Gordon Sproull is presented with his jacket recognizing him as this year's honourary chair. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Prince Albert Winter Festival

Winter festival names honourary chair

Dec 19, 2019 | 3:21 PM

The honourary chair for the Prince Albert Winter Festival is a familiar voice for festival goers.

Gordon ‘Gordie’ Sproull, who served as the announcer for the festival’s sled dog races in decades past was bestowed the honourary position Thursday morning at the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse.

Sproull said he appreciated being recognized by the festival after announcing the dog races for so long.

“Well I’ll tell you, it’s a great honour I wasn’t expecting,” he said.

Sproull said the success of the winter festival can be traced back to all the people who volunteered to help put on the events. He added the people who step up are not looking for recognition or money and are crucial in helping to keep it going. The longtime announcer explained he was always happy to help out with local events.

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“Anything to do with P.A. here I always volunteered my work and I think everybody appreciated [it], I see the winter festival sure has, so I thank them on my behalf,” he said.

After being announced as the honourary chair, Sproull took time to mention people who had helped out with the festival alongside him over the years. He made sure to acknowledge the current organizing committee, including this year’s festival President Bev Erickson.

“Bev god bless you, you’ve got a job to do, I’ll tell you that,” he said.

Part of being the honourary chair will see Sproull recognized at the annual Tux and Tooks Gala at the Prince Albert Wildlife Federation in January. Sproull said it is an honour to be recognized at such an event.

Along with being the honoured guest for the gala, Sproull will be taken to the event in a limo, which is something the self-described humble cowboy is not used to.

“I’ve never ridden in a limousine, so we’ll try her out,” he laughed.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn