For the first time in the history of Neighbours' Day, organizers are changing the event’s date.
Tracey McCrimmon, executive director of Sundre Petroleum Operators Group (SPOG), recently informed council the organization intends to try a new date in partnership with other local groups including the Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce.
Traditionally held in September, SPOG decided to approach organizers of the annual Bulls and Wagons event, which takes place in early August, about the possibility of running the 24th annual Neighbours’ Day in tandem with the rodeo event, McCrimmon said.
“This is the first time that we have tried to change this date,” she said.
The event is scheduled for Aug. 9 and she said SPOG intends to promote the change as much as possible since attendees are accustomed to planning around the former date in September.
“We sat down with Bulls and Wagons and thought it would be a very good fit. SPOG’s vision is always to take Neighbours’ Day to a larger community-based event instead of just an oil and gas trade show.”
SPOG budgets about $50,000 a year to put on the not-for-profit event that features a trade show meet-and-greet atmosphere with oil and gas companies operating in the area and stakeholders.
The organization sought support from the municipality in the form of advertising and staff time helping with the venues’ setup and takedown as well as councillors volunteering with lunch.
SPOG also has a partnership agreement, which had been signed by all participating partners except for the Town of Sundre prior to last week’s council meeting.
Mayor Terry Leslie praised the organization’s effort to build community as well as reach out to other local groups.
Following McCrimmon’s presentation, which council accepted for information, chief administrative officer Linda Nelson sought council’s approval to sign the partnership agreement.
“This is not a new agreement,” Nelson said. “It has been an agreement for at least seven years.”
Coun. Richard Warnock motioned to approve the partnership agreement with the term ending in 2024.
Coun. Cheri Funke wondered what the dollar value attached to the agreement represented, and whether it includes staff wages.
“In my opinion, this is an event that happens every year, and staff would be scheduled,” said Nelson.
Warnock spoke in favour of the motion. He said Neighbours' Day is important to the municipality and community, as evidenced by feedback he has heard in conversations with the participating businesses, which are not all just from the oil and gas sector.
His motion carried with Coun. Todd Dalke opposed.
The agreement includes an annual funding allocation of $2,000 to SPOG from the town.
Mayor Terry Leslie said the municipality receives tremendous value in terms of advertising for that price point, and asked how much attending Calgary trade shows costs.
Jon Allan, economic development officer, said tables alone — not including travel and accommodation expenses — to set up booths at the Calgary Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show, a two-day event, costs about $1,800. He added that the four-day Calgary Home and Garden Show can cost roughly $2,400.
But Dalke later said during a conversation with the Round Up that he does not believe local taxpayers should be subsidizing a single cent for the event’s expenses that oil and gas companies should easily be able to cover by splitting the $2,000 cost among themselves.
