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Cole Resch (Supplied)
Cole Resch

Scholarship awarded to Delburne & District Agricultural Society member

Feb 5, 2024 | 12:53 PM

A man from the Delburne, AB, area has been awarded a scholarship following the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies Annual Convention held over the weekend.

Held Feb. 1 – 3, at the River Cree Resort & Casino in Edmonton, officials say the event attracted 415 delegates from 109+ Ag Societies from across the province as well as guests from Agricultural Societies in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

Seven scholarships were handed out at the event, with Cole Resch from the Delburne & District Agricultural Society, being one of them.

Other scholarship winners included:

  • Rory Bothwel – Josephburg Agricultural Society
  • Adysen William – Stavely & District Agricultural Society
  • MacKenzie Johanson-Denschikiff – Rocky Mountain House Agricultural Society
  • Rayelle Cooper – Rocky Mountain House Agricultural Society
  • Mackenzie Curtis – Coaldale & District Agricultural Society
  • Kyra Flett – Muntz Vegreville Agricultural Society

Officials note, there were four pre-convention workshops, including Unlock Your Power to Influence: Learn How to Gain Support for Your Cause, Farmers Market Training, and Ice Arena Training.

Officials say they opened the weekend on Friday with their Minister/MLA Forum, where the Honorable RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation, Honorable Grant Hunter, Honourable Rick McIver, Mr. Shane Getson, Mr. Martin Long, Mr. Garth Rowswell, and Mr. Glenn van Dijken on hand to answer questions from delegates.

The Keynote Speaker was Chris Cummins, who talked about The Human Side for his opening and closing address to the delegates.

The following were also presented during Awards Night:

2024 AAAS Honour Roll Recipients

  • Larry Hryciw – Thorhild & District Agricultural Society
  • Sherry Isely – Ardrossan Recreation & Agricultural Society

Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation presented Innovation Awards

  • KAC Agricultural Society
  • La Crete Agricultural Society
  • Stettler District Agricultural Society

Sessions

Officials say delegates were able to attend various Sessions throughout the weekend from Judging School, Farm Succession and Rural Community Development, Emergency Planning, Grant Writing to Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers and so much more.

2024 Tradeshow

According to event organizers, 50 tradeshow exhibitors showcased their products and services to delegates. There was a diverse range of exhibitors, offering products and services spanning various industries. The inclusion of insurance providers, beverage providers, entertainment acts, farm equipment, and ticket sales are said to have provided a comprehensive and well rounded showcase for delegates. Additionally, the latest installment of the “I’m OK” Farm Safety show titled “The Cost of Voltage” was presented at the tradeshow for all attendees to view.

Provincial Marketing Awards

In the Provincial Marketing Competitions, outstanding achievements with 42 awards across six categories and three classes were recognized. Agricultural Societies actively participated by submitting their Fair Posters, Fair Books, Website Designs, and Social Media Advertising for their respective events. Officials say these submissions were presented digitally, providing all delegates with the opportunity to view them.

Showcase Entertainment

During the weekend, officials say the AAAS Showcase presented nine featured acts on the main stage. Entertainers like Stevon & Kayla and the Heavenly Band, Hillside Outlaws, Craig Moritz, Chris Leblanc, Southern Cross, Martina Dawn, Justin Sutton & North of 49, Morgan Klaiber, and Amy Nelson had the opportunity to perform for Agricultural Societies, engage with them, and exchange information at our Showcase Corner. Officials further note, this platform facilitated potential bookings for these up-and-coming entertainers at future events and fairs.

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