Better Living and Horticulture back to a full show

By SAMANTHA JOHNSON, Special to the News on July 22, 2022.

This is the first year the entire show for Better Living and Horticulture will be back since 2019. Cathy Treiber, into her seventh year as chairperson, hopes for lots of entries.

There will be special appearances by the Mental Health Association, Cactus Rose Quilt Guild and Medicine Hat Woodcarvers. Last week, the Fibre Arts Society called to say they wouldn’t be putting in a booth this year.

All the other tables are dedicated to entries and there are so many categories that, “when the entries come in, we put them in groups so it’s easier for the judges then we take everything from there to put it up for display,” explained Treiber.

Saturday at 11 a.m. is when the fun beings with entries being accepted. However, it is best to check the brochure, as acceptance of different categories of entries is staggered from July 23-26.

Both days this weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. all handicrafts and sewing, home vinting, wood crafting and carving will be accepted, both adult and children’s entries.

Domestic products – canning and baking both adults and children – are being accepted Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday 9 a.m. until noon. Judging takes place July 25 at noon. There are lots of categories for baking: adults, teens, junior (ages 6-11) and pee-wee (5 and under).

Entries for the horticulture category will be accepted on July 25 from 7-9 p.m. and July 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. It includes anything grown in the garden – flowers, fruits, vegetables.

“The only thing we are not taking in this year is agricultural crops,” stated Treiber. “Being a farmer myself, I know crops have been suffering the past few years. It breaks my heart because that was the start of the whole thing in 1887.”

Prize money is given out on Wednesday and Sunday. “We like to do the Wednesday one,” said Treiber, “because children that have entered can pick up their money and have it for the fair.”

There is a downloadable brochure (www.mhstampede/better-living) with the entire list of categories and when entries are being accepted.

“We are very glad to be back,” said Treiber.

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