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More local entries needed to keep Bentley bench show alive

Creative displays of students’ school work, crafts, collections, artwork and photography, as well as some baking
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Wes and Norma Lowery enjoy the art show which was an interesting part of this year’s bench show at the Bentley rodeo and fair.

Creative displays of students’ school work, crafts, collections, artwork and photography, as well as some baking and culinary entries, formed a large part of the artistic exhibits shown in the Bentley curling rink open free of charge to the public during Bentley's old fashioned fair and rodeo days.

A horticulture section for flowers, vegetables, herbs, and fruits is also part of the show, but the community has to step forward and enter their things to make a show for people to see, and entries in many categories have been dropping off over the years.

There was no sewing category this year as there was no volunteer to oversee that area which disappointed some who had brought stitchery entries. The committee is optimistic that someone will step forward for next year.

The Crafts, Hobbies, and Amateur Photography section was again convened by Joan Dickau this year. She reported just over $250 was collected in entry fees, and the cash prize payout was almost $930 plus ribbons for the 257 entries.

Besides all the first, second, and third prizes paid out, there were some special prizes awarded.

Best of Show was won by 5-year-old Ava Pike, from Bentley, for her Fairy House made from recycled material.

Most Outstanding Young Adult entry was won by Brody Beveridge from Bentley for his model airplane.

Most Overall Points by a Junior for a girl was won by Aislynn Petterson from Sylvan Lake and for a boy by Garrett Christensen from Regina.

Best Scrapbooking was won by Marg Martin from Bentley.

Best Storm Photo was won by Penny Seiling from Eckville.

Best Horse Photo was won by Tammy Christensen from Regina.

The judge was again Sheila Budd from Bluffton. Helpers were Nicole Dickau, Julia Doll, Chloe Doll, Janelle Wells, Stephanie Smith, J'Lyn Bickford, and Hayley Martin.

"We will be adding and deleting categories for next year. Please call if you have any suggestions. We need feedback!" said Crafts/Hobbies/Amateur Photos convener Joan Dickau.

Convener Dickau also mentioned how much the volunteer crew of Albert Goldade, Merlyn Wilson and Bill Stevenson, and maybe more, who help haul, set up and take down the display tables and boards, and portable stage are appreciated.

In the Drawing, Painting, and Framed Amateur Photography section, convener Lorraine Neal reported they were down in entries. There were still 58 youth and 58 adult entries though.

Some special prizes were awarded. Overall in Youth Photography went to 5-year-old Cassandra Christensen from Regina for her selfie.

Overall in Adult Photography went to Chloe Jones from Calgary who is currently going to school in Australia.

Overall in Painting went to Debra Martin who lives in Montana.

The photography judge was Jody Rawlyck, with helper Pam Jones.

The art judge was Jeanette Van Hyfte and her helper was Lorraine Neal.

There was a special art display by Jeanette Van Hyfte, Betty Peers, and Marlene Pavely, all from Lacombe.

"Next year, with Bentley turning 100 (years old), we are doing one class in photography that will be black and white," reported Neal.

Helping Lorraine for the four days were Jocelyn Szmacairz, Michele Mackintosh, Pam Jones, Mike Van Hyfte, Trevor Martain, and Florence Douglas.

New caterer for the judge's/convener's Wednesday luncheon this year was the Cross Eyed Giraffe.

It was noted that if it were not for entrants from further away, there may not be much of a show. The organizing committee is hoping more local residents will take the time and make the effort to enter. The payout is good overall and the Bentley Ag Society would like to see the bench show continue.

Displays were open to the public from after the parade on Thursday until just after noon on Friday.