Fun and games on deck for Chamber's casino night
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It was all fun and games at the St. Paul Recreation Centre Aug. 26 as the St. Paul and District Chamber of Commerce hosted the Rodeo Week Kick Off party complete with a casino and live music.
ST. PAUL - It was all fun and games at the St. Paul Recreation Centre Aug. 26 as the St. Paul and District Chamber of Commerce hosted the Rodeo Week Kick Off party complete with a casino and live music.
While the crowd was small in number, with about 70 people on hand for the event, the enthusiasm was high especially as the casino games got underway. Betting was fast and furious, more so because it was 'fun" money being used and no one was losing their shirt. However, while there were some "losses" suffered, it was all with good humour.
"I have heard nothing but great things about the event, it appears that everyone had a great time, and are already looking forward to bringing more co-workers, friends and family for next year," chamber executive director Yvonne Weinmeier said following the event. "The casino tables created some laughter and lots of cheering, but what warmed my heart the most was seeing the mix of people at the table and engaging in a fun event together. Even those that don't typically gamble, took a try at some table games and enjoyed it."
Chamber vice president Aaron Reid kicked the evening off welcoming everyone to the chamber's fund-raising event, thanking them for their support of the chamber's role in the community and then, without further ado, pointed them in the direction of supper.
Andre Chamberland, St. Paul and District Agricultural Society president, which partners with the Lakeland Rodeo Association to host the LRA Finals in St. Paul, told the crowd in attendance that another three-year contract has been signed to keep the Finals in St. Paul. He expressed his appreciation to the chamber for hosting the evening's Rodeo Week kick off event, adding that the support of the Town of St. Paul, County of St. Paul and many volunteers from across the community play an essential role in supporting the ag. society in its bid to deliver a first rate show to St. Paul.
"In 1973, a group of six started the ag. society back up and grew it from a little local rodeo to 1988 where we brought in the LRA Finals to what we have today, which is our huge parade and all the activities that go on Rodeo Week. None of this would happen without all the volunteers that come together and put this show on," Chamberland said.
Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr was on hand for his first St. Paul Rodeo Week kick off event since being elected in April and told the crowd that during his door-knocking campaign in St. Paul he did about local concerns about local highways, rural crime and health care.
"I'm hearing a lot of people's concerns with them saying there's things that haven't been addressed for a long time. I can tell you right now I take those concerns very, very seriously."
Cyr said he has relayed the concern that "Highway 881 looks like a jigsaw puzzle" and it's time to bring some attention to it.
When it comes to rural crime, Cyr said he is aware that "everyone here has been feeling the bite." Cyr said he has participated in meeting with local agencies and organizations, including the RCMP, chamber of commerce, AHS, the Town, Mannawanis Friendship Centre and others to discuss local crime concerns and "find solutions."
Cyr said he working to establish a constituency office again in St. Paul which drew a round of applause from the audience.
As for evening's festivities, Scott said, "You're probably going to find out I'm not a great poker player so you're probably going to want to play at the table I'm at."
County of St. Paul councillor Kevin Wirsta and Town of St. Paul councillor Gary Ward each took a turn at the podium to extend their municipalities' appreciation to the chamber for the event and their continued support of the rodeo.
Weinmeier is hoping to build upon this year's event given the positive response she's received.
"The supper was outstanding and I heard a lot of raving about how wonderful it was. The band was incredible and some folks stayed later than expected to listen or dance as they were that impressed."
Weinmeier expressed the chamber's appreciation to all the sponsors, businesses, attendees and volunteers for a job well done.
"I couldn't do these community building events without your support."
