BARRHEAD — Bablitz Hall will be a hub of activity on May 3 as the County of Barrhead hosts its inaugural Open Skies Expo, followed by an evening dinner and awards ceremony recognizing outstanding local residents.
The Expo, which runs throughout the day, will spotlight the many services available to County residents, said Dawn Fedorvich, Director of Rural Development for the County of Barrhead.
“For the inaugural year, we want to really help our residents understand all that's available to them, so service providers are really our focus,” Fedorvich said.
The event is free to attend and offers a range of activities for all ages. Families can enjoy a kids’ station with crafts and games, while adults explore information booths featuring everything from road construction updates to recreation opportunities.
Visitors can also enter to win one of two “Experience County of Barrhead” prize packages, which include passes and gift cards to local attractions.
Throughout the day, councillors will be available at the Council Corner for one-on-one conversations with residents. Informational sessions include a Fire Smart presentation by Barrhead Regional Fire Services at 10:30 a.m., and a cold frame construction demonstration by James Aarson of Arco Construction at 11:30 a.m., offering tips on extending the spring growing season.
At 1:30 p.m., the Barrhead Fish and Game Association will present trophy awards, and will also host a booth to share information about wildlife, the gun range, and fall activities.
Residents can also access a wide range of County services and community group information throughout the Expo. There will be displays and representatives available to answer questions about waste transfer and recycling, development permits, the 2025 municipal elections, camping and hiking opportunities, agricultural equipment rentals, gravel sales, and dust control programs. Partner organizations such as the Barrhead & District FCSS, Barrhead Library, Barrhead Museum, Alberta Open Farm Days hosts, Land Stewardship Society, Barrhead Agricultural Society, Gateway Research Organization, and Farming Forward will also have booths to share program updates and upcoming activities.
Visitors can satisfy their appetites with offerings from the Mama Bear food truck, enjoy fresh coffee courtesy of Burnt Water Roasters, and snack on popcorn while touring the exhibits.
In the evening, the County will host its annual dinner and awards celebration. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $30, with a meal provided by Laura Rose Catering kicking off the festivities.
The awards ceremony will honour several local achievements, including three beautification winners nominated by the Agricultural Service Board, the AFC Women in Agriculture award recipient, a local inductee into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame, a farm family recognized as Breeder of the Year for their Angus purebreds, and three individuals recognized for outstanding contributions to the livestock industry. Honourees recognized by other organizations will also be celebrated during the evening.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the County of Barrhead’s website at countybarrhead.ab.ca.
