On September 26, 2012 Ranch Ehrlo Society (Prince Albert) hosted its first annual youth activity fair at the Prince Albert Exhibition Association. Over 900 students were bused to the event that featured 35 local organizations presenting a wide array of activities. The activity fair served to educate youth on activities available in the City of Prince Albert with the ultimate goal of signing them up for an activity.

“Active youth are busy youth who stay out of trouble. They will increase their chance of success in life by becoming healthy, active members in their community,” explained organizer, Kevin Mugford.

The event was very popular with 900 students attending from 16 schools. Students were in attendance from the following schools: Hansen Education Centre, Eagle’s Nest Youth, John Diefenbaker School, Ecole Vicker’s School, West Central Public School, Riverside Community School, Princess Margaret School, WJ Berezowsky School, Wesmor High School, King George Community School, Red Wing School, Osborne School, Vincent Massey School, Westview School, and SIAST (Adult Class).

The event also attracted 35 organizations that set up display booths. These included:  Ranch Ehrlo OHL, Prince Albert Golf & Curling Club, Prince Albert Skating Club, Ringette, Prince Albert Ski League, Prince Albert Northern Knights Fencing Club, Girl Guides, Prince Albert Lacrosse Association, Junior Golf Team, Prince Albert Sharks Swim Club/Frank Dunn Pool, Minto Bowl, Girls in the Game, Prince Albert Aerials Gymnastics Club, Zumba, Ballet n’ all the Jazz, Ashden School of Irish Dance, The Performing Arts Warehouse, Community Players, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, Broadway North, Prince Albert Music Academy, Air Cadets, Army Cadets, Navy/Sea Cadets, Scouts Canada, Source for Sports, Creative Kids, St. John’s Babysitting Course, Timberland Bowbender’s Archery Club, Saskatchewan 4-H Club, JMCPL Clubs, and Minor Football. It should be noted that Girls in the Game, Broadway North, the Prince Albert Music Academy, The Performing Arts Warehouse, Zumba, the Prince Albert Northern Knights Fencing Club, the Saskatchewan 4-H Club, and the Ashden School of Irish Dance all performed live demonstrations or gave presentations for the students.

Several media sources were present including Country 900 CKBI, Power 99 FM, Mix 101 FM, PANow.com, CTV, and CBC. Live interviews and coverage were obtained and circulated via each media’s channels.

“One of the most often heard observations at the event was that people did not realize that all of these organizations and activities existed in Prince Albert,” observed event organizer, Shantelle Petersen.

The event sponsors were Source for Sports, Sport Chek, Gene’s Sports, Farm World, Kennedy’s Animal Nutrition Centre, SIGA, Prince Albert Raiders, City of Prince Albert, P.A. Soundworks, and the Optimist Club of Prince Albert. Their support in the form of donations and equipment made this event possible and truly enhanced its quality and excitement.

“The support from local businesses was phenomenal,” said event organizer, Chris Krystyniak. “Source for Sports stepped up as our exclusive sponsor. Sport Chek donated $2000 worth of sports equipment for us to give away as prizes. All of our sponsors enabled us to hold this event and we are really grateful.”

Finally, this event was conceived and executed by a dedicated group of organizers from the Ranch Ehrlo Society: Chris Krystyniak, Shantelle Petersen, Kevin Mugford, Rachelle Lavoie-Stumpf, and Brittney Acorn and their helpers Donna Monus, Chris Shynkaruk, Ryan DeRaps, Heather Chow, Amanda Snell, William Bell, and Marcia Gerow. They spent countless hours over the past three months planning, organizing, and executing this youth activity fair.

“These fine people believe in our youth, their potential, and saw to it that the youth have access to activities that will enhance their lives and create opportunities for them,” said Ranch Ehrlo President and CEO, Marion MacIver. “On behalf of Ranch Ehrlo Society, I would like to thank all the students, teachers and administrative staff, the event presenters, the media, and our sponsors. I would especially like to thank our employees who exemplify the ideals and values of our agency.”

Ranch Ehrlo Society - Youth Activity Fair 2012