Pheasant festival gets cash

The current year marks the third annual Taber Pheasant Festival in the region, which is being hosted this week in the community. The event attracts numerous hunters and visitors to the area, and provides significant economic and other related benefits to the town.

Recognizing that contribution, town council voted 6-1 to provide a sponsorship donation of $2,500 for the event, elevating the Town of Taber to a Gold Level sponsor. Coun. Garth Bekkering opposed the motion.

“As you know, the Pheasant Festival is into its third year,” said CAO Greg Birch at the Oct. 15 council meeting. “We’ve never really received an application from the organizing committee for support, but it’s recognized that the other municipalities, the M.D. of Taber and the Town of Vauxhall are providing support. It’s held in our town, a lot of the organizational part of it, and it has been of positive economic benefit. My understanding is the M.D. of Taber contributes $2,500 and the Town of Vauxhall $1,500.”

Considering the economic and tourism benefits that accompany the event for the community and surrounding area, Coun. Louie Tams was in support of making a contribution.

“I think from the economic benefit — and the fact that they’ve partnered with the chamber of commerce — but from the economic benefit and what it does for the town of Taber, and the amount of hunters that come in, $2,500 would be reasonable as a gold sponsor.”

The $2,500 sponsorship donation will be taken from funds allocated for grants.