Sasha Speak's
Crowsnest Pass Events & Happenings
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on January-08-13 4:37 PM
Article in Lethbridge Global News regarding the sale at Grassy Mountain and the subsequent potential coal mining:
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Posted on September-25-12 2:28 PM
Community Branding Open House
September 26th, 2012 6:00-8:00pm Elks Hall, Blairmore
Copied from Facebook the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Page
The Municipality invites residents to be a part of the development of
the brand for Crowsnest Pass. This initiative is well underway and we
need your assistance in reflecting the needs and values as well as
economic opportunities and priorities for our community.
A Open House
will be held on September 26 at the Elks Hall in Blairmore from 6:00 to
8:00. This Forum is open to everyone and will serve to provide a
summary of the background research conducted as well as to gain your
impressions and feelings about the thematic areas emerging from the
research. These themes and your impressions will form the foundation of
the creative branding work to follow. Please come and join us and be
part of this process. |
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on July-24-12 8:48 PM
Here is my summation of Rum Runner Day's.I really do not know what we expected for crowds, but they were
not there as in past, obviously. I saw a lot more locals, however many
locals did boycott, as expected.
The Wine and Food Festival was hugely
successful!! Great turnout. Tremendous support from local restaurants
and liquor stores. Great food and drink!! The talent of the musicians
and artists was amazing!! Terrific ambiance!! Definitely a big hit!! A
great new addition to Rum Runner Day's!! I hope to see it back next
year!! Thank you to Sue Moser for doing most of the organizing!! A big Thank You to all the local merchants who contributed to the evening!!
Friday night's show was a washout!!
Literally. Terry Ruth had to quit his show early, as soon as the rain started.
The sound guys were scrambling to cover their electrical equipment. The
rain quickly turned into a downpour, complete with hail, wind, thunder and
lightening!! It was Thunder in the Valley on a massive scale!! As a result of the storm, The Paxton Bachman Band concert was sadly
cancelled. There was a small crowd of very disappointed people, huddling
under canopy tents or running for cover.
The
parade over all, was a disappointment, no bands (music). The firemen
were very conspicuously absent (sad). However, on a positive note, the Crowsnest Pass Ratepayers float was
awesome!! The Recreation float was great!! Morency's new float was
wonderful! The Forestry "bear" was very realistic, frightening and fun!! Too bad
the parade was so short and lacked the basic components of past parades.
The Show and Shine was the biggest
ever! Lots of kewl vehicles to look at and fawn over. It, in itself, was
a huge success!! Huge kukos to Joni and Brian MacFarlane for putting it
together!! Thank you.
The Boy's & Girl's Club Duck Race was a success!! Always fun!! Great crowds of families all cheering and watching the ducks antics as they floated down the river. At the finish line it was a mad scramble to catch all of the ducks before they could escape and continue down the river. Many did escape and I'm sure by now are well on their way to Lethbridge and beyond. Go ducks!!!
On the Saturday afternoon, Rainbow the
Clown was a hit!! Loved by all! Young and old alike laughed and were
amazed by his talent. His magic show was fun and interactive. His balloon portion of the show ended up with all of the children coming up on stage to be a part of his odd "farm" of animals. Rainbow does things with balloon animals that I have
never seen done!! It was a show, that if you missed it, you missed an incredible act!! I hope he will be back next year to wow and amaze us!!
Don't miss it!!
Charli Jaenta, the Facepainter, was very busy creating her usual extraordinary works of art!! Biggest hugs and thanks to her for her time and talent!!
Rolande
the card reader was brilliant!! Her talents are amazing!! Unfortunately, she
was not placed in the best spot in order to highlight her talents.
However, she had a great time and wants to return next year. She is available for readings anytime. Just message me for details.
The Youth's Got Talent show was awesome!! We have a lot of amazing young talent!! They deserve much credit. I was proud of them!! Way to go!!!!
The midway and carnival area was a
disappointment. We received half the rides that were supposed to come. On the positive side, there were no line-ups. On the negative side, the carneys were so disenchanted with the lack of crowds that they
would say the rides were broke in order to not run for just two or three
people. What a joke!!
There were a LOT less vendors. Could be the price
increase and losing Thunder. I, for one, usually set up a vendor stand and
did not this year only because there was no Thunder. A sign of the many that did not come this year??
T-shirts sales were brisk, both for the RRD T-shirts and the TITV T-shirts. There were equal amounts of both, seen on people walking around.
The Power Wrestling was very quiet. Not very many people. This is not really surprising considering the lack of crowds.
There were far too many police. They must have had fun handing out tickets, as every time I saw them, that is what they were doing!! The amount of Police and Peace Officers would have been good if we had the same crowds as years past, but overall, this year, definitely unneeded.
Parking
passes totally unnecessary. No one even checked me or anyone else I
know. However, if we had had Thunder, they would have been a good idea.
As would have been the designated parking areas and shuttle service. If we ever get Thunder in the Valley back, it might just be a great idea!!
No one camping in the usual designated spots. Not surprising. Random camping was not happening either. The locals who complained about the random campers and the subsequent problems in the past, should be happy about that.
Over all, it was quiet and good family fun. However, we needed more stuff for families/kids and people in general. Bed races, four-legged races, tug-of-war, pie-eating contest, food eating contests in general (hot dogs, pie, pizza, etc.), business's entered into contests against each other, log or barrel rolling contests, a bouncy castle, dunk tank, bands playing, etc. all great ideas for another year.
Overall,
it turned out exactly as I expected that it would, without Thunder in
the Valley. There were many disappointed people. Some came still expecting Thunder
and went home upset. The families who were there had good to say about
the family events. There were a share of people who obviously boycotted it altogether. It was just not the same, without TITV, but did we expect it to be?
It was just Rum Runner Days. It was the same as
any other local celebration, in any other town. It was not Thunder in the
Valley good.
Was it worth the money we put into it? That is a matter of opinion. Did we get back the dollars we put into it? Not even close.
The many new things that we had this year will definitely compliment the next time we do have Thunder in the Valley!!
I,
for one, am looking toward the future and hoping that we can bring TITV
back with all the new positive changes and make it the best celebration
ever!!
BTW. I am happy to sit down and talk with anyone about
this years events, changes and issues. Email me, write on my blog, phone
me. I am available to talk.
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on July-24-12 7:50 PM
On Thursday July 19th, the members of the Crowsnest Pass Ratepayers Association elected their new executive board.
 The newly elected executive are as follows:
President: Bill Kovach
The Board representing:
Hillcrest: Rudy Pagnucco & Larry Ruzek
Bellevue: Gail Montgomery & Troy Clark
Blairmore/Frank: Marilyn Milley & Marlene Anctil
Coleman: Sasha JaegerBaird & Ed Strembicki
Congratulations to everyone. I look forward to working with all of you.
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on July-04-12 10:31 PM
Well, I'm not sure if the Blairmore Fire Department is making an official statement, or not. But as of Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, reported in both papers, (the Pass Herald and the Crowsnest Promoter) the Blairmore Fire Department is officially selling their new and most likely last ever, T-shirts for Thunder in the Valley.
These limited edition T-shirts depict a larger than life, dark, foreboding man stomping on (or crushing - open to interpretation here) the grave of Thunder in the Valley. A hand reaches from the grave holding unlit fireworks. The hand very obviously belongs to a buried fireman wearing a Fire Department hat.
Also open to interpretation are seven dark ominous figures, in the background, wearing gangster hats. A lynch mob perhaps? Some could say that they look more like tombstones, with gangster hats sitting on top of them. Either way, this scene conjures up a dark and sinister image of the death of an era.
Could this man in the picture be our mayor? Could the seven dark figures be our six members of council, CAO and/or Interim Manager of Enforcement Services??
Only the Fire Department knows for sure. I'm sure they are happy with whatever rendition we, the general populace, wish it to be.
According to the papers, the T-shirts are on sale at Sears in Blairmore and in Coleman at the Crowsnest Museum. The T-shirts are $20.00 and the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will be donated to help the Crowsnest Museum. A very worthy cause, if you ask me.
In the Pass Herald's's article, the Blairmore Fire Department decided upon the T-shirts, after the huge public response and outcry, due to the cancellation of Thunder in the Valley.
Apparently hundreds of emails and phone calls from locals and strangers alike, prompted the creation of this limited edition T-shirt, in memory of Thunder in the Valley. A spokesperson was quoted as saying: "It is metaphorical to the death of Thunder in the Valley. Fireworks are dead!!"
Thunder in the Valley is a family event put on by the local Fire Department. It started as a way to thank the local people for all their many years of support. It continued to gain momentum and popularity, through the years. Thunder in the Valley brought in tens of thousands of people to the Crowsnest Pass from all over the world. People looked forward, every year, to the event. Many people planned their whole summer around their coming for Thunder in the Valley. Locals had their households filled to capacity, with family members and friends, who came just to see the annual fireworks show.
The Blairmore Fire Department has expressed concerns and disappointment toward the cancellation of the Thunder in the Valley, an event that has taken place for the past 18 years.
They expressed their disappointment, in an announcement on the Official Thunder in the Valley website, when the decision was made by council in March of this year. You can read it here: http://thunderinthevalley.ca/
The Herald reported that the T-shirts are in limited quantity and will most likely be the last t-shirts that the Blairmore Fire Department will make.
So what does this mean for the future of Thunder in the Valley?? Well, with the statement that these will most likely be the last t-shirts that the Blairmore Fire Department ever make, I think that too, is open to interpretation. Or maybe it just shouts loud and clear, that they want nothing more to do with it any more. Especially after how they were treated by council. After all, who can blame really them??
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Sasha Jaegerbaird: Posted on June-20-12 7:29 PM
If you are a resident of the Crowsnest Pass and have something to say about how the Mayor and council has been governing this community since being elected, in October of 2010, then now is the time to come out and have your say.
A Town Hall Meeting is planned for this Thursday (tomorrow) June 21st at 6:30 p.m.
Are you happy with the direction that things are going? Do you support our elected official's decisions? Or do you think that they are completely out-to-lunch?? Is council's spending in line with what you expected? Or do you think we are being taxed to death? Just where are our tax dollars going?? Does the Crowsnest Pass have anything to show for it??
Come out tomorrow, in support, or not, of our Mayor and councilmen. Tell them what you think and how you feel about the job that they have been doing for us?
Town Hall Meeting - Thursday June 21, 2012
Council extends an invitation
to the Public to attend a Town Hall Meeting, Thursday, June 21st at 6:30
pm at the Elks Hall.
Located at 2025 – 129 Street Blairmore.
Beef on a
Bun will be served prior to the meeting in the Elks Hall parking lot
commencing at 5:00 pm.
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on May-04-12 5:22 PM
Well, it's official. Plans are well underway for this years Rum Runner Day's. It going to be bigger and better than ever!! That is of course, except for having no fireworks.
Anyone who has been out to the regular weekly meetings at the Municipal Office on Wednesday's @ 6:30 pm, (Note: open to the public at all times) knows what's been going on behind the scenes. If you haven't been there, maybe you have seen the tentative flyer?
If not, let me give you a run down on the plans.
First, the new rules and guidelines:
- No random camping allowed. At all!! That is "no random camping" within the boundaries of the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass. It WILL be strictly enforced.
- Camping will be allowed only in designated camping areas around within the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass. If you allow camping in your own yard, that is your business, within reason.
- Out-of-town parking will not be allowed in Blairmore, on the Saturday July 21st, 2012, from abut 9:00 a.m. until about midnight. All out-of-town vehicles will be directed to one of several designated parking spots, East and West of Blairmore. A shuttle bus service will be provided to take people into Blairmore on the Saturday. There will be at least four buses running round trips to take people back and forth from the designated parking spots.
- Local people, living and residing within the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass will be issued permits, to enter Blarimore, in order to facilitate shopping, work, etc. Each household will be allowed a set number of permits. If you live here, you will get a permit.
- This is a family oriented event. There will be a zero tolerance for alcohol outside of designated areas: Legion, local bars, Lion's Hall, beer garden's. This will be strictly enforced by the RCMP and Peace Officer's.
- Most tickets for events will be sold online, on the Rum Runner Day's website. CLICK HERE for a list of events, times, tickets, camping, etc.
Okay now onto the list of events:
Thursday July 19th, 2012
- Big M Shows & Carnival to set up on main street green space, as in years past.
- Early Vendor set up on main street green space.
- 8th annual Green & Gold Bill Fukami Memorial Golf Tournament @ CNP Golf & Country Club.
- Crownest Wine and Food Festival, 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. @ Elk's Hall Blairmore. Featuring local food, wine, musical performers and a display of art from local artists. Advance tickets available online (Rum Runner Day's website) and at the door. Limited amount available, so get yours online fast.
Friday July 20th, 2012
- Vendor set up main street green space.
- Blairmore Main Stage ISS Field and main stage:
- Afternoon children and family
activities.
- Karaoke fun, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Beer Gardens - back corner ISS Field - 6:00 p.m. to approx. 12:30 a.m. - Evening concert - The Paxton Bachman Band (son of Tim Bachman and nephew
of Randy Bachman of BTO and the Guess Who fame). From 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Tickets available online soon on the Rum Runner Day's website.
- RBC Sole Survivor Foot Race. Registration at Elk's Hall 7:30 p.m. Race at 8:00 p.m.
- Blairmore Legion Branch #7. Friday night supper and 50/50 draw.
Saturday July 21st, 2012
- Blairmore Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. @ Lion's Hall main street Blairmore. $7.00 plate. Everyone welcome!!
- Vendor set up, main street.
- Midway rides and games, all day & evening.
- Rum Runner Day's Parade - Main Street Blairmore. Judging at 10:00 a.m. Parade @ 11:00 a.m. on main street.
- After the parade: Annual Show ‘n’ Shine main street Blairmore.
- "Who's Yer Daddy" will be playing classic rock in Gazebo Park after the parade.
- Other potential ideas to happen on Main street: pie-eating contest, log-sawing contest, nail-hammering contest and a barrel rolling contest
- Also after the parade - Blairmore Legion Branch #7 Hamburgers, Hot Dogs & snacks.
- The Ducks are back!!! Rum Runner Day's 2nd Annual Duck Race. Center Access Bridge in Blairmore @ 1:00 p.m.
- Afternoon Hillcrest Ball Diamonds: Co-Ed Slo-Pitch Tournament:
- Saturday evening at the Blairmore Legion, Pure Power Wrestling.
- ISS Field & Main Stage:
- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Kid’s activities, fun for all
ages! Our very own Charli Jaenta - Facepainting, Tarot Card and Crystal Ball Reading, Balloon Animal Making, Food and Fun, Petting Zoo, dunk tank and much more.
- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Main Stage Entertainment - Rainbow the Clown
Sunday July 22nd, 2012
So dear readers, there is plenty activities afoot.
For those of you who think that it is all going away because council cancelled the Fireworks portion of the weekend festivities, well, I guess you are wrong.
The Rum Runner Day's Committee is committed to making this a fun filled family event, for everyone!! Hopefully local residents will embrace this revised version. It was, after all, originally supposed to be, an event, put on for the families of the Crowsnest Pass.
I will continue to update, as more information becomes available.
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