Leduc West Antique Society

THE IGNITOR NEWSLETTER

VOL.15 No. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 2004

"Living the Past for Future Generations"

Leduc West Antique Society Executive:                  www.leducwestantique.com

APPRECIATION NITE

Friday, October 29, 2004

at the

Telford House in Leduc

6:30pm

The doors will open by 6:00 pm. We would appreciate a phone call ahead of time, 986-0054, so we know how many to cook for. However, if you forget you still may attend as the girls usually cook extra food. Door prizes are most welcome. We hope to see many of you there to say thank you and show our appreciation.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - Walter Burak

Firstly, I wish to thank all the volunteers, exhibitors, entertainers, etc. that have made this summer events successful. Our event co-ordinator did a great job. A few days before our July show the weather sure didn't look good; however, things all worked out. For the Country Harvest we had a bit of a struggle to find a suitable location to accommodate the Tractor Pull events.

The following improvements were made during the summer months at the Park:

(1) A new grill house at the second concession with hot & cold running water & sewer facilities has made our food handling much easier.
(2) Hot & cold running water, along with sewer facilities in the Founders Gallery has been a great asset to all our events at the Park.
(3) A lot of funds and energy has been spent on making corrections on the station building.
(4) Electrical services to our north side has opened up many more services in that area for more development & more use of existing facilities.
(5) Doors built to cover the front of the pole shed.
(6) Road base improvements on Vintage Iron Street extending to the north Gate has provided better access across the Park, as well as, better access for the exhibitors. Hopefully, we will be ready for more gravel soon.
(7) Drainage corrections in the show field are underway; but, will require much more black dirt before grass can be seeded.
(8) A lot of work was put into improving our landscaping from pruning trees to planting flowers.
(9) The tractor pull track has been raised over one foot with clay fill.

I wish to extend a special thank you to all who helped make these improvements possible.

There has been various rumours and negative comments about how LWAS affairs have been handled by the executive. I believe the membership should be aware of correspondence received from the County on July 16 - a week before the show. Enclosed is a copy of a letter from the Leduc County Building Inspection Officer. Although I do not agree with all the contents of the letter, this is strongly worded correspondence and in order to protect LWAS interests a decision had to be made. Issues and decisions concerning these items can only be overturned in a written form. LWAS did not receive such correspondence in writing regarding these concerns.

Another issue that has received much discussion and created hard feelings is "Dogs" on the show grounds during LWAS functions. The LWAS's policy on this subject was put into effect many years ago. Approximately ten years ago a decision was made by the executive that dogs were no longer allowed in food areas during the show. Several years ago since the show grounds have grown considerably and many more activities were taking place at the show it was then decided by the executive that dogs were not allowed any where on the show grounds. They were to remain in the camping area or parking lot. We have tried to handle this subject as delicately as possible; however, our shows are growing much larger and this issue needs to be more forcefully enforced.

With winter around the corner and equipment storage is on everyone's mind discussion has centered around where all LWAS equipment would be stored under cover. We do appreciate having members private equipment and artifacts on display; however, we no longer have sufficient room for their storage inside. An executive decision has been made that private equipment and artifacts will no longer be allowed undercover in LWAS buildings. This policy is gradually being enforced and by May 2005; hopefully, only LWAS items will be stored in the society's buildings. Perhaps it may be time that LWAS considers the possibility of erecting another building or pole shed to rent out for storage. This will be open for discussion at the October meeting.

The issue of blanket insurance coverage for exhibitors on the show events has again been re-opened. A sincere effort for membership in Edgeta, a non-profit organization in the USA, is in the works to be presented at their General Mtg in October.

In order to have more membership involvement we would like to extend an invitation again to all members to feel welcome to attend our executive meetings. Meetings will be held the 3rd Monday of every month. The first hour will be for open discussion with the membership; however, after that it will go into closed session. The following dates are tentatively booked: Nov. 15th, January 17th, March 21, April 18th, May 16th, and June 20th. The meetings are held at the Leduc County Centre at 1101 - 5th street, Nisku starting at 7:30 pm.

I hope to see many of you at the Appreciation Nite supper on October 29th. This is our way of saying thank you for all your assistance during the year !!!

EVENT CO-ORDINATOR REPORT

The three major events at the park were quite successful again this year in spite of the cold, wet weather that seemed to hang around for the majority of the summer months. There were many times we questioned if we should postpone the events; however, with such a wide area to cover and the number of people now involved we'll just have to do the best we can. After all we live in Alberta and by now should be use to the unpredictable weather. We'll just have to continue on with trying to get the grounds in condition that the events can go on no matter what the weather has in store for us.

The Spring Swap Meet saw quite a number of vendors. Unfortunately, there was incorrect advertising & several people were upset. It is no longer an antique & collectible sale, this decision was made at an executive meeting last fall before the business cards were printed. Also, the space rented is not unlimited for $10.00. All vendors, on the data base, were informed that a table and the space around it, rents for $10.00 outside and $20.00 inside. However, some of the vendors are bringing extra smaller tables, stands, etc. and consequently their 8 foot table space now becomes 10 x 12 space and then they want extra room to get between, behind, and in front of the tables. Outside vendors not only use a table; but, they feel their trailer full of sale items plus a 10 x 20 area should be included in their $10.00 fee.

Since several of the brown 8 foot tables are slowly disappearing, we have to rent more tables. At $9.00 per table for the weekend this doesn't leave much for our profits. Last year we had 47 tables belonging to LWAS set up in the Founder's Gallery, excluding the 6 foot tables as they are

used by the concession. This year we only have 33 tables left, including the 6 foot tables. We have no idea where the other tables are. Marilyn and I searched all over the park. We do know there are several people with keys to the site - I ask you - if you borrowed tables or lent them to someone else, PLEASE return them.

Our vendor area is getting rather small as we no longer have the engine building and the area outside is cut down considerably with the new landscaping and the development of the second concession and Vintage Iron Street. That's progress !!! I guess we'll have to move further into the field or move the corral further east. There again we'll have a problem in the summer as the whole east side is full of motorhomes. Perhaps it's time to buy more land or cut down on events at the show.

However, the Exposition in July has become as much a part of the warmer summer months as hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream. Young and old alike flock to the grounds at the Alberta Heritage Exposition Park to enjoy the various attractions. Although our attendance was down a little we still had a whopping lot of visitors to the park. The large amount of exhibitors was remarkable. Thanks to the Canadian International Truck Association for being part of our show. Also the number of tractors, cars, and trucks on display is fantastic. The compulsory insurance coverage hasn't lessened our numbers, and it hasn't destroyed our show contrary to what several people said would happen if we made insurance compulsory. (Apologies accepted, even if we can't hear them.)

We are very thankful for the assistance from the many volunteers that help to put on the show, either before, after or during the event. I know I can't mention all of you; however, I would like to mention the number of young people getting involved in helping in a variety of areas. One young member, Andrew Scott, got up at 5:00 am, dressed in his Grandfathers Fire Chief uniform, to drive Brigette from A Channel around in the fire truck during our FREE segments on the Big Breakfast Show a few days before the Exposition. Then he had to go back home to Edmonton and straight to work. Andrew & his Dad worked on the truck to get it in running order. At the show Andrew had a number of stationary engines on display. He also had them out again at the Country Harvest. Andrew also cut grass several times this summer. Thanks Andrew!!! Andrew's younger sister helped out in the concession during the show.

Other young grandsons of several members were out driving the tractor for the barrel train at the show. There was Matthew Miller, Eric Garstad, Brandon Schaber, and Brian Berkeley. Matthew's Dad and Brian's Grand Dad were the supervisors. Great job Guys !!!

There was another young man, Brian Hunter, who is a neighbour to one of our members, came out every day two weeks before the show to cut grass, use the weed eater, and helped to build the clay oven, along with a variety of other jobs. Thanks Brian !!!!

Dallas Arnholtz's grandson, Dustin, worked the whole show at the gate helping to collect the admission fees. Thanks Dustin !!!

These young lads range from 13 to 17 years in age. We are very thankful for your assistance guys and look forward to working with you again next year.

Already I was offered the assistance of another grandson to help with driving the tractor for next years show.

Natasha Schaber has been helping in the concession for all the events at the Park this summer. She may be young in years; but, is an exceptionally hard worker. We really rely on her.

Since there are only a handful of members that come out to work during the summer, we were very thankful when this good looking younger man from the Calmar area stopped off one day and asked if there was anything he could help with. Well, he has been working at the park almost every day since. He has been involved with a variety ofjobs. He now has a lifetime family membership & his wife is busy helping out as well. By the way, his name is also Bill & lately I learned he's not that many years behind us.

I would also like to thank all the members who recruit family members, neighbours, friends, etc. to assist us during the summer. A big thank you to all the non-members who give their time to help make our show a success!!!! We hope to see you all at the Appreciation Nite.

Our show was very successful. The displays, demonstrations, entertainment, fashion show, youth events, llamas, etc. are all pretty fantastic. That Amazing Million is truly amazing. Did you see all the participants in the gymkhana. Wow, there sure was quite a large area filled with horse trailers and motorhomes. Thanks Raven for getting out such a crowd !!!

Our tractor square dancing is still quite an attraction. I see there's a new gal on the block. Not a bad looker for a Happy Hooker !!! (She was the hooker for the Tractor Pulls later)

There sure is a lot of interest in the Tractor Pulls. Participants are coming from all over Alberta. This also is shown in the number of participants that braved the cold, wet weather in September to come out for the Provincial Pulls. One participant came all the way from Calgary to attend. The pulls went off like clockwork. It sure is nice having our own sled. Brian, Ellen, Len, & their crew did a great job !!! A special mention to Kyle Widdifield, another young lad, for all his assistance.

Thanks to Marilyn, Anna, & crew for an excellent job with the concession. Thanks to all who baked the pies.

Kathy reported that the Banjo contest on Saturday evening was a great hit !!! Thanks to John Bachinsky for sponsoring the event. A special thanks to all the entertainers during the three days. You are a great asset in keeping the show lively.

Also a special thanks to our other Corporate Sponsors at the show - Roda Deaco Valve, Leduc Co-op, Schneider's Building Supplies, D-Line Construction, Ertman Miller, & the UFA.

Our Youth events, the Petting Zoo, & other events planned by the County Summer Student Programs are also well received by the younger set.

Hopefully, many of you were able to taste that delicious roast beef & buffalo supper. Reinhold & Allan outdid themselves again this year. The Rodeo Association did a great job in serving so many people in such a short time.

I know there are so many people that should receive mention; but, I would like to make a special thank you to Donna for contacting all the members to see where they could assist & then compiling a list for us to use. I hope she will be available to do it again next year.

Here is possibly as good a place as any to mention that, IF YOU CHANGE YOUR PHONE #, PLACE OF RESIDENCE, or LOSE A LOVED ONE, etc. PLEASE let us know. Call 986-0054.

In the President's report you read about several projects that took place during the summer. As you can see we have been very busy. The list of projects that were listed in last year's newsletter is getting smaller in spite of the fact that we keep adding.

The engine building now has a cement floor. Since the show the walls have been framed in and by the end of October if the electrical is complete they should be insulated and sheeted. The suspended Ceiling will be done later. The EPHF has been very actively involved.

Bill C. & I have been very busy with the landscaping at the Park. Dallas helped before Bill came along and as always we can't do without Wally and the Correctional guys. All the perimeter trees have been pruned and the grass cut with the exception of a short area in the bone yard as the railroad artifacts are too heavy for us to move. Bill has been out daily to cut down on our mole population. He averages 2-3 moles per day. One day he caught 6 moles.

Landscaping around the station is looking pretty good. How about that stone wall !!! When I need expert advice I rely on Annette & Val. The guys provide the Bob Cat work. I will require more perennials & bulbs in the spring. So if you can spare some please send them out to the Park. As long as the snow stays away we will continue to work at the site. Wally still has to bring in some huge rocks from the farm. We have turned the flower bed into a Lily bed. I can't wait for the spring to see how the colours blend in.

Terry did a great job of landscaping around the log house. The area almost makes the house have that lived in look. Next year he will be doing more work around the Ohm home:

On the north side of the Founder's Gallery we have set up a beautiful shaded, relaxing area overlooking a wild flower garden, approximately 60 ft long by l0 ft wide. It will have seeds planted this fail, such as, zinnias, bachelor buttons, poppies, sweet william, etc & few shrubs. I'm still waiting for the stone wall to be built and the ground brought in. This area will also have artifacts on display and benches to sit in the shade.

The area along the swale from Vintage Iron Street to the log house has some shubert trees put in. I hope to get a few pine & spruce yet if the weather holds.

This year the apple pies are ready made for the oven. Thanks to Dorothy, Annette & their crew. Also thanks to Wally Banik for getting the apples.

Clay has been stock piled to properly raise the railroad track to the camping area. Hopefully this will be completed before next year's show. Elmer, Wally, & Bill have been kept pretty busy. I'm sure glad these guys are Jacks-of-all-trades.

One additional project done this year was the building of the clay oven. This was a very successful undertaking. The results of the baking are truly memorable. At the Country Harvest they baked 20 dozen cinnamon buns which were devoured in about a half hour. I'm sure if they would have had 50 dozen they would have been all gone. The bread was sold by the loaf or a piece with a bowl of borsch which was welcomed by many in the cold weather. I would like to say a special thank you to Anna & Elias for their expert advice and help with making this oven. Also thanks to Elmer for welding the frame as well as his crew in building it. One day there were three generations working on the building of this clay oven. Also a special thank you to Dorothy for teaching Val & Annette how to bake bread & cinnamon buns. I was one of the fortunate ones that got to sample the goods as they came out of the oven. Wally stopped counting at four. (I'm sure he got closer to a dozen.) The making of the bread was done in the log house and the oven is placed on the west side of the log house between the garden and the fruit trees. Hopefully, next year we will have a stove that works inside the log house.

RAFFLE

The raffle was a tremendous success. We took in $9680.00. The profits from this raffle go towards the engine building renovations. Thanks to all of you that sold or bought tickets. A special thanks to Mike Dobko for selling 84 books by himself. I think we'll have to give Mike a rest for a year & perhaps cancel the raffle for 2005. You vote on it at the Appreciation Nite on October 29th.

The raffle winners were:

However, we do have the quilt raffle to contend with yet this year. Since the Country Harvest had such inclement weather, the crowds of people were not in attendance to buy many tickets. The draw was to be on November 6th? have asked the Gaming Commission for an extension on the raffle & have it drawn on February 26th at the Annual Meeting. The girls have spent too much time on making the quilt & it would be a shame to go in the hole. The profits from this raffle are to go towards the purchase of a 3-point hitch tractor which we require for various jobs around the site. Perhaps several of you will take a book or two to sell. If we can't get the extension, perhaps put an extra $40.00 into your wallet on the appreciation night. Every bit helps.

KOLLECTOR'S KORNER

Our writer is enjoying a wonderful holiday in Europe. He should be back in October sometime. His postcard said there's way too much food. Perhaps we won't recognize him on his return.

MEMBERSHIP

If you have not paid your dues in 2004 there's only 3 months left. Please send your dues in soon. Better still change to lifetime.

Just a reminder. When your children turn 18 years of age they are no longer covered under a family membership. They must take out their own membership.

PROVINCIAL TRACTOR PULL RESULTS

I would like to extend a special thank you to Wally, Elmer, & Bill C. for all the work they have done at the Park this past year. It makes my job easier when I have guys I can count on. I hope to see many of you at the Appreciation Nite on October 29th. If not, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. I look forward to working with you again next year.