By Sheri Monk

Wayne Elhard was the centre of attention at an appreciation evening in his honour Nov. 21. Organized by Leader businessman Watson Shircliff, the informal event was fittingly called Beans and Jeans. Bill Boyd, Minister of Energy and Mines, was also in attendance.
Shircliff says the event served to thank Elhard for helping to ensure Highway No. 32 was rebuilt as well as for his work in making Great Sandhills Railway a reality.
Elhard was presented with a painting by local artist Dean Francis before addressing the crowd. He said he was at first embarrassed by the idea of such attention, but wanted to show his appreciation for constituents.
“This is Wayne Elhard’s appreciation night for you, because you represent the core of support that I have personally enjoyed for these last 10.5 years as your elected member. If it wasn’t for individuals just like yourself representing community after community in the constituency of Cypress Hills, I personally would never have enjoyed the opportunity to represent you in the legislature. And so I want to say thank you for being here tonight,” Elhard said.
After his address, Leader business owner Gord Stueck presented the MLA with a few comical gifts including a T-shirt with the words, ‘I saved Highway 32’ printed on the front and a matching pair of boxers.
Shircliff estimates there were approximately 150 people in attedance. Communities represented included Shaunavon, Eastend, Maple Creek, Hazlet, Cabri, Abbey, Lancer, Lemsford, Sceptre, Prelate, Leader, Mendham, Liebenthal, Mantario, Eatonia and Eston.
Shircliff says he is pleased with the turn-out for Elhard.
“A big thank you to everyone showing up,” said Shircliff, who added his wife Evelyn, Ray and Sandra Hawkins and Tim Geiger helped organize the evening.

More pictures from the evening: