May! It's a busy month with Rodeo's, Spring dances, Crop planting, gardening and a whole list of things to do. Yes, May, the month of flowers and spring and rebirth and all that cool stuff outside. Did I say cool. Yes, it's been a bit on the cool side and that has slowed all that growth and rebirth and flowers but its coming along. We've had everything from snow to bone dry forest fires in our area and now two days of rain that will help put out the fires and replenish ground water and make the grass grow. Now all we need is a little warmth. Let's hope the farming community can get a break to get some crops in the ground now.

Bonnyville from the south west

Here's what's coming up in the Bonnyville area.  This weekend -May 25 to 27th will see the Pro-Rodeo move into town with some of the top cowboys and cowgirls competing for prize money and points to qualify for the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton this fall. Of course Shane Franklin's bucking string will be doing their best to see that none of them get very far toward that goal. The Franklin ranch on the big hill south of town breeds some of the best with many world champion trophies to show for it.

The rodeo starts Friday with slack at 11 a.m. at the grounds (no charge admission) a chili cook-off on main street at noon and then the evening performance "Kid's Night" at 6 p.m. with a new beer garden with entertainment following the rodeo. Saturday kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by the parade at 11 a.m. , the Heavy Horse pull at 1 p.m. the 2nd rodeo performance at 6 p.m. then the Rodeo Dance at the Centennial Centre with music by the Opry Boyz band. Doors open at 8:30 and admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. to order your tickets in advance, go to the C2 front desk or call them at 780-812-3400 or toll free 1-877-812-2740 if you're from out of town.
Sunday it's back to the grounds for Cowboy Church at 10 a.m. and the final performance at 2 p.m.
 ****

Don't forget to support your local 4H members at their Show and Sale on Monday, May 28 over at Western Pride Auction. The show begins at 11 a.m. and the Sale follows at 7 p.m. in the evening. These young people have worked hard to care for and raise the livestock and you can help by purchasing an animal in the sale.
****
Lenore Picray tells me they'll be holding their annual Spring Dance up at Sandy Rapids Hall on Hwy 55 west of Iron River on Saturday, June 6th. In fact, the live band is called Hi Way 55 and they'll start playing at 9 p.m. The doors open at 8 and admission is $15 per person and there's a midnight lunch. Call Lenore for more info at 780-826-5407.
****
If you see a lot of Jet action, say Welcome to all participants in Maple Flag!

Have a great week and we'll talk again soon. Dave.

Bonnyville News & Events

I thought I'd get off the world stage and get back to all things Bonnyville and surrounding area. Here's an early warning for the annual garage sale and flea market up at LaCorey.

More immediately, The APEGGA Science Fair is coming up on Wednesday, March 28. Its open to all students from grade 6 to 9 and is sure to bring out all the budding scientists with their experiments and projects. Thanks to Devon, APEGGA, Lonkar Services, CNRL, Bonnyville Oilmen's Society and Northern Lights School District.

And while we're on the science of things, LICA is presenting their speaker series with Oil & Gas, the Environment and You on Tuesday, March 27. Guest speakers include; Cohl Robertson - Senior Environmental Scientist and Chelsie Klassen - Community and Aboriginal Relations from Imperial Oil. I've had the pleasure of meeting Chelsie and her enthusiasm is worth taking in the session alone. There is no charge for the event and food and refreshments will be available. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. It takes place at the Fort Kent Hall just 5 miles east of Bonnyville. For further information you can contact Lakeland Industry and Community Association at 780-812-2182 or check their website at www.lica.ca

If you love acoustic music, you might want to take this next event in. A few of us got together and formed the Bonnyville Acoustic Circle Jam group and our first get together is on Thursday, Mar 29 starting at 7 p.m. If you play an acoustic instrument such as a fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, dobro or bass and would like to jam in a friendly atmosphere you are welcome to attend. From 2 to 102 all talents are welcome. As I said its going to be relaxed with no ego's in the way. Refreshments will be available. We expect to be playing country, old time, blue grass, folk and pretty much everything else. There's no charge just a small donation to cover the cost of refreshments. Location is in the Ag Society meeting hall at 52ll-47 Street. You can check us out on Facebook at The Bonnyville Acoustic Music Jam group at this link http://www.facebook.com/groups/249671595127794/

Oh and one final note, We might be into a provincial general election come Monday morning. This will be an important election so you need to make yourself aware of the issues, talk to the candidates, ask them all the tough questions you want because they are applying for a job to work for you. Their pay comes from the tax dollars you pay out of your pocket so make sure you choose wisely. If you don't vote then qwityerbellyachin.  See you all down the road. Dave