Smoky Lake Agricultural Society is working hard for the community

by Irene van der Kloet

Agricultural societies in Alberta come in different shapes and sizes, but they all have a strong sense of community and host community events. The Smoky Lake Agricultural Society is the go-to place for community events in Smoky Lake and surrounding areas.

In 1972 the Smoky Lake Agricultural Society registered as a non-profit, marking 2022  their fiftieth year of existence. That same year, the complex was built. Currently, the Agricultural Society owns the complex, the RV park and the campground with twelve serviced sites behind it. The society is entirely volunteer and membership-driven, with a membership fee of only one dollar per year. They count on volunteers to help out with community events such as the recent – very well attended – “Evening with Jody Carrington,” which was held in partnership with the Community Learning Council.

This complex is multifunctional with an artificial ice arena, a hall with a professional kitchen, a foyer and a meeting room upstairs. The hall, with a capacity of 700 and a fully caterers’ kitchen, is the perfect venue for weddings, family gatherings, parties, baby showers, concerts, conferences and meetings. Ice time slots are rented out for skating events. From April to December, the hall and foyer host the weekly Smoky Lake Farmer’s market, drawing in vendors and customers from the wider Smoky Lake area. The RV campground is steady in use during the summer and offers free firewood, a fire-pit for every site and clean washrooms and showers. 

The society receives funding from both the Town of Smoky Lake and Smoky Lake County. They organize many fundraisers to cover the facility’s operational costs. Currently, their big fundraiser is a raffle with first prize being 25 bred heifers or $50,000 cash. The draw date for this fundraiser  is February 21, and you don’t need to be present to win. Their weekly bingo, rental of hall and ice rink, RV park, and campground in the summer contribute to cash flow. Fundraising events are central in the existence of the society and are ongoing throughout the year.

All funds raised go back into the community through facility maintenance and supporting events. The complex is a hub for the community and broader area to get together. Still, all this could not be done without the constant support of dedicated volunteers and partnerships with other non-profits within the community.

As it has done for the entire world, Covid-19 has put a hold on events such as concerts,  conferences, hockey and family events. This has put a dent in fundraising income, but the society has a positive outlook on 2022 and made a schedule for new events. Whether these events will happen, only time can tell.