Plenty of additional seating has been secured by the Sam Steele Society to provide audiences at the Sam Steele Days community festival improved visibility and access to their favourite spectator events.

It is the hope that the cries from little ones saying “Daddy, I can’t see” or the disappointment of those standing behind someone with a child on their shoulders and the tired feet and backs of others will be greatly reduced or even eliminated with 20 rented sets of bleachers placed at specific places to ensure more comfort and enjoyment.

Popular events such as the Strongman Classic put on by Fitness Inc. and the Wiener Dog Races (pictured above) put on by The Paw Shop have special challenges because they’re held outdoors. Last year an estimated 800 people did their best to watch every exciting moment of the adorable, low-to-the-ground, furry sprinters in what has become a popular attraction on 10th Avenue South downtown Cranbrook.

This year no one should walk away because they can’t see.

The Strongman’s intense competitors also bring in hundreds of fans and needed additional seating to accommodate them over the 4.5-hour duration of the event.

“As part of our mission to address the challenges of growth, we’re very pleased to announce our successful collaboration with Manitoulin Transport, Rotary Club of Cranbrook Sunrise and Seating U, an Alberta company that seats the thousands of parade watchers for the Calgary Stampede Parade,” said Christy Wheeldon, Chair of the Sam Steele Society.

Manitoulin Transport Ltd. has agreed to ship the units both ways. Marc Poirier, General Manager, has been a strong supporter of Cranbrook’s largest festival, sponsoring the Sam Steele Market since 2014. “It’s a great community festival and we’re happy to help out by doing what we do best,” said Marc.

Trent Taylor, President of Sunrise Rotary, presented $500 to festival committee director Melanie McFarlane, to assist with the rental costs of the bleachers.

“The events are free to the public so rental fees are not covered by ticket charges,” explained organizer Maureen Frank. Seating U representative Martin Halladay, generously offered a reduced rate after learning that the events had no admission. The Sam Steele Society sources all required services and product locally as a priority before going elsewhere.

In addition, loyal volunteer Harry Porter has been fixing and building more picnic tables to seat folks at the central fairgrounds and sports tournaments. A ‘Picnic Table Painting Party’ has been organized by the festival committee for April 30.

Any volunteers who can help for a few hours are encouraged to call (250) 426-4161. Lunch, laughter and loads of fun are a given!

Sam Steele Society

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