The weekend of August 21-22/2010 was a super one - the weather had cooperated with a breezy sunny day for Saturday and no rain. This was the 20th annual Ride-a-Long for the Alida Archives & Library held once again at the Coyote Springs Ranch owned by Jim and Elaine Hyde.
There were over 40 participants who registered for the trail ride, of which 25 were horseback riders, 1 horse-drawn wagon with 2 occupants, 1 tractor-driven trailer with 4-6 passengers, 4 ATVs with drivers and passengers, and of course the lunch truck also with 2 occupants. The participants came from far and near including Lethbridge, Alberta, Beausejour, Maimi, Darlingford, Oakbank and Stonewall Manitoba, Estevan, Moosomin, Lake Alma, Carlyle, Oxbow, and of course Alida.
The ride began at approximately 10:15 am. being lead by Marlin Shain and Kathy Peet as they all headed out on the assigned route through pastures, road allowances and along the Auburnton Creek valley. They arrived at Kitty's Korner for their lunch break about one o'clock, after a peaceful and relaxed rest with lots of visiting among comrades, they were soon back out on the trek arriving back at home base around 5:45 - just in time for the supper call. A delicious Beef/Pork supper was served to approximately 90 guests as well as the Chili Challenge, which was very well received with ten challengers supplying their chili. The 2010 Chili Champ was Lisa Eaton of Arcola, 1st Runner-up was Lori and Debbie Fuller (Alida), and 2nd Runner-up was Shelly Cowan (Alida) with her ever famous vegetarian chili.
Following supper awards and presentations were handed out to the following: Oldest and Teamster of the Ride - Kenn Beggs (Estevan); Youngest Participant and Rider - Dylan Scheerschmidt (Oxbow) and Adam Cowan (Estevan); Furtherest Rider to complete the Ride - Shana Spas (Beausejour, Man.); Individual with the Most Pledges - April Junk (Alida); Family with Most Pledges - Tim and Shelly Cowan (Alida). Door prizes were also drawn for during the entertainment. Don Mehler, Bob Thompson and Jim Hyde supplied the musical entertainment throughout the evening, and into the wee hours of the morning.
A pancake breakfast was served Sunday morning to everyone in attendance, until the mini-ride began around 10 o'clock. When they all had returned a quick wrap-up lunch was served, and the raffle tickets drawn by Thomas Harrison resulting in Sherri Tosh (Miami, Man.) winning the rooster lawn ornament, and Eleanor Harrison the Cactus table.
The whole weekend event which included the ride-a-long pledges, supper, raffle tickets and breakfast brought in a total of over $3200.00 - bringing another successful Ride-a-Long weekend to a close.
The Alida Archives and Library Association whishes to extend a sincere Thank You to: - All Participants - Those who so graciously pledge their continuous support - Jim/Elaine Hyde (facilities) - Don/Shelley Boutin (tractor) - Key M Auction Service, Wauchope (washrooms) - Carrie Germain (photos) - Chili Cookers - All Volunteers who helped during the weekend - Anyone else who we may have missed. You have made Ride 2010 another success - Thank you!
