Bezanson Agricultural Society

Mission Statement: To promote ownership in our community by encouraging community spirit and providing community activities.

Vision Statement: To will cultivate community spirit and well-being by providing facilities and recreational, educational, and community events within our rural area.

Incorporated in 1981, the Bezanson Agricultural Society’s purpose is to enhance the community. The Society’s facilities have been the centre of activities in Bezanson and surrounding area, which includes County of Grande Prairie No. 1, City of Grande Prairie, M.D. of Greenview, Wembley, and Sexsmith. In 2018 the existing hall was revitalized into a multi-use community centre now known as the Bezanson Community Centre. Bezanson Agricultural Society (BAS) Executive Director Audrey Hewings says the recent renovation, “includes an expanded/upgraded banquet space; gymnasium for sports, fitness and wellness activities; also, recreational, agricultural & education opportunities. This gym is a regulation size basketball court and can accommodate two volleyball courts or 3 badminton courts.” She adds, “The addition of a second commercial kitchen has enabled the centre to host and cater numerous functions & events. The Centre accommodates all local and the surrounding area groups hosting events, developing projects and providing essential community initiatives, the centre has the Knelsen Centre and Memorial Hall available for rental.”

The Ag. Society also operates and maintains the curling rink, ball diamonds, outdoor horse arena, and heritage of Bezanson and the Old Bezanson Townsite. The Community Centre is used for weddings, funerals, meetings, fundraisers, fitness programs, recreational and educational programs and the Ag Society hosts an annual ball tournament, horse events, children/youth soccer & softball programs, a variety of camps, Farm Safety, family activities, dances, the Bezanson Market, craft sales, and cross-country running, 4H, Parents & Tots and the Bezanson Recreational Society are housed in the Centre, which is also utilized by the local school for programs and initiatives. The centre encourages social and family interaction has weekly programs available for all ages, from toddlers to seniors.  

The Bezanson Community is a vibrant strong community due to its strong volunteerism. Without the volume of volunteers within the Ag Society and the community, the number of quality programs, activities and facility maintenance could not be achieved. BAS also works closely with other organizations within the community sharing ideas, volunteers and partnering together for the success of this community. Audrey says “A call out for volunteers for the many opportunities goes out through social media.  Many of the programs being offered are a result of volunteers approaching the Ag Society and offering their services.  Once a year, BAS along with its many partners, hosts a community information night that promotes opportunities within the community and area and volunteers have the chance to sign up in their areas of passion.”

Please note that due to COVID-19 ALL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS taking place at the Bezanson Community Centre have been suspended until further notice. This includes all Drop-In Programs, the Bezanson Market, all children’s and seniors’ programs, our Denim & Diamond fundraiser, our fitness classes and all rentals.

For more information on the Bezanson Agricultural Society call 780-538-3544 or email admin@bezansonagsociety.ca. You can also visit them online at discoverbezanson.ca and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/bezansonagsociety. The GPVSB would like to thank the Bezanson Agricultural Society and Executive Director Audrey Hewings for being part of our Member Spotlight.