Millet Harvest Fair Success!

Millet’s Harvest Fair kicked off Friday, August 27th  with a the Town Appreciation Barbeque and the official opening of the new Civic Centre, home to the new Community Hall, Town Office, and Millet Public Library. The Library hosted an open house with tours, activities, and a prize draw. That evening, the millet Lions Club hosted a drive-in showing of Free Willy at the Lions Campground, with fireworks following.

Saturday, August 28th  began with a pancake breakfast put on by Millet Minor Ball, followed by the Lions Parade. Bill Kemp, long term Millet resident, served as parade marshal in his 1940’s Nash car. The Millet Ag Society hosted family activities at the Millet Agriplex, including games, bouncy castles, petting zoo, ball games, Remax hot air balloon rides, food trucks and concession, and a photo booth (sponsored by Millet Dental Clinic). The Millet Fire Department also hosted a demonstration at the Agriplex grounds. The Museum also hosted its annual town-wide Scavenger Hunt promoting local businesses. Prizes donated by the Town of Millet, Burger Barn, Beef’d Sandwich Bar, and Leanne’s Bar & Grill.

The Millet Arts N Crafts Guild held an Open House and draw for their “Pane by Pane” quilt raffle. Guild merchandise was on display for sale at the Museum’s Redwagon Gifts shop official opening, along with products from multiple vendors. Fifth Avenue Jewelry was onsite as a fundraiser for the Museum. Local author S.G. Hughes was onsite to sell and sign copies of his first book, Shadows of Redemption, which sold out onsite. The Museum also dedicated their 36th Anniversary carving (by Power Carver – Kelly Davis) and new Museum sign (created by local artisan Gloria Booth, of Whispering Pines Artisan Market. Mayor Doug Peel, County of Wetaskiwin Reeve Josh Bishop, Pigeon Lake Chamber of Commerce President Tom Karpa, and Leduc-Nisku-Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce Member Relations Coordinator Jamie Mantie, Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin MLA Rick Wilson, and Conservative Candidate Mike Lake in attendance. Local piano teacher, Sharon Gair, gave live music demonstrations on the recently donated 1911 Kerr family piano.

The Painting Alberta pop-up exhibit, featuring a painting of the Millet cenotaph, was onsite with live art demonstrations from artist Sabine Lecorre-Moore. Children were encouraged to engage with the exhibit by painting their own landscapes, to be entered into a contest. The Museum also held its exhibit opening and induction ceremony, inducting Gertrude MacDonald, Alma Cochrane, Arlene Lessing, Berta Briggs, and Bill Kemp. Mayor Doug Peel, County of Wetaskiwin Reeve Josh Bishop, and Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin MLA Rick Wilson, in attendance. Refreshments provided by Millet Fresh Market. Museum staff also accepted their 2020 OutStanding In Stewardship (OTIS) award from the Battle River Watershed Alliance.

Saturday wrapped up with the annual Beer, Wine, & Beyond tasting and silent auction at the Millet Agriplex, hosted by Millet Liquor Store & More.

The weekend came to a close with the annual Kick-it to the Curb event on Sunday, August 29th.

Thank you to all of Millet’s businesses, organizations, and residents who made this weekend such a wonderful success. It is Millet’s spectacular community spirit which makes this town such an amazing place to work and live.

Huge thanks to everyone who made our exhibit opening on August 28th such an amazing success!
Millet & District Historical Society Volunteers
  • Gloria Booth, Whispering Pines Artisan Market (beautiful new metal work sign)
  • Kelly Davies (36th anniversary carving)
  • Sabine Lecorre-Moore (Painting Alberta Exhibit)
  • Colleen Strautman (music)
  • Sharon Gair (live piano demonstration)
  • Ron Fengstad (sound system)
  • S.G. Hughes (book sales & signing)
  • Bill Kemp (parade marshal)
  • Cam Bailer (antique car & parade driver)
  • David Routledge/Kerr Family (donated 1911 piano)
  • Royal Canadian Legion #229 (donated chairs)
  • Beef'd Sandwich Bar (lunch & scavenger hunt prizes)
  • Burger Barn (scavenger hunt prizes)
  • Leanne's Bar & Grill (scavenger hunt prizes)
  • Town of Millet (painting contest prizes)
  • Millet Fresh Market (refreshments)
  • Rea's Italian Cucina (Tent)
  • WRM & TMC (Concrete)
  • 5th Avenue Jewelry -Rita-ann & Curtis Fuss (fundraiser)
  • Arber Greenhouses (center pieces)
  • Imagen Graphix (vinyl lettering)
  • Dignitaries: Doug Peel, Mayor of Millet, Josh Bishop, County of Wetaskiwin Reeve, MLA Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin, Rick Wilson, UCP Candidate Mike Lake, Pigeon Lake Chamber of Commerce President Tom Karpa, and Leduc-Nisku-Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce Member Relations Coordinator Jamie Mantie.
  • Millet Arts & Crafts Guild
  • All of the local businesses that participated in our town-wide scavenger hunt