Pipestone Flyer
Always a hit with the youngsters, the barrel trains winds it’s way through the throngs of fairgoers.
The poster bragged: Alberta’s Largest One-Day Fair Join us for a fun-filled day at our 36th Annual Lakedell Country Fair, September 1, 2012! And the Lakedell Ag Society proved their claim to be true. The annual event attracted a huge and very diverse crowd. Wandering around the grounds were rural ‘locals’ or agricultural producers (farmers and ranchers) recognized their blue jeans, western shirts, ball caps or cowboy hats and western boots. Circulating among the locals were the urban or ‘lake people’ attired in shorts, loose fitting shirts and flip flops or in some cases ‘one day of western wear’ attire.
For a mere $5 for advance tickets or $10 at the gate and free admission for kids 12 and under, everyone was treated to an entire day filled with action that offered something for everyone. The parade, Lions breakfast, bench show, horse shows, horse pulling competition, pickle contest featuring 10 classes of pickles, cattle sorting, log sawing, mutton riding, Mighty Mutts dog demonstrations, kids pet show, ladies spike pounding, local talent show, calf scramble, old time fiddle jamboree, cowgirls drill team demonstration, beer gardens, Pigeon Lake Fire Department display and demonstration, mini truck racing, cow milking display, small train rides for kids, bungee jumping, 56 foot obstacle course, bouncy house and other attractions for kids. The day ended with a traditional country style steak BBQ.
Founded in 1973, the Lakedell Ag Society’s members were largely made up of people with an agricultural background. Over the years, the membership has evolved into a more balanced community made up of families that have moved into the area to either retire or work. The Society has progressed to be more diverse in its programming and events to accommodate this change.
In addition to the Annual Country Fair (the largest one-day fair in Alberta) on the September long weekend, the Society hosts a variety of events throughout the year including a free Family Day celebration in February. A large number of clubs make use of the facilities; Lakedell Curling Club, Lakedell 4-H Beef Club, Lakedell 4-H Light Horse Club, Pigeon Lake Gymkhana Club, Lakedell Mighty Mutts Dog Agility Club, Lakedell Playgroup and the Pigeon Lake Lions Club. They also have a great Farmers’ Market which is held every Friday staring at 4:30 and ending at 7:30 from May to September.
“Our annual membership fees are $5.00 per person which gives you added benefits using our facilities, so I would encourage you to purchase one. Our goal is to continue to improve our facilities and programs to accommodate the community’s