about us

"town and country coming together"

Bentley & District Agricultural Society became the umbrella under which three primary groups came together for a summer weekend of fun, food, education and celebration for the whole community.

In the beginning was the Sunset Hills Riding Club - organized March 22, 1962. On August 7, 1963 a *Parade *marched down main street Bentley. The Riding Club also initiated an early morning Pancake Breakfast to start the day's events. To make sure the word spread far and wide, a truck mounted with speakers drove through Gull Lake Campground early in the morning, announcing the breakfast. Campers followed the truck back into town like the Pied Piper.

Then came the *Rodeo* in 1966, sponsored by Bentley Elks on the Thursday and Friday evenings. Contestants were locals,and the arena was full to the rafters. Dirt, chutes and pens in the arena were donated and installed by volunteers.

Not only animals were part of the entertainment, as a quad/lawn tractor race was held for several years, and the Outlet Get Together Club sponsored a pie social for seniors. Young people were not forgotten, as a mini tractor pull took place in the Elks parking lot. Shut-ins at the hospital were entertained by a clown, who then put on children's show along with community members painting faces for the young. Midways were brought in several years and pony rides were available. 2009 with times changing the traditions are still here. Added are fireworks, drive-in movie on grain elevator, car show, mini airplane show, Sunday morning church service, Medicine Hills Art. Show.Some of the events have come and gone as interest cycled, but one constance has remained -- the event always follow the long weekend in August and is eagerly anticipated and attended by area residents and distant visitors.

Early in the 1990's the Bentley Elks and Bentley Ag. Society recognized the need for more community recreation land and agreed to cost-share the development with the Ag. Society contributing two-thirds of the funds. A

committee include Ag Society as well as Elks members approached Jean (Morrisroe) Angus to purchase 13 acres between the arena and the railroad tracks. Once the sale was completed the area was named* Morrisroe Recreation Area* and development of ball diamonds and a campground proceeded.

In 1998, another committee was formed to investigate building a new community centre. Fundraisng events were organized and grants applied for. The final result was the construction of a very well designed facility -- the Blindman Valley Ag. Centre. Usage of the hall is very consistent and growing steadily.

The Agricultural Society throughout the years has supported the community by allocating donations to numerous community facilities and activities, student scholarships, leadership camps, youth groups (Scouts Canada, Girls Guides, 4-H). It continues to take the active and visible part in the social and promotional life of the Bentley district, with a emphasis on youth development.

a little about our society . . .

                        
                            The Blindman Valley Agricultural Centre (also known as BVAC or the Bentley Ag Centre) is a multi-purpose hall that can be used/rented for a variety of different functions that is owned by the Bentley & District Agricultural Society and managed by a committee of volunteers

Needed was a *Town and Country Fair *to fill in the space for the afternoon. A meeting was organized by Ken Bargholz with the help of Gerry Wynia the Ag. representative from Lacombe. Committees of volunteers organized the Bench Shows. Every local organization, service club and church group sponsored an event or activity. Over the years many unique activities were part of the event - the Riding Club organized a gymkhana, drawing area contestants. The Fair hosted a Little Red Barn with livestock including exotic chickens, a brown Swiss-Holstein cross cow could be milked, sheep and Squeeky the donkey was available for rides. Many cattle breeds were represented at the cattle show including Charolais, Horned and Polled Herefords, Angus and Shorthorns all of which were being raised by community and area residents. Doug's Exotic Zoo came with zoo animals and Ellis Bird Farm brought a display.

BENTLEY TOWN
AND COUNTRY FAIR
AND AG RODEO
AUGUST 5-8, 2010

SALUTE TO
"DICK DAMRON"
Over 50 Years of
Country Music

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