VAB looking to give back with Bamford concert

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance

After the year the world has faced, Vauxhall Academy of Baseball is hoping to give back to the area with a celebratory concert.

With talks already commencing with VAB and award-winning country artist Gord Bamford, the group was hopeful the Municipal District of Taber would permit them to utilize a hangar at the Vauxhall Airport to facilitate a drive-in concert.
At M.D. council’s regular meeting on Oct. 13, they had a chance to discuss the feasibility of the group using the airport for the concert which would be held on Nov. 1.

“As we all know, 2020 has had many challenges on so many fronts for individuals as well as businesses in southern Alberta. We have been spending time over the last couple of months trying to figure out how we can celebrate our successes in our rural community in a safe responsible manner,” reads the letter addressed to the M.D. from VAB head coach Les McTavish. “We are fortunate to have a connection with 28-time CCMA Award winner Gord Bamford. We are looking to host a drive-in outdoor concert at the Vauxhall Airport. We strongly feel that community partnerships within Vauxhall, the M.D. of Taber, have provided excellent opportunities within VHS as well as the VAB.”

The letter also stated they have the support of Ag Gravity and they have donated the use of their hangar for the event, a total of 150 cars/trucks would be allowed in, set up would begin 48 hours before, and VAB is working with the Bamford Foundation about liability and insurance and VAB players, staff and board of directors will act as security and parking which equals approximately 30 people. As the M.D. already allows Street Wheelers Race Warz event in the fall, they were fairly confident the airport could accommodate the Bamford concert.

“I know we allow the Street Wheelers drag races out there. We always asked the users of the airport if it was okay with them to hold that event. I would assume we would need to do that for this event, even though this one is in the evening rather than the day time,” said Reeve Merrill Harris.

Administration also explained the spray season is over which means traffic at the facility was pretty slow.

“We don’t maintain the airstrip for winter use in Vauxhall,” added Brian Peers, director of lands and leases.

The only concern brought forward by council was fire hazards with cars parking on the grass near the airport.

“My concern is parking on the grass and having your car idling for an hour, hour and a half, the fire risk,” explained Harris.

“We can ask that question to the organizer if they have any fire mitigation. I don’t know if they’ve talked to Vauxhall Fire Department yet,” replied Peers.
With the Taber and District Health Foundation concert going this weekend, the template for maintenance at the Taber Agri-Plex was pointed to as a way to progress with the Vauxhall concert.

“That’s why it was requested to have the grass cut short at the Agri-Plex. And people will be encouraged to not run their vehicles as much as they can manage,” explained Coun. Tamara Miyanaga.

“We may not need to worry about the grass if there is snow by then,” added Coun. Murray Reynolds with a chuckle.

A motion to allow VAB to utilize the airport for the Nov. 1 concert was carried.
Coun. Leavitt Howg was absent from the meeting.

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