Roots in Agriculture, Heart in Community
- Admin
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Rycroft Agricultural Society | Rycroft, AB
With deep roots from over 100 years ago, the Rycroft Agricultural Society is a force of nature made up of farmers, cowboys and good-hearted volunteers. Together, they work boldly to build new infrastructure, host major events and raise funds for important initiatives—leaving their community better than they found it.
“We’re here to give back by supporting youth, caring for seniors, being good neighbours and creating a place where everyone feels welcome,” said Rycroft Agricultural Society President Dean Wark. “Whether it’s organizing community events or providing disaster relief, we’re ready to help however we can.”
Established in the Spirit River Settlement in 1912 as the Spirit River Agricultural Society, they purchased land in Rycroft in 1928 and eventually incorporated in 1951 as the Rycroft Agricultural Society. It continues to be a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the community.
In 1975, the Rycroft Ag Society built a hall, which has gone through many renovations to become the coveted, multi-faceted facility it is today. The society rents the hall to a variety of organizations and individuals year-round.
“About 20 years ago, a local farmer had the idea to start farming land to help fund renovations for the hall. That initiative gave us steady revenue, which opened the door to grants,” said Wark. “Between that and thousands of hours of volunteering, we got the hall to where it is today.”
The facility includes a main hall, a board room and an upstairs studio with an engineered dance floor used by the Spirit Arts Dance Society. Able to accommodate 350 people and a stage, the hall is used for many events throughout the year including weddings, birthdays, conventions, school events and more.
“Not only do we host our own events—such as our Spring Break Up Dine and Dance, Farm Safety Days and Farmers’ Markets—but the community and surrounding areas rent it out frequently because it’s in a central location,” said Wark.
Having such a large and easily accessible space makes it convenient for the society to prioritize and plan fundraising opportunities for various initiatives and projects in the region.
In 2012, the society hosted a dine and dance to raise funds for Spirit River’s Richardson Pioneer Central Peace Aquatic Centre. The event turned into an annual affair, and the group looks forward to raising funds and putting it back into their tight knit community.
Over the years, the Rycroft Ag Society has raised funds for many worthy causes such as local arenas, the Central Peace Health Clinic and the Spirit River Curling Club. And, they are showing no signs of slowing down.
“In 2023, we reignited our fundraiser for the Palliative Care Society at the Spirit River Hospital. Then, in 2024 we raised over $450,000 for the Pleasant View Lodge to help furnish it for seniors, which was our proudest achievement yet,” said Wark.
On their rodeo grounds, the society hosts a well known and well attended event called “Race the 8.” It has chuckwagon races, team roping, bull riding, pony chariots, mutton busting, live entertainment and more.
“We’ve been hosting chuckwagon races here since the 1920s, so it’s become a special tradition,” said Wark. “We also rent out our rodeo grounds for high school rodeos in the fall, which we love to be able to support.”
Assisting in many of the society’s initiatives is the Rycroft Ag Society Farm, which is 375 acres of farmland donated by G-3 Canada Ltd., Richardson Pioneer, CF Industries, Cargill and the MD of Spirit River #133.
Crop is planted and harvested by an incredible group of volunteer members and businesses each year.
The revenue generated by the crop goes directly into capital projects and benefits the society as well as the local community.
“Having this type of community support has given us the opportunity to invest in so many things,” said Wark. “We’ve started a scholarship fund named after two long-time volunteers, Eric and Joy Astell, which benefits high school students in the MD of Spirit River, Saddle Hills County and Birch Hills County.”
The society currently has 75 members, eight of which are on the board alongside a councillor from the MD of Spirit River. The group is excited to welcome new faces and fresh ideas.
“Some of our members have been involved for 20 plus years, but we’re seeing new people move into the area who want to get involved and establish deep roots with us, which we’re very fortunate to have,” said Wark.
Looking ahead, the society has huge aspirations. Among them are building another rental hall, upgrading their grandstands and becoming a sustainable society for years to come.
“Our future goal is to try to become self sufficient to ensure the society stays relevant, vibrant and supportive without the need for government funding every year,” said Wark.
The board is thankful to all the current and past volunteers, as well as all the support from community members, farms, businesses and other organizations, which is why they want to pay it forward.
“We want everyone to understand that we’re working hard to hand our society off to the next generation in as good or better condition than it is now,” said Wark. “We’re extremely grateful for everyone who has helped us because without volunteers, it just doesn’t work.”
Learn more about the Rycroft Ag Society at rycroftag.com
By Dani Wearden | Photography submitted
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