Although the completion of the community gazebo has taken longer than anticipated, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter, the project’s lead said.
Mo Fahey said last week that she expects the structure, which is located at the Greenwood Campground, to be finished “come hell or high water” by Wednesday, June 19 just before the 40th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo, which is scheduled for June 21-23.
Although initially intended to be completed before the May long weekend, Fahey said a couple of factors delayed progress. The rain earlier last month held up construction and the main contractor building the gazebo has been juggling other jobs in a busy schedule since conditions improved, she said.
An artisanal woodcarver has also been working to complete a couple of big black bears accompanied by three baby bears that will adorn the finished structure, she said.
“They’re beautiful.”
Despite the delays, Fahey said the project is coming along great and expressed appreciation for all of the sponsorship and volunteer support. As of last week there were still 10 sponsorships being sought for the gazebo’s corbels, which are decorative corner brackets — in this case a bear silhouette design — mounted on support beams underneath the roof, she said.
The structure will also feature some nighttime ambiance lighting wired on a timer courtesy of one of the contractors, she said.
“Every night at dusk, the lights will come on. It’ll be gorgeous,” she said.
“I just can’t wait for it to be done.”
An invite-only unveiling appreciation barbecue event for volunteers, sponsors and contractors is planned ahead of the pro rodeo, but a date had not yet been confirmed last week, she said.
“There’s going to be an invitation sent to…everyone who helped.”
Afterwards, the gazebo will be open free of charge to anyone interested in stopping by for a visit. However, people who might be planning larger events such as family reunions or weddings will be required to rent the gazebo through the Town of Sundre’s community services department ahead of time to avoid any potential overlaps in functions, she said.
“I’m looking forward to it being done,” said Sue Nelson, Sundre’s community services manager.
“It looks like it’s going to be awesome.”
Nelson said some additional landscaping elements including flowers, shrubs and trees will be planted, but most likely not until next year since those expenses were not allocated in the 2018-19 budget. However, if there are any leftover funds from donations, that could happen sooner, she said.
