Throughout the summer months, various improvements have been effected at Vauxhall Cemetery, with the latest initiative being the pouring of concrete ribbons for headstone placement.
The concrete sidewalks/ribbons project should help improve some aesthetic qualities of the cemetery, as well as ease the burden of care and maintenance.
The practice is slowly becoming more widely utilized in many cemeteries in Western Canada.
“Our largest and our priority project is the laying the cement sidewalks/ribbons for the headstones,” said Kathie Friesen, a representative of the committee. “The committee hired a local contractor, Murray Bexte Construction, and so far two cement rows have been finished, with each plot site clearly marked with a number, and the headstones will be moved back into place the third week of August. Another two rows will be done as soon as possible, with another four or more rows scheduled for next year.”
To help pay for the improvements being implemented at Vauxhall Cemetery by the committee, they are organizing and hosting an upcoming fundraiser evening in support.
“This is a major project, and a costly one, and the Vauxhall Cemetery Committee is hosting Cowboy Harvestfest, our second annual fundraiser including supper, live entertainment, a silent auction, bucket raffles and door prizes, to be held Sept. 29 at the Vauxhall Community Center. All proceeds from the fundraising will be designated for use by the Vauxhall Cemetery Committee and all donations will be applied toward improving and beautifying the cemetery with emphasis placed on the continuation of the cement strips/sidewalks. Non-monetary items and monetary donations from business and the private sector are welcomed and appreciated,” said Friesen.
“We were overwhelmed with the support in 2011, and hoping that last year’s donors and new donors will support us in our 2012 fundraiser.”
Friesen also highlighted that earlier this year, a new sign was erected in appreciation of trees donated and planted at Vauxhall Cemetery.
“A sign for donated trees (was erected) in living memory of loved ones. The sign has an engraved leaf with the name of the person the tree was donated to. This tree project was started in 2007 by the Vauxhall Business Society,  and the Vauxhall Cemetery Committee is continuing with this project in order to fund the planting of additional trees on the south boundary of the Cemetery. This sign also displays recognition of donations to the Vauxhall Cemetery Committee.”
Friesen also noted drainage issues have been addressed, with minimal flooding of gravesites this past spring, and mowing and maintenance is being done on a regular basis.
“The Vauxhall Cemetery Committee is not a large group but we are moving ahead with great strides. For the Sept. 29 fundraiser, we have acquired some very impressive donations, supper is going to be a gourmet feast and the talent is top notch — so come out for an evening of food, fun and prizes.”