MLA Dr. Richard Starke chatted with hockey players Rhett Romanchuk, Eric Applegate, Adam Applegate, and Matty Pavka at the Dewberry Arena Grand Opening on November 24. Photos Angela Mouly
Approximately 200 people gathered at the Dewberry Arena on November 24, as the Dewberry Agricultural Society held their official Grand Opening.
The day was full of events as a Dewberry Mustangs skills camp was held along with free skating, a silent and live auction, balloon pop, a ‘Fly Me Away’ raffle for a trip voucher, as well as a dance with the live band, the ‘Prairie Dogs.’ Speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony were also an important part of the evening along with a banner presentation to the Dewberry, Marwayne, and Kitscoty Minor Hockey clubs all being awarded the Hockey Association of the Year by Hockey Alberta.
Holly Holmen, Secretary-Treasurer and local project coordinator for the arena construction said, “With the arena completed, we would like to thank our community and neighbouring communities for the support.”
Speakers included Relationship Manager from Vermilion ATB Financial Brett Flanders, Division 7 County Councillor Leslie Cusack, Dewberry Mayor Ken Haney, Vermilion-Lloydminster Independent MLA Dr. Richard Starke, and Dewberry Ag Society President, Allan Parr.
Several contractors involved in the build attended.
According to Holmen, the community has been using the building for over a month, and have no vacant time slots on the schedule.
“The opening of the new building has created enough excitement with players from 20 years ago back on the ice on a Mustang Alumni team,” said Holmen.
The program opened with the singing of “O’Canada,” and followed by emcee, Holly Holmen, delivering various recognitions. Past Mayor, Headley Dennill presented her with a plaque representing the end of an era and the beginning of another.
Relationship Manager from Vermilion ATB Financial Brett Flanders noted that the committee was one of the most organized and passionate groups that he has ever sat down with and said, “It goes to show how great this community is.”
County of Vermilion River Division 7 Councillor Leslie Cusack thanked all of the volunteers for their hard work.
Vermilion-Lloydminster Independent MLA Dr. Richard Starke said, “This facility is incredible! It’s amazing how the community has come together to support this project. Congratulations, and I hope you can enjoy it for many years.”
Holmen concluded by saying, “Our volunteers came in droves anytime a call was sent out. They came with smiles and willing hands, and spent literally thousands of volunteer hours. The attention to detail, pride and workmanship of the volunteers was outstanding. When seeing the children hit the ice for the first time, we realized it was so worth it.”
Top left, Deverin and Orlean Woywitka enjoyed visiting with the community at the Dewberry Arena Grand Opening.
Top right, Three year old, Kammy Becker, enjoyed a free skate at the Dewberry Arena on November 24.
Bottom, Dewberry, Marwayne, and Kitscoty Minor Hockey clubs all were awarded the Hockey Association of the Year by Hockey Alberta, and members in attendance posed with the banner at the Dewberry Arena Grand Opening.