Taber archer’s shoot to be held in Grand Forks Park

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the M.D. of Taber Council meeting on March 25, M.D. of Taber Director of Community Services Bryce Surina presented Council with a Request for Decision for permission to utilize designated areas of the Grand Forks Park and the Grassy Lake Park Ball Diamonds for a 2025 Taber Archer’s Shoot.

“They did a similar event last year and had good success,” said Surina. “It sounds like a lot of the participants and attendees want to do it again at the Forks down in Grassy Lake, so this is their request seeking out that blessing from the Municipal District of Taber.”

The dates for the event, Surina explained, would be July 26 and July 27, 2025, but those involved also plan to be on site a couple of days in advance and then a day after the event for takedown. The organizers, Surina stated, hope to double attendance this year, as last year’s event was ‘well received.’

The memo, Surina outlined, states that the Archer Alberta ASA Tour has been a success for the last three years, being planned with archers from Alberta, B.C, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba of all age groups to make this a fun and safe event. The memo states that local archers ‘searched diligently’ for a suitable venue within the community and selected the Grand Forks Park property as an ideal location for an archery shoot, as the property offers ample space with a natural backdrop, which is highly favorable for archery activities and it provides a secure and controlled environment perfect for hosting such an event. 

“The word has spread throughout the Archers Association that it’s an ideal site for archery and for this type of an event,” said Surina. 

Surina emphasized that lines of communication are being kept open with landowners in the area to ensure that any questions or concerns that arise as part of moving forward are summarily addressed. Furthermore, Surina stated, the president of Archery Alberta was ‘thrilled’ with the area.

“For them to want to come back again speaks volumes as to what we have down there and the treasure we have at the Forks and the campground that they’re able to utilize and they were just very thrilled with what was there and for them to want to come back speaks well of what we have there,” said Surina. 

Ultimately, Councillor Hildebrand made a motion that the M.D. of Taber approve and use the designated area of the Grand Forks Park and the Hamlet of Grassy Lake Park and the ball diamonds to host the Taber Archer Shoot on July 26 and 27, 2025 ensuring that all course management and safety practices are fully implemented and that the necessary temporary activity approvals are received from Forestry and Parks. The motion was carried.