Yours in Agriculture, Rocky View Chestermere Board of Directors info@rvcagsociety.ca