CARSTAIRS - The third-annual Aggie Days agriculture extravaganza featured more than three dozen exhibitors on May 24 and 25, promoting and highlighting the vital agriculture industry in the district and province.
Held at the Carstairs Curling Club and in the adjacent Carstairs Memorial Park, the event saw hundreds of students and many other residents visit displays and exhibits, learning about the many aspects of agriculture and agribusinesses.
The event was a collaborative undertaking by the agriculture societies of Carstairs, Cremona and Didsbury, with Mountain View County also involved.
Organizing committee member Kelly Casebeer, a farmer from east of Carstairs, said the many volunteers involved were key to the success of Aggie Days 2024.
“It went really well,” said Casebeer. “There are great exhibitors and the exhibits are all interactive so it’s really, really good for those attending.”
She estimated that at least two dozen volunteers helped out during the two-day event.
About 450 Grade 4-6 students from area schools attended on May 24, with May 25 being open to members of the general public.
Division 1 Mountain View County councillor Dwayne Fulton, whose division includes the Carstairs area, called the 4th annual event a success, estimating more than 1,500 people attended on Saturday.
Promoting and highlighting agriculture in the district through Aggie Days is certainly worthwhile, he said.
Exhibitors this year included Olds College, Mountain View County, Mountain View BearSmart, the Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society, Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Chicken Producers, Carstairs 4-H, Cows and Fish/Alberta Riparian, Lakeland College, Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation, Legacy Land Trust, Ag for Life, Egg Farmers of Alberta, and the Foothills Forage Association.
The Carstairs Fire Department and the Carstairs museum also had displays and demonstrations. Many local and area businesses also took part again in 2024.
A draw was held on Friday, with students Ava Beck and Ray-Lee Lane winning new bicycles. Other draws were also held throughout the event.
The free community barbecue held Saturday attracted many, many local and area residents.
The first Aggie Day was held at the Heritage Centre east of Cremona in 2022 and in Cremona in 2023.
Coun. Fulton says there is support for having another Aggie Days in 2025.
“I think there is interest in keeping it going,” he said.
