Once again Bentley and area volunteers and participants were kept busy with the annual August fair and rodeo. The theme this year was "Salute to the Bentley District Fire Department."
Things kicked off on Thursday morning with Bentley Minor Ball serving a pancake breakfast, followed in the afternoon by a 40-minute parade that included two marching bands this year. Seniors flocked to the senior's pie social hosted by the Outlet Get-Together Club and floral, baking, arts and crafts, and photography displays opened in the curling rink. Sewing and stitchery was not present this year as there was no volunteer to oversee that category.
Various activities included kids Wool Bustin', concerts, face painting, a magic show, and a variety of children's activities throughout the town during the weekend.
Friday morning's Sunset Hills Riding Club pancake breakfast was rained out, a very uncommon occurrence, but the Saturday breakfast saw a huge crowd that made up for it.
New free family activities hosted by the Ag Society on Saturday this year were a "jousting" station and bungee run.
An art show was again staged in the old community hall.
There was a very well attended car show with over 140 entries, due in part to the wonderful weather on Saturday, and it had the firefighter's concession on hand.
On Saturday afternoon bikers escorted by RCMP rolled into town under the watchful eye of a police helicopter that circled overhead.
The regular Saturday afternoon Farmer's Market was bustling more than usual.
There was a two-day CARA indoor evening rodeo and an adult cabaret and dance.
Saturday night ended with wonderful fireworks that could be seen from almost anywhere in town, and many say outside of town as well, followed by a drive-in movie shown on the side of the grain elevator.
The horseshoe tournament had a good attendance for its two days of competition and Sunday morning saw the interdenominational church service at Bentley Community Church followed by a potluck lunch.
Most events are run by volunteers who work together each year to host a successful four-day fair and rodeo that supports and draws business to the town. All attendees can enjoy four days of activities and family fun on a shoestring budget.