In June 2013, flooding ravaged Southern Alberta and communities came together to lend help and support for neighbours who were affected. In Bragg Creek, a fundraiser put together nearly a year later, demonstrated that community spirit still exists.
The PowderHorn Saloon in Bragg Creek held a fundraiser June 20 in honour of the one-year anniversary of the flood. The event included a barbecue, beer gardens, bands and a silent auction.
They ended up raising $7,500 for the Bragg Creek Chamber of Commerce – a group with over 220 members.
PowderHorn owner Rose Dallyn said the Chamber of Commerce would help small businesses, many of which were affected by the flooding, by advertising Bragg Creek through billboards and marketing.
According to the Bragg Creek town website, last year from June 19 to June 22 168mm of rain had fallen in the Bragg Creek area.
Rocky View County stated that the Elbow River swelled to more than 15 times its normal flow rate causing mandatory evacuations for much of Bragg Creek.
The PowderHorn was one of the businesses severely effected said Dallyn.
“It was completely destroyed and we were closed for months,” she said. “We had to rebuild every single thing and replace the equipment.”
Dallyn said they had lots of help and it brought the community together – much like the fundraising event.
Although she had no idea what to expect when they decided to have the event she said was very pleased with the way everything turned out – so much so they have decided to make it a yearly event.
“We were just discussing it recently that we should have it every year and maybe have things like a raft race and go for the whole water theme,” explained Dallyn.
Dallyn said next time they put it on they would want to make a whole weekend event out of it.
