Community support was on full display during the annual Heritage Day Barbecue hosted by Cornerstone Co-op Gas Bar in Vermilion, with this year’s event raising $1,102.76 for the Vermilion Heritage Museum. The barbecue was held July 28 under beautiful summer skies, welcoming community residents and visitors to stop by for Cheese burgers, hamburgers, hotdogs and a cold drink while supporting a piece of Vermilion’s history. Volunteers from the Vermilion Heritage Museum were also

Farm work has always taken people, equipment, patience, timing and a whole lot of long days. But the next piece of equipment moving through a field may look a little different than the tractors and sprayers producers are used to. Across Canada and around the world, researchers and ag-tech companies are testing farm robots built to help with some of agriculture’s most repetitive and time-consuming jobs. These machines are being designed to scout crops, detect weeds, spray with

The Lakeland Country Fair once again brought together the excitement of rodeo, agriculture and community as the 3rd Annual Billy McDonald Memorial Rodeo took place July 25 and 26 at the Lac La Biche Agricultural Society Grounds. Over two days, competitors from across northeastern Alberta showcased their skills in traditional rodeo events, while spectators enjoyed everything from championship rodeo action to family attractions, including the Alberta Wife Carrying Championship,

The Just Kruzin Specialty Vehicle Club is doing more than showing off classic and specialty vehicles this summer. Club members are hitting the road, visiting surrounding communities and finding ways to give back to the people and organizations that have supported them over the years. On Wednesday, July 29, members of Just Kruzin headed to Kitscoty, where they were hosted by the Farmstead Market as part of the community’s Wednesday evening “Be on Main Street” event. Main Stree

After months of working with their lambs and goats to present on their annual Achievement Day the Vermilion 4-H Sheep Club members proudly had the opportunity to present their animals on July 21 at the 51st Annual Achievement Day Show and Sale. Here are the results of the day. Ewe Lamb Grand Champion went to Nora Newman, and the Reserve Champion was awarded to McKinley Selte. The Yearling Ewe Grand Champion was given to Owen Newman, while Nora Newman took the Reserve Champion

The Vermilion Public Library was filled with creativity and wonderful scents on Wednesday, July 22, as participants gathered for another popular Crafternoons program. Children aged six and older spent the afternoon creating their own luxurious bath bombs and sugar scrubs, learning how simple ingredients can be transformed into homemade self-care products. With all supplies provided free of charge, the one-hour workshop offered a fun, hands-on activity where participants could

It was getting close to supper time, and the wind had died down. Around here, that is usually a blessing. The prairie wind is relentless. It seemed like the perfect evening to barbecue steaks for supper. I stood on the deck looking out over our countryside, feeling blessed. Beautiful green pastures rolled into hills, moderately treed with green poplar, and above it all stretched a blue sky so wide it made a person stand a little straighter. I reached for the handle on the bar

Coconut Haystacks are drop cookies that are fast to make, and they are gluten free as well, making them an excellent cookie when you need some treats for your summer gatherings. When it’s super hot outside, this is a cookie that does not require you to turn on the oven. In this recipe, there is a bit of lard used, and that helps keep the cookies soft and moist. If you like the drier and harder fudge cookie, then use all butter, and no lard. We just celebrated our farm being

It wasn’t just the rodeo that had crowds talking during the Lakeland Country Fair. On July 25, spectators gathered around a very different kind of competition as teams took part in the Alberta Wife Carrying Championship, an event that combines athleticism, teamwork and plenty of laughs. Held ahead of the evening rodeo, the championship has become one of the fair’s most anticipated attractions, drawing competitors willing to test their speed and endurance while carrying their

For two days in late July, Canadian Forces Base Wainwright became more than a military training ground—it became the backdrop for one of Canada’s most recognizable history projects. Historica Canada brought cast and crew to the base on July 23 and 24 to film its newest Heritage Minute (directed by Anita Ayres) this one telling the story of Canadian Armed Forces Captain Jonathan Snyder and the courage he displayed during his final deployment to Afghanistan. “The Minute is inte

Boots were kicked up and the wild spirit of rodeo life was fully embraced as the Bruce Stampede charged into action from July 25 to 26. Steeped in over a century of tradition, this celebrated event once again welcomed riders, ropers, racers, and the bravest cowboys and cowgirls to the grounds in Bruce, Alberta. As Canada’s oldest one-day professional rodeo, the Bruce Stampede proved it’s more than just a pro rodeo—it was a full weekend of adrenaline-pumping events, family fun

Real Estate team. Photo submitted Ag in Motion once again brought farmers, producers, industry representatives and agricultural experts together near Langham, Sask., for three days focused on equipment, technology and the future of agriculture. Held on a 640-acre property northwest of Saskatoon, the outdoor farm expo allowed visitors to see the latest developments in agriculture under real field conditions. The event featured hundreds of exhibitors from across Canada and beyo

Damage from the Saturday night storm. Photo submitted The sights and sounds of Scottish and Celtic culture filled Broadmoor Lake Park as the Sherwood Park Highland Gathering welcomed competitors, performers and spectators for what would have been two days of tradition, athleticism and entertainment. Unfortunately due to a severe thunderstorm that blew through the area the evening of the 25th the second day of events had to be cancelled due to safety reasons. Held July 25 on t

Three days of sunshine, soaring temperatures and community spirit made the 120th Annual Vermilion Fair another memorable success as thousands of visitors gathered to celebrate one of Alberta’s longest-running agricultural traditions. From the opening parade through to the final grandstand performance, the fairgrounds were filled with families, exhibitors, competitors and visitors enjoying everything the annual event has to offer. Agriculture once again remained at the heart o

Dana Gard-Sweeney. Photo submitted Vermilion’s Dana Gard-Sweeney has been selected to manage Team Alberta’s Women’s C team at the 2027 USSSA Challenge Cup in Viera, Florida. Slo-Pitch National announced its Canadian Challenge Cup managers on July 1, following a selection process that drew strong interest from applicants across the country. Sweeney learned she had been chosen several weeks earlier when an email arrived from Slo-Pitch National in June. “I hadn’t had my morning

Caroline Parke. Photo submitted On any given day, Caroline Parke can be found feeding cattle, tending a garden, preserving food from the family homestead, or raising her four children on a ranch near Lloydminster. But when the day’s work is done, another part of her life takes center stage—writing songs that have carried her from the quiet Canadian prairies to one of country music’s biggest stages. This fall, the Alberta singer-songwriter will travel to Nashville’s legendary

The Vermilion Elks with their 100th Anniversary plaque. Photo submitted The Vermilion Elks Lodge is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year as it marks its 100th anniversary. Founded on May 25, 1926, the Vermilion Elks have spent a century serving the community through volunteerism, fundraising, and charitable work. For 100 years, generations of members have dedicated their time and energy to making Vermilion a stronger and more connected community. At the centre of that

Photo submitted The Vermilion Roar U15 lacrosse team returned home from Medicine Hat as provincial champions after defeating the Medicine Hat Sun Devils 9-5 in the gold-medal game. It was the finish the team had worked toward all season, with every practice, game and challenge helping prepare the athletes for the moment they stepped onto the floor with a provincial championship on the line. The Roar rose to the occasion, combining determination, teamwork and resilience to sec

Here is an easy work week day meal, it hearty, full of flavour and easy on the budget. The other bonus is that you can create this meal in one skillet. This dish is full of fiber and protein. When the cheese and beans are combined, they create the amino acid profile of a complete protein, plus there is extra complete protein from the ground beef. White beans are full of healthy fiber and antioxidants. Kidney beans are a protein fiber combo that helps stabilize blood sugar. Be

The Lloydminster Auto Club held its annual specialty vehicle show and shine on July 18 at Lion’s Park, marking yet another successful year for car enthusiasts and the local community. With no entry fee, attendees were encouraged to make donations, with all proceeds collected at the event going to support a local charity. Established in 1978, the Lloydminster Auto Club has a rich history of bringing together automobile enthusiasts. With hot, humid conditions and the threat of