NTEST RESONATES


People were incredibly generous this year with that meal.” Although a protest sprung up in


advance among graduates of W.R. Myers High School about the date, timing and location of the event, Brennan indicates efforts were made to accommodate any concerns that were raised. “That was definitely brought


up very early on in the planning that that was Myers graduation. We had meetings with the admin- istration there and tried to alleviate their concerns as much as possible. I hope that it went well. From my perspec- tive, it went really well that day.Obviously, the weather impacted their ability to take pictures in the park.We certainly haven’t heard feedback in the negative from them since the barbecue. It was a legitimate concern.We definitely didn’t ignore that the date was the same date chosen.” The 2019 event was held on Saturday,May 25, but that doesn’t mean that dates might not be shifted for next year’s bbq competition. “We specifically didn’t want to interfere with


the May long weekend,because we knew turnout would not be very good with people camping,and the weather is just awful,” said Brennan.“So that’s another consideration we’ll have for next year — we don’t know if we’re going to change the date, but that will definitely be brought up when planning for 2020 happens as well.This event may not necessarily be on the same date next year.” The competition began as an effort to help


showcase area producers and provide Taberites with an additional event to usher in the summer months. “It actually started really, really small, it was when Chef ‘B’was still here,”said Brennan.“He was talking about how we have such amazing cattle producers,and meat producers in south- ern Alberta, and there’s not really anywhere in Taber that capitalizes on that,and showcases it. He thought what a great idea it would be to


have sort of a cook-off.And then when Dawn (Phillips), our new director of recreation came — she does it as a hobby herself — she liked the idea.On top of it,we didn’t have anything that kicked off summer in Taber — not a spring festival, because of course we have Cornfest — but nothing at the beginning,so we thought that’s a perfect opportunity to put bar- becue at the start and showcase our producers,and have a little friendly competition.That’s really how it started. It’s a hobby that people like to do, and it just got bigger from


there.” Sponsorship for the event, which helped with


costs and prizes,was much more than the town was expecting. “We know how generous Taber is in the


region,but we were completely overwhelmed with how generous the businesses,and the com- munity,and the people were,”said Brennan.“I don’t think thank-you even covers the extraordi- nary generousity that they have given to this event.We can’t wait to showcase it again next year.” At their May 27 meeting, town councillors —


several of whom were also involved as judges of the competition — praised the efforts of event organizers. “I attended the barbecue event this past week-


end,and I was very impressed,”said Coun. Jack Brewin.“I think the town did a fantastic job, the winners were well deserving, and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to next year.” “I had the chance to attend the barbecue com- petition on the weekend,and I would echo what Councillor Brewin said, it was very well done by everyone that had a part in that,”said Coun. Carly Firth. Coun. Louie Tams was more tongue-in-cheek. “I did also attend that barbecue, and I can happily report I’m 6.2 pounds heavier than I was before. It was fantastic.Well done.”


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