In Studio with Clayton Bellamy: Why This Year’s Gala & Golf is More Than Just a Party

Here’s the thing: it’s easy to throw an event. It’s a lot harder to build something that lasts.

That’s what the Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts Gala & Golf is doing — building something real. Not just a fancy night out or a day on the course (though those are worth showing up for too), but a long-term investment in what makes our community stronger: art, music, youth, connection, and a theatre that belongs to everyone in the Lakeland.

I sat down with Clayton Bellamy in the Lakeland Connect studio to talk about why this event matters. Here’s what he told me:

“This beautiful theatre that we’ve just built — it also goes to helping with all of our community outreach, arts programming for our kids, and of course, our bursary to send kids to secondary education in the arts.”

The Gala — August 29 at the C2

Let’s start with the show: this year’s gala is packed with legendary Canadian talent. Patricia Conroy, Duane Steele, El Nevin (from that wild CCR tribute concert), and Brad Mates of Emerson Drive are all performing. It’s hosted by none other than Danny Hooper.

“It’s an incredible lineup of musicians,” Clayton said. “We pride ourselves on this being the one-of-a-kind, exclusive, best event in the Lakeland every year.”

In true Bellamy fashion, there’s also a celebrity auction. Attendees can bid for the chance to golf with one of the stars the next day.

“If you want to golf with Brad Mates from Emerson Drive and ask him all about what it’s like to be in a Grammy-nominated country music band, you can do that.”

The gala also features a high-end live auction with prizes like:
▪️ A Ferrari race experience in Calgary
▪️ A cruise with Oilers alumni through Mexico
▪️ A trip to Hondo Fest in Phoenix with private villa accommodations
▪️ E-bikes, and more

And yes, there are aerial bartenders — think Cirque du Soleil, but with cocktail service.

“They come down from the ceiling and pour drinks. It’s going to be cool.”

The Golf — August 30 at Bonnyville Golf & Country Club

The next day, the party moves to the course. The million-dollar hole-in-one challenge is back thanks to Northern Truck and NAPA Bonnyville. And it’s not just for show.

“It’s a doable hole. Last year, Theo Fleury got this close — it was only like the length of this table.”

That shot happens on Hole 19, and 20 names are drawn to try their luck at the end of the tournament. Vehicles, prizes, and sponsor activations are spread across nearly every hole.

“All of our local car dealers — 54 North, Ducharme, Bonnyville Chrysler — they’ve all taken part in offering up vehicles for a hole-in-one.”

But Here’s Why It Matters

The theatre is open. The shows are rolling. The lights are on.

But that doesn’t mean the work is done.

“Yes, the theatre is open, but it is far from paid for,” Clayton said. “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we have to continue this fundraising… We want it accessible to our community groups, and to our other non-profits here in the Lakeland.”

Keeping the theatre open means keeping it affordable. It means hiring staff to run it. And it means continuing to provide bursaries, children’s programming, and professional shows for the entire region to enjoy.

“As much as I love it, I can’t run it too,” he laughed. “We need professionals to help us make sure this dream actually lives.”

A True Family Effort

You don’t have to look far to see who’s behind the scenes. Clayton’s family is everywhere — from the boardroom to the ticket booth.

“My mom, my aunt, my kids — they’re all helping. Being of service is probably the best gift that we can give as human beings. Whatever it is. When you give, you get back so much more.”

“Go volunteer. Go make soup at a soup kitchen. Go shovel your neighbour’s walk. Or come and volunteer at the theatre — we always need people to help. And we guarantee a good time.”

How You Can Get Involved

🎟️ Gala tickets: $130 (includes dinner & drink service)
🪑 Full tables & golf teams: Still available
📍 Buy in person: Tellier downtown Bonnyville
🖱️ Buy online: https://claytonbellamyfoundation.org

Or join the team — volunteers are always welcome (and yes, you get to catch the show while you’re at it).

Dress up and show up

I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it: this region knows how to show up. Not just for a good time, but for something that matters.

If we want to keep the doors open on this beautiful theatre — and the doors open on possibility for kids, artists, and community groups — this is how we do it.

“This isn’t just about raising money,” Clayton said. “It’s about building something in our community that matters.”

Let’s raise the roof. Let’s raise the bar. Let’s raise the future — together.

See you at the gala.