The Williams Lake Trail Riders Association is breathing new life into its 48-year-old arena at the Stampede Grounds, one gallon of red paint at a time, thanks to the generosity of the community.
After the WLTRA heard complaints before Stampede about the graffiti on the roof being unsightly, Glenn and Kisa Painting stepped up and offered to donate time and equipment to paint the roof, said association member Debbie Fadenrecht.
“Then other people started asking how they could help,” she said. “My phone has been ringing off the hook with the gallon challenge. Most of our directors purchased a gallon too.”
Windsor Plywood agreed to collect funds on behalf of the campaign.
While a five-gallon pail of the paint is $150, any amount will help, Fadenrecht added.
The red paint being used is a self-priming urethane that can be repainted if necessary.
In the past, WLTRA paid to have graffiti chemically removed from the galvanized steel roof, but it was very expensive.
One side of the roof has been completed, while the painters wait for cooler temperatures to do the other side.
WLTRA also wants to see the lower sheds painted.
“Several businesses have donated, It’s been a huge community effort,” Fadenrecht added.