2022 GERRY HOLMES AWARD RECIPIENT – Kristine Dryden

Every year the Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze presents a buckle to a dedicated chairperson in honour of the late Gerry Holmes. Gerry Homes was a very long-standing board member that played an integral role in the success of our event for many years.

This year’s recipient of the Gerry Holmes Memorial Buckle is none other than Kristine Dryden. Kris has also been an integral part of the organizing committee of Virden Indoor Rodeo for several years. In 1996 she joined as a volunteer and has since been a part of this weekend. That’s 24 rodeos!

Kris initially got involved with the weekend due to the fact that her now husband Steve Dryden plays such a huge role in the rodeo weekend. She felt it was a great opportunity for the 2 of them to work together and be involved in a community event that the entire town is proud of.

In the early days Kris could be found assisting the – then VIP chairperson Brian Johnson. She was a part of everything from preparing and serving the meal to ensuring all the VIP’s enjoyed their experience. In 2007 Kris took the reins on the VIP supper and stood as the VIP chairperson until 2019! In her tenure of this position, she was able to grow the event to new heights.

Kris played a vital part in many of the aspects that we have come to enjoy and look forward to at the VIP experience. Changes like moving from an outdoor tent to a climate-controlled hall where we can seat 500 guests. As well as serving prime rib supper that we all look forward to.

Over the years Kris has enjoyed the opportunity to work with so many great people. She is quick to share credit for the success of the VIP supper with several

volunteers, such as: Scott Biccum, Jason Lewis, Clint Smith, Deb King and her entire crew as well as her successors Joe & Gita King.

As Kris and Steve’s family got older, they were quick to involve their children, Carson and Roxy always giving a helping hand throughout the weekend wherever needed. Which is a great opportunity for them to work together and ensure the success of this weekend for many years to come.

From all of us on the Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze, Thank You Kris for your years of dedication and hard work. Its our honour to present you with this beautiful Troy Ficher Buckle in honour of Gerry Holmes.

Congratulations