TRACK WATCH
May 2015
APRIL OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
CLOSED Monday, May 18th
MRAS UPCOMING EVENTS
Campgrounds open May 14th
MRAS Golf Tournament – June 8th
Millarville Farmers’ Market – June 13th
Half Marathon – June 13th
Millarville Community Garage Sale- Oct 10th
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Memberships can be renewed at any time
during office hours, or by visiting the
website.
CONTENTS
Page 2
Director’s Message by Brent Foster
Page 3
Millarville Horticulture Club Article
Page 4
Traditions of Mother’s Day
Page 5
What is Victoria Day?
Page 6 &7
Northwest Foothills Recreation
Page 8
Director’s contact information
Page 9
“Name that horse” Contest results
Page 10
Run to the Farmers’ Market update
Page 11
MRAS Golf Tournament information
Page 12
May 2015 Facility Calendar
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Spring is well upon
us at MRAS as we
plan for the major
events of 2015 and
we look forward to
you
participating
with us, along with
the many volunteers
that help us run
those events.
We are encouraged with the previous
year’s participation and attendance as it
has helped MRAS come through the 2014
year end and the slower winter months of
2015 in a better financial position versus
previous years. Staff has helped a lot with
monitoring costs and seeking out new
grant opportunities. Thank you!
However, we cannot stop there. As the
facility ages, we need to continue to seek
new funding opportunities in order to grow
and maintain our facility and we are
looking for creative individuals to help to
attract and maintain relationships with
corporate and private sponsors. If you are
interested in joining this committee, please
contact the MRAS office.
Over the next year, the focus of the board
will be building on the stability of the
MRAS to ensure the Society is around for
generations to come.
As mentioned, our major events are well
underway; registration is open for the Half
Marathon and I encourage you to join us
this year. The race has three different
point-to-point events:
•
•
•
21.1 KM Half Marathon;
Two-person Half Marathon Relay
(legs of 9.2 KM and 11.9 KM), and
COBS Cinnamon Bun Run (8Miles/12.8 KM).
The fair, races and rodeo committees have
also started the planning phase and have
some new and exciting additions for 2015.
If you are interested in joining a committee
or volunteering for an event please contact
the MRAS office and we will match your
interests with an event. We appreciate
the effort the committees put into
arranging these community events.
Golf anyone? With the success of the first
golf tournament, MRAS will be hosting the
2nd annual golf tournament at the Turner
Valley Golf Course on Monday, June 8,
2015. With the early spring, the course is
in great shape and ready for us. Please
sign up by going to the MRAS website for
registration details.
Proceeds from the
tournament will be used to complete the
funding required to upgrade the water
treatment facility at the racetrack.
Food! Lots of it will be at the 2015 Farmers’
Market opening on June 13 through to
October 10th. With close to 200 vendors
to choose from; food artisans, fruit and
vegetables, and crafters will be even
greater than in previous years. Come out
and support our local farmers and
merchants.
Regards,
Brent Foster
Treasurer
Millarville Horticultural Club
The Millarville Horticultural Club meets at the Anglican Church House on Hwy 549 at 7:30 pm on the
2nd Tuesday of each month from May to September. We usually have a speaker but in February we
meet to order seeds as a group. In May and September we have a pot luck at 6:30 pm (bring your
favourite dish, eating utensils and plate). On the 1st Thursday in June at 7pm sharp we have our
famous plant sale at the MRAS racetrack. We sell chinook hardy plants and shrubs from our gardens –
don’t be late or they will all be gone. We also plant the barrels at the MRAS racetrack before the
Farmers’ Market starts in June. We usually have a car trip in July to a special garden or place of
interest.
The club gives out beautification grants to nonprofit organizations in our area as well as a $500.00
scholarship. This year we are also running a Junior program. Whether you are a novice or expert in
landscaping or gardening, join our club. It is only $15.00 a year and we always welcome new members.
For more information, like our Facebook (Millarville Horticultural Club) or call Sheila 403 931 3989.
May 10.
2015
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a modern celebration honoring one's own mother, as well as motherhood, maternal
bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the
world, most commonly in the months of March or May. It compliments similar celebrations honoring
family members, such as Father’s and Sibling’s Day.
The celebration of Mother's Day began in the United States in the early 20th century; it is not related to
the many celebrations of mothers and motherhood that have occurred throughout the world over
thousands of years, such as the Greek cult to Cybele, the Roman festival of Hilaria, or the Christian
Mothering Sunday celebration (originally a celebration of the mother church, not motherhood).
Despite this, in some countries Mother's Day has become synonymous with these older traditions.
In most countries, Mother's Day is a recent observance derived from the holiday as it has evolved in
the United States. As adopted by other countries and cultures, the holiday has different meanings, is
associated with different events (religious, historical or legendary), and is celebrated on different
dates.
In some cases, countries already had existing celebrations honoring motherhood, and their
celebrations then adopted several external characteristics from the US holiday, such as giving
carnations and other presents to one's mother.
The extent of the celebrations varies greatly. In some countries, it is potentially offensive to one's
mother not to mark Mother's Day. In others, it is a little-known festival celebrated mainly by
immigrants, or covered by the media as a taste of foreign culture.
What do people do?
Many people in Canada express their gratitude towards mothers and mother figures on Mother’s Day.
Mother figures may include step-mothers, mothers-in-law, guardians (eg. foster parents), and family
friends. It is the time for people to thank mothers and mother figures who took the time care to for
them and help them through life’s challenges.
Some people give cards, flowers, or chocolates, and/or make handmade items or special meals on
Mother’s Day. Others take their mothers or mother figures to the movies, a restaurant, café, or a day in
a park. Some mothers and mother figures also receive special gifts such as jewelry, clothing,
accessories, and gift vouchers for services or products. Don’t forget breakfast in bed!
Whatever it is you choose to do, make their day special.
Victoria Day- May 18th
Canada is the only country that commemorates Queen Victoria with an official holiday. Federal government protocol dictates that, on
Victoria Day, the Royal Union Flag is to be flown from sunrise to sunset at all federal government buildings— including airports,
military bases, and other Crown owned property across the country— where physical arrangements allow (i.e. where a second flag
pole exists, as the Royal Union Flag can never displace the national flag). Royal salutes (21-gun salutes) are fired in each provincial
capital and in the national capital at noon on Victoria Day.
Several cities will hold a parade on the holiday, with the most prominent being that which has taken place since 1898 in the
monarch's namesake city of Victoria, British Columbia. In nearby New Westminster, the Victoria Day weekend is distinguished by the
Hyack Anvil Battery Salute, a tradition created during colonial times as a surrogate for a 21-gun salute: Gunpowder is placed between
two anvils, the top one upturned, and the charge is ignited, hurling the upper anvil into the air. Other celebrations include an evening
fireworks show, such as that held at Ashbridge's Bay Beach in the east end of Toronto, and at Ontario Place, in the same city.
Across the country, Victoria Day serves as the unofficial marker of the end of the winter social season, and thus the beginning of the
summer social calendar. It is also a mark of the beginning of the cottage season, the time when cottage owners reverse the
winterization of their property. And for gardeners his will mark the beginning of spring, as it falls at a time when one can be fairly
certain that frost will not return until the next autumn.
There is also a change in both fare and clothing. Summer salads and barbeques begin. Lighter-colored summer clothing was
traditionally worn from Victoria Day through till Labor Day; clothing worn outside that time was considered your "winter whites".
The holiday is colloquially known as May Two-Four in parts of Canada; a double entendre that refers both to the date around which
the holiday falls (May 24) and the Canadian slang for a case of twenty-four beers (a "two-four"), a drink popular during the long
weekend. The holiday weekend may also be known as May Long or May Run, and the term Firecracker Day was also employed in
Ontario.
10TH ANNUAL
RHUBARB FESTIVAL
Sheep Creek Arts Council and the Valley Neighbours
Club would like to invite all community and area
residents to join the 10th annual Rhubarb Tea, Bake
Sale and Quilt Show on June 6th, 2015.
The festival will be held at the Valley Neighbours Club
located at 133 Sunset Blvd West in Turner Valley after
the Discovery Days Parade.
The quilt show and bake sale start at 11:00 am.
Admission to view the quilts is $1. Quilts are
submitted by surrounding area guild members. There
will be a ribbon and cash prize awarded for 1st and 2nd
place. You will be entered into a door prize draw for a
quilted table runner for viewing the exhibit. If you are
interested in showing your quilted masterpiece,
please contact Sheila Virgo at [email protected] .
The tea will begin at 1:00 pm. Admission is $5. The
rhubarb tea will be accompanied with either a piece of
rhubarb pie or crisp topped with your choice of ice
cream or whipped cream. Evelyn Richmond’s famous
rhubarb punch will be there for the tasting as well. By
participating, you will be entered in to the door prize
draw for a baked rhubarb pie, baking dish included,
all nestled together in a beautiful, quilted carrier. If
you have questions about the tea, please call Murial
Dais (403) 933 4578.
We look forward to seeing you there again this year!
2015 BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Malcolm Sills
[email protected]
President
Sean Nesbitt
[email protected]
Vice President
Brent Foster
[email protected]
Treasurer
Catherine Duerholt
[email protected]
Secretary
Bill Jackson
[email protected]
Barb Castell
[email protected]
Jill Oliver
[email protected]
Pat O’Brien
[email protected]
Rick Charlton
[email protected]
Faye White
[email protected]
Ralph Onciul
[email protected]
Mick Howden
[email protected]
We would like to introduce…..
Millarville’s Majesty
For the past several years, the Priddis & Millarville Fair has raffled off items that
uniquely represent the spirit of a country fair. One of the raffle prizes for the
108th Fair is a polymer horse that is now retired from the arduous career as a set
extra for the award winning TV program Heartland. The Fair Committee recently
ran a “Name the Horse” contest that was open to anyone under the age of 16 and
living in Alberta.
We are pleased to announce the winning entry is “Millarville’s Majesty”, submitted
by 12 year old Brett Davies of Calgary. Second and third place names, as
determined by popular vote by the Fair Committee were “Moonstriker”
(submitted by Katrina Branch of Millarville) and “Millarville’s Maddy” (submitted
by Brooklyn McKee of Turner Valley). Thanks to the kids of all ages who
participated in the contest.
Millarville “Run to the Farmers’ Market” Half Marathon
June 13
2015
The 4th Annual Millarville "Run To the Farmers' Market" Half Marathon race day is coming up on Saturday, June
13.
Roughly 800-850 participants will start out in Black Diamond, the majority taking a tour of Turner Valley but all
eventually finishing at the 33rd season opening of the Millarville Farmers' Market.
Net proceeds benefit the non-profit Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society while the event is also used as a
fundraiser for partner charities like Foothills Country Hospice, Foothills Land Trust and Rowan House.
With the combination of participants, spectators and the normal opening day Farmers' Market crowd, there may
be about 3,500-4,000 people at the Racetrack through the day.
"Our original goal was to support our local agricultural producers and local artisans through raised attendance on
a 'shoulder' day of the Farmers' Market and we're definitely getting there," said event organizer Rick Charlton.
You don't have to be a runner/walker to take part in the fun of the half marathon event. About 135 volunteers are
needed on race day, giving you a great chance to hoot and holler and cheer everyone on.
If you or a group of friends would like to help out as course marshals, at aid stations, at a cinnamon bun station or
the start/finish lines, send Rick an e-mail at [email protected]
All volunteers get a fabulous "Race Crew" t-shirt and a coupon to use at the Farmers' Market concession on race
day. Most volunteer tasks are done before 10:30 a.m. and you're supporting several great causes.
The event started in 2012 with about 300 participants and has grown exponentially since then. There is a half
marathon, a two-person half marathon relay (legs of 9 KM and 12.1 KM) and the gastronomically challenging COBS
Cinnamon Bun Run 8-Miler with its "Bunner" (eating cinnamon buns on the way) and "Runner" categories.
The Millarville Half Marathon was just named one of the top three races in Alberta to try in the Impact Magazine
2015 Race Source Guide, a national publication.
Thanks to fabulous 2015 sponsors so far, Okotoks GMC, Okotoks Nissan, Foothills Animal Hospital in Okotoks,
Sobey's Okotoks (David Gilbert), COBS Bread Okotoks (Kelly Hodgins), RBC Wealth Management, Franklin
Templeton, Optimize, Essex Lease Financial, JKR Excavating, Millarville & District Recreation Board and Legacy Oil
& Gas Ltd.
Rick Charlton
MRAS Director
Event Organizer
FOR ALL OUR UP-TO-DATE LISTINGS GO TO…….
WWW.TERRYALLWARDEN.COM
IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT SELLING OR BUYING,
CALL ME!
EVALUATIONS ARE FREE!
COMING SOON:
We have new listings coming so please call us for details. A new property by the Leighton Centre and a
small custom bungalow north of the Racetrack will be on shortly…...
5.73 Acres: Gorgeous and manicured with great mature trees
including paved access. Everything is done, ready for your
new house on the existing basement (1120 sqft) or put in a
new walkout! All services including underground
power.
$329,000
1/4 section off of Coal Mine Road and next door to the
Homeplace Ranch. This property was the site of the original
Homeplace Ranch and features the guest house, a small
bungalow for ranch help or guests and a beautiful walkout
bungalow built in 2004. Peace and quiet is the essence of this
back to nature hideaway. $1,495,000.
Save the Date....
JULY 1st, 2015
110th running of the Canada Day
Races
Millarville Racetrack
POST TIME: 12 noon
FACILITY SCHEDULE – May 2015
PLEASE NOTE: Schedule is subject to ongoing changes. Please call the office at 403-931-3411 for any scheduling questions.
LEGEND: CAMPSITE FULL FACILITY RACETRACK HALL FARMERS MARKET INDOOR ARENA RODEO ARENA SAND RING QUONSET
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
2
1
3
4
Saddle Sores 9am-12:30pm
5
Millarville Mutts 6:15p-8:15pm
Arena Grooming 8:30am-10am
No Riding
6
Race Meeting 7:00pm-9:00pm
Pony Club 6:30-8:30p
11
12
Arena Grooming 6:30am-10am
No Riding
Pony Club 6:30pm-8:30pm
Pony Club 6:30pm-8:30pm
Golf Tournament Meeting
5:30pm-7:00pm
Millarville Mutts
8am-12:45pm
Millarville Musical Ride
1-3pm
Sheep Creek Weaver
Fiber Day – 9am-3pm
13
14
4H Beef 7-9pm
Sheep Creek Weaver
Workshop-10am-2pm
Arena Grooming 8:30-10am
No Riding
Fair Meeting 7:00pm-9:00pm
½ Marathon Meeting 7:00pm8:30pm
17
Millarville Rodeo School-All Day
Millarville Rodeo School-All Day
Millarville Rodeo School- All Day
Millarville Rodeo School- All Day
18
Millarville Rodeo School-All Day
Millarville Rodeo School-All Day
Millarville Rodeo School- All Day
Millarville Rodeo School- All Day
19
Arena Grooming 8:30-10am
No Riding
Pony Club 6:30pm—8:30pm
Arena Grooming 8:30-10am
No Riding
Saddle Sores 8:30 am-I:00 pm
8
Arena Grooming 8:30am-10am
No Riding
9
Paws n Effect 9:00am-12:00pm
4H Beef 12:30pm-8:30pm
Arena Grooming 8:30-10am
No Riding
High Country Carriage Driving
7:00pm-9:00pm
Pony Club 6:30pm-8:30pm
10
7
SATURDAY
21
Arena Grooming 8:30-10am
No Riding
20
15
Arena Grooming 8:30-10am
No Riding
Millarville Rodeo School-All Day
Millarville Rodeo School-All Day
Millarville Rodeo School- All
Day
Millarville Rodeo School- All
Day
22
Arena Grooming 8:30-10am
No Riding
16
Millarville Rodeo School-All Day
Millarville Rodeo School-All Day
Millarville Rodeo School- All Day
Millarville Rodeo School- All Day
23
Saddle Sores 9am-3:00pm
Saddle Sores Banquet
5:00pm-9:30pm
High Country Rural Crime
Watch 6:00pm-10:00pm
Paws N Effect 7:00pm-10:00pm
Pony Club 6:30pm-8:30pm
Fair-Sub-Committee Meeting
7:00pm-9:00pm
24
25
Millarville Mutts
8:00am-12:30pm
Regional Trail Riders 1-3pm
_____________________________
31
Paws N Effect 8:00am-5:00pm
Millarville Mutts 6:30-8:30p
26
Pony Club 6:30pm-8:30pm
Pony Club 6:30pm-8:30pm
MRAS Board Meeting
7:00pm-10:00pm
27
28
4H Beef 7:00pm-9:00pm
29
Arena Grooming
8:30am-10:00am
NO RIDING
Arena Grooming
8:30am-10:00am
NO RIDING
Paws N Effect 6:00pm-9:00pm
Paws N Effect 7:00pm-9:00pm
30
Paws N Effect 8:00am-5:00pm