The Town of Bentley’s annual Town and Country Fair kept the community bursting with a plethora of activities and events as it once again took over the town with it’s festivities.
Co-ordinated by the Bentley and District Ag Society, the Bentley Town and Country Fair gave salute to the Bentley and District Ag Society 50th Year, Aug. 10 to 13.
This year was also the 51st anniversary of the Bentley Ag Rodeo, a Central Alberta Rodeo Association (CARA) sanctioned event, featuring a mix of competitors from local to international.
“We usually put on a really great show,” said rodeo office manager Jan Bickford. “(It’s) just some of the talent of the participants. Just some of the events.”
Along with the contestant and animal athletes, one of the other important groups of people with the Bentley Ag Rodeo is the volunteers. “There’s no way we could put something like this on without them,” said Bickford.
“It’s one of those humbling moments,” she added, referring to seeing so many members of the community come together and give their time.
The Bentley Ag Rodeo also offers recognition to lifetime members of the rodeo; this year the recognition was awarded to Mary and Harry Foley.
The Bentley Town and Country Fair kicked off with the staple of every community festival: the pancake breakfast.
Over the course of the four-day fair there were events to entertain visitors of all ages. Another popular sample is the parade; but, included in the festivities was the bench show, seniors pie social, rodeo dance, children’s magic show, kids wool bustin’, the 20th annual Kroozin’ West Show and Shine, wine tasting, a drive-in movie, the Bentley farmers market, a horseshoe tournament, the bazAArt Show and Sale, a children’s fun zone, a interdenominational church service and potluck lunch, and fireworks.