A dream come true
Livestock shelter opens at Berwick’s Kings Mutual Century Centre
Thanks to a community effort, there is now a livestock shelter behind the Kings Mutual Century Centre (KMCC) in Berwick for 4-H and other organizations holding shows and events at the facility.
Fundraising committee member Ann Palmeter said support from a number of organizations, businesses and individuals helped make the project a reality and she credits the determination of facility manager Bob Best for bringing it to fruition.
“This is just a dream that he and I have had for over two years,” Palmeter said.
There’s an outdoor ring at the centre 4-H has been using for Achievement Days in August for the past few years.
Palmeter’s own kids went through the 4-H program and her daughter is a leader in the Horton 4-H Club. When she went to watch Achievement Days, Palmeter noticed the kids and animals were fully exposed to the elements. It was hot and there was no shade, she says, and realized if it were pouring rain, the children and animals would be soaked. The kids were using tarps for makeshift shelters and there was only one hose running from the rink for water. Palmeter thought this was “ridiculous” and decided something had to be done about it.
Palmeter was treasurer of a now- defunct organization called the Kings County Farm and Rural Women’s Committee. The last executive of the organization had some remaining funds and was looking for a project to support to close out the account.
“I told the girls, ‘I think I know where to put the money’,” Palmeter said.
She contacted Best, who got on board. A fundraising committee was formed and two prime rib dinners and auctions were held.
Although it’s still a work in progress, Palmeter is pleased a livestock shelter is in place at the Apple Dome.
Including the ring, roof, water and electrical hook-ups, Best said about $60,000 has been invested in the livestock shelter to date. He said it’s “a good investment for kids.”
The new infrastructure means that the KMCC is now better outfitted to host cattle, sheep or dog shows, Best added. With the power hooked up Aug. 4, electric fans can be used to help keep animals cool in the summer heat. It’s hoped a wash rack will soon be installed.
Looking to the future, Best said it might someday be possible to move Berwick Gala Days to the KMCC grounds. The grounds could also someday serve as a venue for a Kings County agricultural exhibition, a long-time dream of Best’s.