The community came out to show its support for one of Westlock’s jewels, the Canadian Tractor Museum, June 22, and they did it in style.
Ladies and gentlemen put on their best attire for the first ever Black Tie Bingo, in support of the museum, at Memorial Hall.
Jim Wood, of Rocky Mountain Equipment, emceed and the company sponsored the event, along with a multitude of others. Rocky Mountain Equipment also made a sizeable donation to the museum’s long-term finances last month with a promise of $10,000 a year for the next five years on top of $5,000 for the next three years to go towards what is expected to be an annual fundraiser.
“All proceeds raised from the Black Tie Bingo tonight will go directly towards supporting the museum. It means a great deal to the museum and it will enable them to preserve Alberta’s rich agricultural equipment history for future generations to experience,” he told the crowd.
Food and drinks were plentiful and with the addition of recognition presentations, a live auction, a band and a dance along with the actual Bingo games, it was a full night for museum supporters.
Mayor Ralph Leriger and several councillors were also in attendance, along with Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken, both of whom said a few words to encourage attendees to be generous.
“I just want to say how proud we are of Annette (Schwab) and the board and everyone involved in the tractor museum over the last couple of years. Over the last couple of years, they’ve succeeded in obtaining some large grants, they’ve got some significant corporate donations, they’ve certainly increased the community participation in renting it out and we’re very, very happy for their success,” said Leriger.
“We have a museum that is second to none in Canada,” added van Dijken.
Museum president Art Purdy also addressed the crowd with a quick status update on the museum itself, going over some of the planned developments for the summer.
“This is a very exciting year for us,” he said.
“In return for your support, we’re giving back by preserving the history of our tractors, farming and agriculture equipment.”
Purdy later called the event a great success and is already looking forward to next year.
