Rockyford celebrates 100 years of history

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

The Village of Rockyford will be hosting its centennial on June 29 to mark 100 years since the village was approved as a municipality.
Settled in 1913, some of the first pioneers of the Rockyford area included George Hope Johnstone, Henry Cullen, the Hines families and William Rudd, to name a few.
Legal surveys of the area were completed on Feb. 6, 1918 and were registered with land titles on Aug. 3, 1918. On March 28, 1919, the Village of Rockyford was officially approved as a municipality by Alberta Municipal Affairs.
“It is my belief that any continued event of 100 years deserves recognition and with the greatest amount of gratitude belonging to the forefathers of this community; without their ideas and determination our village would not exist,” said Darcy Burke, mayor of the village. “And today, as the sons and daughters of those pioneers and stewards of this community, we find it necessary to celebrate their accomplishment.”
With approximately 327 current village residents and over 800 local area residents, Rockyford is sure to be a busy place full of celebration and recognition of accomplishments that have taken place over the past 10 decades.
Plans that started as a discussion three years ago and grew to a large effort of more than the 25 dedicated centennial committee members will come to fruition on June 29.
“They have a vision for the day; they have set some goals and they will make it happen. I personally am humbled by what this group of people have achieved and couldn’t be any prouder for our community,” said Burke.
To kick off the day, a free pancake breakfast, parade and ribbon cutting on Main Street will begin at 7:30 a.m. The parade is open for anyone wanting to show off their turn-of-the-century equipment and cars, with more information available by contacting the village office.
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. there will be coffee and tea at the community centre along with a crafters market, and an antique and art show by locals on display from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Between 1 to 3 p.m. there will be a Bucket of Blood fun gambling event at the Friendship Centre.
And at 1 p.m. there will be a threshing machine demonstration at the rodeo grounds.
Following a lot of work rehabilitating the Rockyford Union Cemetery, including rehabilitating some headstones, adding in GPS points and ensuring there are no unmarked graves, a re-dedication of the cemetery will take place at 2 p.m.
“All day folks will be able to enjoy the Rockyford self-guided walking tour of 38 permanent markers detailing the history of each site,” said Burke, who added there is permanent historic signage placed throughout the village marking where original buildings were located with information about each site.
Other permanent projects include a commemorative wall and murals at the community centre, and the Rockyford speeder – a display case at the village office that houses the restored railway speeder. There is also a new boardwalk and new street lighting installed on Main Street.
The Al Azhar Shriners Mounted Patrol will provide a musical ride at the grandstand at 4 p.m., a roast beef dinner goes at the Sportsplex between 5:30 and 7 p.m., and speeches and dedications will happen at 7 p.m.
To conclude the day, there will be an outdoor concert and Dancing in the Dirt at the grandstands starting at 9 p.m. with entertainers Drew Gregory and Renegade Station providing four hours of music and entertainment, breaking only for a firework show at 11 p.m.
Tickets for the supper and entertainment must be purchased before June 20 by contacting the village office at 403-533-3950.
“When small communities like Rockyford host events, people and citizens just step forward to help plan or volunteer. It is certainly showcasing our community, our history and our achievements, and we want to provide a memorable day for all that join us,” said Burke. “I would like, on behalf of the people of Rockyford and our rural neighbours, to extend an invite to anyone to participate in our day.”