It is amazing what one can accomplish when there is a good team around you.
After the June flood there were rumours the Foothills Highland Games would not happen. Many of the directors had their homes flooded and the Games’ equipment trailer was also damaged in the flood.
However, once the dust settled and despite an extremely tight timeline, the team came together to ensure the Games will go on.
The fourth annual Foothills Highland Games will be held Saturday at Foothills Composite High School and Howard Park.
I have to admit there were many sleepless nights when I wondered how we could possibly pull this off.
I know I have said it before, but our Foothills community is incredible. When there is a need people step and do whatever it takes to get things done.
In fact, this year could be one of the best we have ever had.
A partnership with Kayben Farms and Chinook Honey Company also allowed us to promote our community across the province.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to the fourth annual Foothills Highland Games in Okotoks.
This edition of the Games is extremely special to us because of the sacrifices everyone on the board made to ensure the show went on.
Many of the members of our board were evacuated from their houses as a result of the June floods and faced weeks of remediation when they were finally allowed home.
Despite all the turmoil not once did we question whether or not we should go ahead with the Foothills Highland Games.
Our thought process was this: after weeks of gruelling work helping our friends and neighbours repair their homes we felt we all needed an opportunity to step back from the stress and regroup. We needed a chance to celebrate summer, celebrate our families, celebrate our community.
We could not have done this without the incredible support of our volunteers and corporate sponsors, who despite wonderful flood-related causes, continued to support our event. Thanks so much to each and every one of you.
We also wanted an opportunity to support flood relief in the Foothills. To do so we introduced the inaugural tug of war with proceeds to benefit our neighbours. So go on out and cheer on your favourite team.
I would also like to recognize our chieftain this year, High River Mayor Emile Blokland who certainly deserves a handshake when you see him on the grounds.
So please accept this invitation to grab a cold Village beer, find a spot in the sun, take in the activities and savour summer while enjoying some Foothills hospitality!
