It has taken almost three years of hosting fundraisers and horse shows but improvements to the Summerland Rodeo Grounds are now underway.
On Nov. 11, 2011, a volunteer work crew from the Summerland Rodeo Grounds Equine Development Committee broke ground on the permanent stabling at the grounds.
Wally of Buccaneer Construction, led the way and worked with the Summerland building inspector to plan and create stalls that are sturdy, safe and in a convenient location adjacent to the main arena and the warm up ring.
There are 12 new stalls, with six to be completed by the end of April and the remaining six to be finished as soon as funding allows.
They are covered to keep out the rain and sun.
The municipality installed a seasonal water line to the new stall area.
Fundraisers for the work included the Summerland Grounds Coffee, RCMP Musical ride, Horse Survivor, Donna Hawkins Clinic and the horse shows.
Participating businesses included Tony Dunsdon excavation work, Summerland Builders Mart, SRG Sand and Gravel and South Valley Sales in Oliver.
The ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for Friday, April 27 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Mayor Janice Perrino will officially open the stalls for the Spring Dressage and Jumper show, April 28 and 29. This is the first fundraiser of the year.
The next improvement project is the upgrade of the warm up ring.
Melissa Reimche has worked on a plan and a quote, and the committee is fundraising with four shows in 2012.
The work is expected to be completed in the spring of 2013.
Several shows and events are planned for this year in addition to the spring show this weekend.
On July 7, the July Youth Horse Show will be a games-oriented show for kids.
It includes walk-trot classes so the show will be more open to beginning riders as well as more experienced riders.
On Oct. 14, the Halloween Horse Show is scheduled. Pleasure, equitation and games plus timed trail classes should be exciting and challenging.
Please visit www.summerlandrodeogrounds.com or check the organization’s Facebook page.
To donate time, supplies, equipment or cash, please contact Laura Dean at 250-494-0314 or laura@deanenvironmental.com.