22nd Annual Cutter Rally A Wonderful Success

The East West Chapter of the Alberta Carriage Driving Association and the Lloydminster Exhibition Association hosted the 22nd Annual Cutter Rally for Cancer on Saturday, February 28, at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds. Despite the cold temperatures, blue skies greeted participants and helped create a bright and welcoming atmosphere for the beloved annual event.

The rally was first established 22 years ago after a member of the East-West Chapter succumbed to cancer. Since its inception in 2003, the event has raised more than $250,000 to support cancer care, education, and patient services in the region. In its early years, proceeds were shared between the Canadian Cancer Society and the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. In more recent years, all funds have been directed to the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, with additional contributions to Haying in the 30s, a heritage event and cancer fundraiser held each summer in Mallaig. Donations from the rally have helped purchase equipment for the chemotherapy ward in Lloydminster.

“This year we had two platinum sponsors,” said organizer Tammy Hampel. “Our annual sponsor, Crude Master Transport, returned again, and the second was the Oestreicher family in memory of Leo and Erna Oestreicher.”

The event has continued to expand its impact over the years. Four years ago, organizers established an annual bursary to support oncology nurses in furthering their education in cancer care. This year we send three nurses to an oncology conference. Last year, in partnership with Crude Master Transport, the Cutter Rally also began offering scholarships to a first-year Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) student and a first-year Registered Nurse (RN) student to assist them in pursuing careers in nursing. The scholarship winners this year are Lovelie Lopez and Ethan Flasch.

A highlight of the rally is the game of chance that takes place along the scenic route. Participants travel by horse-drawn sleigh or on horseback, rolling five dice at designated checkpoints along the route. This year there was a tie for first place between Merv Mann and Monica Bowtell. Monica Bowtell won the tie with the highest roll in the roll off. She was given the choice of one of three grand prizes: a cutter valued at $4,400, $2,500 in cash, or a harness package worth $2,500 from Vern’s Harness Shop. Monica chose the cash prize.

There were four ways for people to take part in the rally: by driving their own cutter and team as a teamster, riding on horseback, riding in someone else’s cutter, or purchasing a “ghost hand,” which allows those unable to attend to participate while the organizing committee rolls the dice on their behalf.

“This year we had 21 teamsters, 26 riders and around 270 people for supper. Due to the weather, we were down a little bit in attendance but financially remained very stable.” Hampel said.

Among those taking part were Woodrow and Janet Wilson, who was driving the cutter they won at the very first Cutter Rally for Cancer 22 years ago. Janet shared that while the couple has only missed the riding portion of the event a few times over the years, they still made sure to participate by purchasing a “ghost hand.”

Entertainment throughout the day was provided by Merle Tenney and Friends, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere. Participants were also able to warm up at a firepit and enjoy a wiener roast at the midway point of the rally route. A tractor-drawn hayride provided by Do It Again Ranch Adventures and Horizon Ag and Turf from Lloydminster transported attendees to the midway stop for the wiener roast, with donations accepted for the ride.

“It’s not only a great family event and an exceptional horse show, but also an important tradition that helps our community rally behind those battling cancer,” said Hampel.

The day concluded with a banquet that included a silent auction featuring more than 100 items, a 50/50 draw, raffles, and prize presentations. The early bird draw was won by Colin Wack. The 50/50 draw was won by Bonnie Toporowski. The Pop One for Leo fire pit sponsored by Northwell Rentals and crafted by Iron Goose Metal Works was won by Heather Seba. Two quarter-beef raffles were also held, with the prizes going to Sheldon Alchin donated by Many Brands Ranch and Lila Saulnier donated by the Darwin Pollard family.

Thanks to the strong community support, this year’s event fundraising remained strong. Details of significant distributions to our funding partners will be coming soon.The funds will help inspire hope, foster awareness, and provide vital support for cancer care, education, and patient services in the region.