The Derwent Agricultural Society is hoping to rustle up some support for a cash raffle to fix up their hall.
The small hamlet’s ag non-profit has begun a cash raffle recently, as they are trying to raise money for needed repairs to the roof of the building. After that, any other money raised will be going towards needed repairs for the building as well.
The building was first built in the 1960s and since then has served purposes ranging from community get-togethers like the Cabin Fever Barn Dance, family gatherings like weddings and funerals or 4-H speaking events for the community’s children.
Ag Society treasurer Connie Mackney says fixing the hall is important for the entire area.
“There’s really nothing in Derwent, except a pizza place, and now we have a post office that has a little store, but other than that it’s the Hall. There’s nothing else for miles around, so it really is the hub of the community.”
They’re raffling off $45,000 in cash, with $30,000 going for first prize, $10,000 for second and third being $5,000. Tickets, at $50 each, are open to people all across the community, including as far as the Lloydminster area. There were 1,999 tickets drawn up, and the draw date was extended so the team could try and sell more tickets.
Mackney explains that it’s been difficult for them to sell the tickets this year, with the pandemic creating ongoing challenges.
“With COVID, it’s been really hard. We were supposed to have our draw on December 31st, but we only sold half the tickets, because we went to fairs the year before this year, like the Vermilion Fair, and we sold some there, but we can’t [because] this last year there’s been no exhibitions, or anywhere for us to go to.”
People can buy tickets by calling the Derwent Agricultural Society at 780-977-4714.