It was a novel idea that has surpassed everyone’s expectations: hold an event that recreates the past, where everything is free. People come and enjoy free food, free rides, free demonstrations and more – but yet they still choose to give back, knowing they are supporting a great vision for a worthy cause.
Haying in the 30’s took place this Aug. 1 and 2, and once again, recreated the heritage of the area, the farming life of homesteaders in the 1930s, in a way that engages young and old. Those that were alive in the early half of the 20th century take a stroll down memory lane, while younger generations marvel at an old-fashioned world in which hard work was the order of the day.
Despite the economic slowdown that Alberta and Canada is now experiencing, people generously supported the organization, which ended up having its biggest year yet. More than $229,000 was raised over the course of the two days, with online donations afterwards putting the event well over the $230,000 mark.
Times may be tougher than usual, but this is when people facing life challenges need the most support. Besides the stress and pain of facing cancer, those that are afflicted by this terrible disease often have to pay the bills associated with room and board or extra care, which is where Haying in the 30’s helps, by giving financial assistance. Even for those whom money is not an issue benefit when they receive support from others, knowing they are not alone in their journey.
The vision that founder Edgar Corbiere once had has been realized in spades, and it only keeps growing, thanks to those that make generous donations to the cause and the hundreds of volunteers that pull the two days together.
These efforts combine to make an outstanding event that is, for good reason, famed far beyond the borders of the County of St. Paul.
