New board elected

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

The Strathmore and District Agricultural Society bid adieu to some of its board members, including president Brad Walls, and welcomed five individuals to the positions, after elections took place on Dec. 14.
Among those newly elected was president-elect Dennis McNeill, a long-time member, former president, and last term’s vice-president.
McNeill, who’s also a Strathmore Lions Club member, has been a member with the society for over 35 years. When fhe was first elected as president in 1992, the society’s prime focus rested on building the grandstands. Since then, the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society has grown in events, facilities, and in attendance. While their signature event, the Strathmore Stampede, also received some adjustments, in the form of entertainment, a wine cellar, and the use of the Remuda Centre – a multi-use facility that aided with admissions – the society is working diligently to expand its presence throughout the year.
With an expected five-year plan focused on additions and renovations to facilities, funding, and proper direction for management, McNeill is looking forward to create a more year-round presence without the dependence on one event – Strathmore Stampede. However, for McNeill, it was the society’s involvement with the 29 user groups – including minor ball, slow pitch, archery, and 4-H – that kept him coming back year after year.
“It’s been discovered that agricultural societies for every dollar in grants or other input from towns and government, agricultural societies turn that into four dollars by hosting events,” McNeill said.
“We’re building experiences for people. They come, they’ve never seen a rodeo, they’ve never seen what we do in a small town, and we change people’s lives because of it. It’s exciting.”
After two years as president, Brad Walls, who is also a local councillor, decided against seeking re-election, and referred to his terms as both challenging and rewarding. While he acknowledged the staff and board for helping make his term exceptional, he is confident in his former right-handman’s abilities.
“The Ag Society is in exceptionally good hands right now and I want to focus on some other initiatives I spearheaded,” said Walls. “Dennis is one of the most hardworking individuals I know. He puts more time into the park than I think half the staff do. I see him doing great things for the society.”
Some highlights from the society include their partnership with the Celebration of Lights, the outdoor rink, and the Open Farm Days.
Also elected on Dec. 14, were Gwen Schneider as a board member, Cara Burne as vice president, and Sheila Crispin as secretary-treasurer – a position formerly held by Pascal Del Guercio – to make up the 12-member board. Both Walls and McNeill praised the team for their efforts in making the initiatives a success.