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Barrhead Elks donate $40,000 towards improvements to Bablitz Exhibition Hall

The Barrhead Elks Lodge presented a $40,000 donation on Jan. 15 to the Barrhead Agricultural Society, which they will put towards Phase 1 of improvements to the Bablitz Exhibition Hall.
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The Elks presented a $40,000 donation to the Barrhead Agricultural Society at the Barrhead Senior’s Drop-in Centre on Jan. 15. From left to right are Elks members Calvin Fischer, Richard Rau, Bill Lane, Jim Birnie and president Bruce McLean, Barrhead Ag Society vice president Jackie Miller and Ag Society president Randy Schmidt.

The Barrhead Elks Lodge presented a $40,000 donation on Jan. 15 to the Barrhead Agricultural Society, which they will put towards Phase 1 of improvements to the Bablitz Exhibition Hall.

Barrhead Ag Society president Randy Schmidt said the Bablitz Exhibition Hall is basically just a pole shed that’s currently used for cold storage.

“Now we’re looking to insulate it, put heat in, eventually put bathrooms in (and add) some extra storage, just so it can be more of a multi-use building than what it is right now,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt said Phase 1 of the improvements was expected to start soon, but couldn’t say how long it would take.

However, Phase 2 of the improvements will involve constructing an addition to the building, which will include the new bathrooms and storage space.

Schmidt estimated the total cost of the project at more than $200,000. Besides the $40,000 from the Elks, the Ag Society is using some of its own money and is hoping to get additional government grants.

As well, the Ag Society has already done some fundraising towards the project and will be doing more in the future.

Schmidt indicated the Ag Society was very thankful to the Barrhead Elks for helping to fund the improvements.

“They’re definitely believers in our community, trying to make things better for Barrhead,” he said.

Elks Lodge member Bill Lane said the Ag Society is a big part of the Town and County of Barrhead, as they host the annual Blue Heron Fair and the Wildrose Rodeo Finals.

The facilities operated by the Barrhead Ag Society are also used by local 4-H clubs and riding/team roping groups, he noted.

“They’re a big part of our community, and we want to help them establish a facility that can be used by the entire community,” Lane said.

Schmidt indicated they would put up a sign in the exhibition hall to acknowledge the Elks’ generosity, noting they were open to whatever the Elks felt was appropriate.

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