Despite the wintery weather, Rider fans flocked to Abbey on Saturday night to attend a special evening with former Saskatchewan Roughrider Chris Getzlaf

Jonathan Coburn, Chair of the Board for the Sportsmans Banquet provides some details on the event. 

"It's an annual banquet we've been having for about 24 years now. It's a fundraiser for our arena in town."

Coburn adds that the money raised covers the annual operating costs and the cost of any maintenance issues that may arise throughout the year at the arena. 

This year's event was a great success with roughly 125 people in attendance and close to $45,000 raised through the evening which included both live and silent auctions, games, raffles, and a prime rib supper. 

Coburn reflects on the excitement of having Getzlaf attend this year. 

"It's always special when you get to have a celebrity like that in town, especially an ex-Rider. Abbey is right in the heart of Rider country. Everybody seemed to enjoy him."

The event was a great success with roughly 125 people in attendance and close to $45,000 raised throughout the evening which included both live and silent auctions, games, raffles, and a prime rib supper. The meal was cooked by both volunteers from Abbey as well as a travel club out of Cabri. 

In addition, Coburn says that the event would not have been possible without all of the generous sponsors, volunteers, and of course Getzlaf himself.