On a warm and clear March 21st evening that bore all the signs of spring, farmers and families gathered for the third annual Farmers Appreciation Night. The evening hosted by 107.5 Bolt FM saw farmers and farm supporting sponsors gather for an evening of food and festivities at Jubilee Hall.

They came from all corners of the service area. They gathered from Lake Lenore and Annaheim, Fulda and Carmel, St. Gregor and Cudworth. One farmer and daughter heeded the call from event sponsor Hergott Farm Equipment and travelled to the event, for the first time from Archerwill.

It was as if the warm temperatures and the sudden burst of spring had everyone blowing the winter dust off as families gathered together. Strangers met at tables as a community and unloaded the winter blues. The conversations varied, some talking about trips to the Brier to watch St. Gregor’s Saskatchewan reps. Some debriefed on the end of the local hockey seasons. Others talked about beach experiences while planning for upcoming seeding.

One Bruno farmer confessed that he was winding down his farming career, wrapping up his operation by marketing the last of the fall’s crop and renting the land. He said, “It feels good” with an air of satisfaction in having lived as a farmer and continuing to live on the home quarter. There was a wistfulness in the voice when he said this might be his last Farmer Appreciation Night. But once a farmer always a farmer.

The assembly enjoyed the game show atmosphere as prizes donated by major sponsors Hergott Farm Equipment, Humboldt Co-op, Diamonds of Detroit, and Tremblay Electric circulated through the crowd. The Saskatoon-based duo, Kruller, performed a mix of country-pop standards and blues riffs.

Following the catered meal and a touching video tribute to the farming life, the crowd celebrated the winners of the major draws of the evening. Eunice Puetz won a Broncos logo watch from Diamonds of Detroit. Denise Howat made plans for her Case IH themed mini-fridge, donated by Hergott Farm Equipment. Finally, Erin Pomedli picked up tickets to Carrie Underwood’s May concert in Saskatoon along with a Quality Inn hotel stay.

The crowd lingered and visited with the Bolt staff and sponsors, but mostly with each other. Here’s wishing farmers everywhere a successful and safe farming season.