聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 Residents of the Town of Sturgis and surrounding communities are excited to be able to rekindle the excitement of the utilizing of the racetrack at the Sturgis sportsground. The Eastern Chuckwagon and Chariot Association will be sponsoring a two-day race weekend, with a gymkhana and children's games, on September 3 and 4.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 "It has been 10 years since the grounds and race track were used last," said Eugene Boychuk. "It will be great to see the grounds used again.
鈥淭he very last Sturgis Sports and Rodeo was held in 2006,鈥� Boychuk said. 鈥淭he weekend was run by many dedicated volunteers but after years it was obvious that the volunteers burned out and the one day sports rodeo came to a halt. It was always a hope that one day it would be resurrected.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 This year was the beginning of hope for the grounds with the organization of the Sturgis Minor ball.
"It allowed children to play on ball diamonds that haven't been used for years,鈥� Boychuk said. 鈥淚t has been a great step for the community.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Sturgis Sports and Rodeo had a humble beginning in 1914 with ball games and children's events. In 1924, the Village of Sturgis wrote to Municipal Affairs to lease Section 29-34-4 for the purpose of a sports and picnic grounds. In 1937, a $25 grant from the village was received to build the first racetrack. Over the years it became increasingly popular with many fair goers attending the event throughout the years.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 "In the early 1990s we spent $50,000 to make improvements and to build a better track," said Boychuk. "The kitchen and beer gardens were redone in 2000. Shortly after, the sports day ended. The kitchen on the grounds has been used for family gatherings and reunions over the years.
鈥淎s a former committee member, I think it is a great idea bringing something back to the grounds,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to encourage the younger generation to step forward to volunteer and contribute to the community.鈥�
