They came back to reconnect with friends, visit family and have fun during Elkhorn Homecoming and Western Weekend. Now, a permanent memento of their accomplishments will be displayed at the eastern entrance to the village on the Trans-Canada Highway.
On Aug. 6, in front of a capacity crowd on hand for the chuckwagon and chariot races, commemorative signs identifying Elkhorn as the home of Kendra Kay and Travis Sanheim were unveiled during a brief ceremony at the Elkhorn fairgrounds.
“It’s our honour and our privilege to put two new signs at our eastern gate…one for Kendra and one for Travis…for all the amazing things these two kids have done so far in their lives, and we know that there’s lots of things coming yet,” said emcee Kevin Tutthill. “On behalf of the community, Kendra, we want to say congratulations for everything you’ve done so far.”
Kay, daughter of long-time residents Sandra and Ken Kvemshagen, first sang at the annual Western Weekend as a youngster in 2005 and now enjoys a full-time career as a country recording artist. She released her full-length debut album, Homegrown Heart, in January and performed the title song to an appreciative audience at the homecoming opening ceremonies. The photo from the album cover adorns the sign.
At times emotional, Kay expressed her gratitude for the honour bestowed upon her by her home community.
“It takes a lot for me to be speechless,” she said. “Mom called me about a week ago to tell me that this was happening and I didn’t know what to say. I’m so proud to be from Elkhorn. Everywhere I’ve gone…every time I walk on stage this town name comes up, and one thing that I’m so proud of is the sense of community that Elkhorn has. I know, and I can speak for Travis, too, that we wouldn’t have the guts to chase the dream that we have without the support of this town. So, thank you guys so much for standing behind the kids that have big dreams and letting them chase them. I hope that the kids in school drive into town and see this and know that things are possible and they are willing to chase their dreams too. So thank you so much to the town for this. It means so much to me.”
Garth Mitchell was Sanheim’s AAA Midget hockey coach. He spoke of the importance of acknowledging individuals who have grown up in the small town, graduated from high school and gone on to pursue their passion with proficiency.
“When our citizens like this do well, it’s really important for communities to acknowledge it,” he said. “I think that’s something we really need to take pride in…the fact that we’re really proud to have these young individuals out in the world and representing our community.”
Mitchell recalled the countless hours Sanheim spent in the Elkhorn minor hockey program and at the rink playing shinny and honing his skills – tenacity that has now paid dividends.
“It’s the hard work and dedication that Travis has put in that’s got him to where he is today, and a very promising NHL career is, I think, just getting started here,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to tracking and following you going forward, Trav. Congratulations.”
Like Kay, Sanheim had kind words for the recognition and encouragement from the community which helped propel him to his current stature. He spoke of the influence of a mentor, Sheldon Kennedy, who also grew up in Elkhorn and now has a congratulatory sign which bears his name at the western entrance to the village.
“I’m extremely honoured and thankful about this gesture,” he said. “I’m appreciative of all the time and effort that went into these signs. I know growing up how much I looked up to Sheldon and was motivated by seeing his sign on the highway every time I came to town. I truly hope that the next generation of kids today and in the future can now look at my sign and see the same thing. I’m so proud to call Elkhorn home. The continued support throughout my career has been amazing.
“My dream as a young boy growing up was to play in the NHL, and now that I have accomplished that my next and current goal is to win a Stanley Cup so that I can bring it back home to Elkhorn and celebrate with all the people that got me there. What a helluva party that would be.”
