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By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Mark your calendars for July 18 and 19, as the 15th Annual Quonset Days takes centre stage! This year, the community event aims to hit a new milestone—raising $1 million for the ALS Society of Alberta. Having already donated $750,000 to date, Quonset Days is well on its way to reach this goal – and you can help.
Every successful endeavor has a story, and Quonset Days is no exception. The event was created in memory of Peter Biemans, who lost his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in August 2009. ALS is a condition that slowly takes away a person’s ability to move, trapping them inside a body they can no longer control, even while their mind and senses remain alert.
Watching Peter’s journey—from an active, outgoing person to someone dependent on others—was deeply painful for his family and friends. Motivated to honour Peter’s legacy and help others affected by ALS, the Biemans family first participated in a local ALS Walk. When that event was discontinued in 2010, they decided to create their own—thus, Quonset Days was born. In just over a month, they organized the first event and raised more than $7,500 for the ALS Society of Alberta.
Since then, Quonset Days has grown beyond anyone’s expectations. In 2016, as the event kept expanding, a dedicated board of directors was formed with friends and supporters pitching in to carry the vision forward.
Quonset Days now offers much more than live music; it features a silent auction, a live auction, high-energy games, camping, beer gardens, and more—held right on the family’s farm, making it truly the “Greatest Outdoor Party on Dirt.”
For its 15th year, the organizers have gone above and beyond. According to Trevor, “New for this year, we have changed up the schedule to accommodate the record number of bands we will be showcasing.”
The tractor races, a fan favourite, have moved from their usual Saturday slot to Friday. But Saturday fills this gap with an exciting new event, Pass the Guitar. “This event showcases four local artists singing covers and presenting original music. It’s just one more way to embrace the great local talent we have around here,” Trevor adds.
The entire weekend offers a little bit of something for everyone. Whether you’re into live music, friendly competition, or simply want to soak up the festival atmosphere, there’s no shortage of ways to join the fun. Camping is also available, giving attendees a full weekend to immerse themselves in the experience. And if you’re not camping? Take advantage of the free shuttles running every 40 minutes from Medicine Hat. Safe and convenient, they make it easier than ever to attend.
What makes Quonset Days stand out is its seamless blend of entertainment and philanthropy. By simply showing up, you’re contributing to a good cause.
“There are so many avenues that help the cause; you are contributing when you camp, buy a cold drink, pay admission—all you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself,” shares Trevor.
He adds, “We cannot do this without our sponsors and patrons who help us year over year. We cannot thank you enough.”
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of it all. Grab your tickets today and learn more at https://quonsetdays.com.
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