CARSTAIRS - The first Beef & Barley Days held in three years over the weekend was a resounding success, with thousands of residents and visitors enjoying excellent weather conditions and lots of family fun activities, says Carstairs Agricultural Society president Charlie Van Arnam.
Held July 15 - 17, the community-wide event included the ever-popular Lions parade, with this year’s theme being Year of the Garden.
“It went incredibly well after a couple years hiatus,” said Van Arnam. “We had not much idea of what to expect but it went very well. The weather was obviously beautiful and we had huge crowds. It was a real busy time throughout the town.”
Many, many volunteers made Beef & Barley Day a success in 2022, he said.
“The 2023 grads helped out as a fundraiser, helping us move tables around for the pancake breakfast and the supper. They were a great help. There were a lot of volunteers.”
Events at this year’s Beef & Barley Days included a slo-pitch tournament at Tiny Lafleur Park and Memorial Park, a pancake breakfast at the Carstairs Curling Rink, an art show and sale at the Half Century Club, a car show at Carstairs Ford, live music at the gazebo and the Heritage Centre, a skateboard demo, rock and roll bingo and BBQ at the curling rink, and other activities.
The Bulls and Broncs event at the rodeo grounds saw a large crowd of spectators. A pared-down rodeo was held in 2021.
With temperatures in the high-20s, the Elks Kids Zone in Memorial Park, including the dunk tank, was very popular this year, he said.