TANTALLON — Sharpe's Crop Services celebrated its 50th anniversary July 23, with a family-oriented event that brought together customers, staff and their families for an evening of food, entertainment and community fellowship.
The agricultural retailer hosted the event in Tantallon, welcoming growers and customers from across its service area, which includes branches in Stockholm, Moosomin, Langenburg and Angusville, Man.
Guests were treated to a supper, children's activities, live entertainment by Saskatchewan country artist Jess Moskaluke and a fireworks display to cap off the evening.
"We had great weather, great food, lots of people, great turnout and just a real good time all around," said Bruce Restau, branch manager of the company's Stockholm location.
Sharpe's Crop Services has been serving producers since 1975, providing crop inputs and services including seed, fertilizer, crop protection products and equipment rentals.
Corey Popowich said the company wanted to mark the milestone by recognizing the growers whose support helped build the business over the past five decades.
"We wanted to celebrate with the growers who helped us get here," Popowich said, adding the response from customers was overwhelmingly positive.
The company opted for a family-focused celebration rather than a traditional anniversary banquet.
"We were trying to think of something different," said Wendy Schatz, a longtime employee with more than 30 years at the company. "In the past we've had suppers and dances, but this year we wanted something more family-oriented."
The event featured inflatable bouncers and activities for children, helping create an atmosphere that welcomed multiple generations of farm families.
Schatz said the celebration reflected the close relationships the business has developed with its customers over the years.
"They become part of our family, and we become part of their families," she said. "To celebrate with them was a really nice way to celebrate a 50th."
Restau said the anniversary gathering was larger in scale than previous company celebrations and provided an opportunity to thank both customers and employees for their ongoing support.
"It's a great place to work," he said.
As it enters its next half-century, Sharpe's Crop Services continues to serve hundreds of producers across eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba through its network of retail locations.
