Community honours the ‘Best of Butte’ at annual awards ceremony

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

The 2026 Best of Butte Awards is celebrating 100 years of Picture Butte, when they recognize the community difference makers at the annual awards ceremony this Friday.  

The Town of Picture Butte is partnering with the Picture Butte and District Chamber of Commerce to co-host the 2026 Best of Butte Awards, as they come together to celebrate their past, recognize the present, and look toward the future. 

The Best of Butte Awards — Centennial Celebration, takes place Friday, Oct. 23, at the Picture Butte Community Centre. The event includes cocktails, a supper and award presentations.   

The annual awards recognizes the people, businesses, organizations, and community members who help make the Town of Picture Butte what it is.  

Residents have nominated who they think deserves to be recognized for making the Picture Butte community a better place. 

One of those individuals being recognized is Sarah Van Gunst – Picture Butte’s 2026 Citizen of the Year.   

“The Picture Butte and District Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Sarah Van Gunst as Picture Butte’s 2026 Citizen of the Year,” said Belle Valle, executive director for the Picture Butte and District Chamber of Commerce. “The Citizen of the Year award recognizes the people whose dedication and generosity make our community stronger. Recognition is important – it allows us to thank those who give their time and talents, celebrate the difference they make, and inspire others to get involved.”

Van Gunst was raised in Picture Butte and joined the Picture Butte Volunteer Fire Department in 2009. Since then, she has devoted years to emergency services, earning her emergency medical responder and technician credentials and has served with the ambulance service. She also served as Captain of the Barons Fire Department and shares lifesaving skills as a First Aid and Basic Life Support instructor.

Valle noted how Van Gunst’s community service extends beyond emergency response.  

“She has supported cancer programs through the Firefighter Stair Climb Challenge, helped bring the Terry Fox Run back to Picture Butte, contributed to fundraising for a new daycare, and volunteers with the Dorothy Dalgliesh Parent Council,” said Valle. 

Picture Butte Mayor Cathy Moore will share a few words at the Best of Butte Awards on Friday and spoke about the community impact Van Gunst has had in Picture Butte. 

“Sarah embodies the very best of Picture Butte. Her compassion, leadership, generosity, and dedication have touched countless lives, both within our community and beyond,” said Moore. “Through her service, she reminds us that strong communities are built by people who care enough to get involved and who are willing to give of themselves to help others.”  

While Van Gunst was surprised to be chosen as Citizen of the Year, she said being  recognized for her volunteer work and contributions to the community was a “huge honour.” 

Van Gunst credits the community support behind her for her many accomplishments.    

“I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people and organizations in this town that foster growth and community service. It is 100 per cent because of the people around me and in these amazing organizations,” said Van Gunst. “I am one piece of the puzzle and I’m very thankful to have the opportunity today to be one of the corner pieces. I look forward to others coming up and getting their time to be a corner piece – that’s how a community works,” she added. “We all work together.” 

In addition to the Citizen of the Year, winners in other categories presented at the  awards ceremony include, Best New Business, Newcomer Award, Best Customer Service, Best Retail and Consumer Goods, Best Nonprofit Organization, Best Food Service, Best Farm and Agricultural Service, and Best Overall Business. 

“This year, we are also pleased to introduce the Newcomer Award, recognizing someone who brings different yet valuable qualities and contributions to Picture Butte,” said Valle. “We are thrilled to celebrate the people and businesses that make Picture Butte such a great place to live.”