by Cameron Domes
Ladies Night at the Ohaton Community Hall has blossomed into a cherished tradition ofr the little hamlet, selling out every year and raising vital funds for the hall and the wider community. For over 14 incredible years, community builder Donna Robitaille has been at the heart of this event.
Originally organized by the dedicated ladies of the United Church (amazing ladies such as Vivian McCarthy, pictured below and still going strong at 90 years old) and later passed down to their daughters, the evening has evolved into a cornerstone of Ohaton and the hamlet’s vibrant community. It’s more than just a fundraiser – it’s a celebration of community spirit, unity, and fun.
Funding the Heart of Ohaton
At its core, the Ohaton Ladies Night is all about community building. The primary purpose of this magical evening is to raise funds for the upkeep of the community hall – the beating heart of Ohaton. Without events like this, the hall would struggle to stay open, especially during those harsh Alberta winters when rental income dips but maintenance costs soar.
Last year alone, this amazing event raised an astounding $25,000! The night is so wildly and consistently successful that the funds not only support the hall, but also other cherished parts of the community like the skating rink, playground, and baseball diamond.
The Beating Heart of a Small Community.
In a small community like Ohaton, with a population just over 100, the Community Hall is more than just a venue – it’s the soul of the town. It brings people together for events and celebrations, and even on quiet days, it stands as a proud reminder of the close-knit community that surrounds it. Donna, who has been a passionate community builder involved with the hall for nearly 30 years, shared how the hall creates a profound sense of belonging. Family Day, for instance, saw almost 100 attendees – a remarkable turnout that speaks volumes about the unity of the small town.
Bringing Communities Together Through the Ohaton Ladies Night
The Ohaton Ladies Night has blossomed into more than just an event – it’s its own dynamic community within a community. This enchanting evening is multi-generational, drawing women of all ages, including some of the original church ladies, to enjoy laughter, music, and a spirited silent auction. Regular attendees eager reserve their specific tables, and there’s a warm sense of familiarity – everyone knows everyone.
The playful connection between the Ohaton Ladies Night and the nearby Round Hill Ladies Night Out adds an extra layer of fun, with items from one event’s auction mysteriously appearing at the other. It’s a delightful reminder of the strong bonds shared among Alberta’s rural communities.
Helping One Another – The True Spirit of Ohaton
For Donna, being a community builder means being there for one another without expectation or hesitation. It’s the unspoken support that neighbours provide – like the time locals rallied to help a sick farmer complete his harvest. No one asked them to, and no one expected anything in return – they just did it.
This deep sense of camaraderie and compassion is what makes the Ohaton Ladies Night such a phenomenal success. While raising funds is crucial, especially in the challenging years since COVID, the heart of the night lies in coming together, strengthening bonds, and simply having a wonderful time.
Overcoming Hurdles Together
The pandemic threw a wrench into local events, making it harder to gather and plan – but this didn’t stop the resilient members of this strong community. They adapted and found innovative ways to stay connected. They hosted a skating party where, despite the warm weather and lack of ice, kids still showed up to play ball hockey. It’s this kind of creativity and the unwavering spirt of Alberta communities that keeps Ohaton’s heart beating strong.
A Rare Treat at the Ohaton Ladies Night
Entertainment has evolved over the years, becoming more expensive, but the dedicated organizers of the Ohaton Ladies Night always rise to the occasion, keeping things lively with crowd-pleasers like last year’s sensational duelling pianos. While the challenge of topping the previous year’s entertainment is always on their minds, the real allure of the Ohaton Ladies Night is the electrifying atmosphere- the chance to let loose, and to be pampered by the men of the community while enjoying a rare, unforgettable night out.
Newcomers Welcome with Open Arms
After this year’s Ohaton Ladies Night, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shannon Stolee, a first-time attendee. The very first thing she said was how incredibly fun the night was and how unique the crowd felt. She hadn’t seen such a large gathering of women of all different ages in a long time – it was a true snapshot of the spirited community!
The entertainment was delightful, but with 300 women chatting and catching up, it really wasn’t the main focus. People were there to connect and reconnect, to visit with friends they hadn’t seen in ages. The food, the drinks, and the prizes were all amazing, but what stood out to Shannon were the auction items – so different from what you might see at other community events because they highlighted offerings from local, rural businesses.
The servers for the evening – the husbands of committee members and guys from the community – were good sports, generously putting up with a lot of shenanigans. Shannon reiterated how unique the night was, emphasizing how rare it is to see small, rural communities come together on such a grand scale. It was heartwarming to see so many people form various communities unite in support.
The Highlight of the Year: The Ohaton Ladies Night Continues to Shine
As Ohaton looks to the future, the need for community-driven events like the Ohaton Ladies Night remains stronger than ever! Whether it’s to support the hall, enhance the playground, or simply to stay connected, this cherished event will continue to be the highlight of the community – a beacon that brings people together for a great cause and greater memories.
