Avonlea

The “Road to Avonlea” is Saskatchewan’s Road to Riderville. This village, situated 45 minutes southwest of Regina, with a population of 450, is the ideal location. This is where Rider fans from across the nation will come together to celebrate what it means to be a Rider fan:  heart, passion, pride and camaraderie. This progressive community has the spirit and initiative to make it happen. Only a village has the capacity to transform itself into a new entity; Riderville in Avonlea will definitely be something to experience!

Avonlea’s current Rider Pride has both depth and breadth.  From the highway sign east of town, in the shape of a goal post that reads: “Future Riderville 34 km”, to Gainer sitting in the park waving his 100 Years flag in greeting, Avonlea feels like Riderville already. The trip down Rider memory lane begins on Main Street, where the light poles are each adorned with hand-crafted, historically accurate wooden jerseys. Below each is a large banner labelling the corresponding decade, and on the 1960’s, 1980’s, and 2000’s poles, a Grey Cup indicating the year of victory. The Green ¼ Mile, Main Street’s new name, intersects Jurasin, Durant, Getzlaf and Austin Avenues, and there is a green and white fire hydrant on each corner. On May 9th, volunteers painted a regulation length football field on the business sector of Main Street, complete with numbered yard lines, hash marks and Rider logos. It is Taylor Field in Avonlea when the Green Machine, the retro-logoed green street sweeper, comes out to clean the field!

Avonlea’s Green and White transformation was stimulated by three decorating contests for the greatest display of Ridermania: best business and residence in the village and best campsite at Dunnet Park. In spite of horrific weather conditions, Avonlea fans showed their true Rider spirit and persevered in painting windows, buildings, lawns and signs, and planting foliage to reflect their pride. Notably, two families even painted their houses green! A vacant building on the Green ¼ Mile has become The Riderville Store, and dons an impressive window display of current and historical Rider paraphernalia. Riderville merchandise will be available for sale should Avonlea be successful!
Rider Pride has lived in Avonlea for decades. Resident Jim Clarke, a 53-year season ticket holder, was a Rider Representative for 20 years. Ninety-year-old Dorothy Dunn is creating a plaque honouring the four players who lost their lives in the plane crash of 1956.  In the 1951 Grey Cup parade, 15 000 mini-loaves of bread were tossed to onlookers to celebrate Saskatchewan as the breadbasket of the world; these loaves will be replicated and marketed once Avonlea is named top five. Number 89’s Grandma Getzlaf is a lifetime resident of Avonlea, and was able to provide President Hopson with a loaf of homemade bread on his May 31st visit! He was also able to hear the impressive song written and recorded by two Avonlea youth to celebrate the Riders’ 100 Years!
This solid foundation has paved the way for the rampant pride in Avonlea. If stadium size were based on the number of season ticket holders in Avonlea, per capita, 90,000 seats would be needed! Following the 2007 Grey Cup, an Avonlea dance teacher choreographed a 50-member, 12-minute production. The school has hosted Rider Pride days for years, using Rider players to reinforce literacy, respect, anti-bullying and fitness. The bar has facilitated numerous game-day functions; the park has brought in big-screens for games during slow-pitch tournaments. Town Council immediately gave the Riderville proposal its stamp of approval and initial financial support. All businesses, the school, Regional Park, Lion’s Club and Rink Committee jumped on board.

Avonlea has shown its pride planning many events on the Road to Riderville. On May 21st, the school hosted Riderville Day and held a mock Riders vs. Stampeders game. The women’s ball team held a Rider-themed steak supper on June 4th, and the Credit Union is having a Tailgate Party on June 18th to raise money for the school’s sports board. Avonlea’s grandest affair will be held July 30th – August 1st, The Melon-head Mania slow-pitch tournament at Dunnet Park. Teams will present their best Rider theme on the ball diamond and dress fanatically when attending cabaret functions. Competitions will run throughout to entertain and engage fans of all ages, and special guests will be on hand. Sponsors include Pilsner, the Coop, Credit Union, Scotiabank, and the list is growing. Proceeds will support minor hockey in Avonlea.

Winning “Where is Riderville” would benefit many. Currently, Avonlea youth wishing to play football travel to play with Peacock Collegiate in Moose Jaw. The $25000 would enable Avonlea to start a program for its students and youth from the surrounding area. The coach is in place and the location for the field at the school suitable. The prize money would support field transformation, bleacher construction and the purchase of equipment. Current SHSAA structure suggests Avonlea would compete against Ituna, Raymore, Kelliher, Lemberg, and Southey at the 1A six-man conference level. Remaining funds would support Avonlea’s minor sports and school teams.

The implications of winning reach far beyond the financial reward. Avonlea as Riderville would profoundly benefit the community, related sponsors, and Rider Nation. One vision includes coining Avonlea’s Riderville “Yourhome when they’re away!” Shuttles, provided by Engelheim, would depart Regina to take 250 fans on a unique experience to Riderville for selected away games.  Guests would observe Rider landmarks strategically placed along the route, and tour Riderville upon arrival. They would see Grandma Getzlaf’s house, sample her bread, be clothed in Riderville paraphernalia and enter numerous “fanatical” competitions. This pre-game ritual would be followed by the game on big-screen, complete with food and beverage services. The first of these could be the Banjo Bowl on September 12th, one week after being named Riderville. A street dance on Main Street’s football field would follow this game, and fans from across the province would be invited to join Avonlea in celebration. The Road to Riderville is paved with great intentions!