Evansburg, Alberta. Never heard of it? Well, that’s about to change because this little prairie Hamlet might have one of the most unique traditions in the entire province.
So, what makes this place so original? Well, every year since 1979, Evansburg has actually elected a resident grouch, giving one lucky person an entire year of licensed grumbling, pestering and antagonizing others.
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@curiocitycanada Imagine getting nominated for this 🤣🇨🇦 @krumpklin #curiocitycanada #funnycanada #funnycanadian #residentgrouch #evansburgalberta #alberta #onlyinalberta #onlyincanada #bizarre #funnynews #canadiancheck #canadianthings #canadanews #canadafacts #tiktokcanada #foryou #fyp#greenscreen ♬ Funny lazy donkey (hilarious song)(937200) – LEOPARD
According to the town’s website, this wonderfully pessimistic tradition was born after local artist, John Lauer, was commissioned to create the town’s welcome sign.
Lauer completed the project, but not before adding a single line that would one day become a legitimate council position complete with responsibilities and privileges. “603 people, 29 dogs, 41 cats, and one grouch,” it originally read.
“I thought we should admit to having 1 Grouch. Hopefully any visitor to our village, upon encountering any local who was being less than congenial, would be more easily able to forgive such behaviour … assuming this person to be our one admitted Grouch,” Lauer explained.
“Since the conception of our sign, Evansburg has promoted our Village and our Grouch. Each summer we have an election to nominate a new citizen as Grouch for the upcoming year.”
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And so it continues!
This election is held every August during the Pembina Valley Days Festival, with the winner going on to represent the town at various events all over Canada for an entire year. Heck, they’re even given an honorary address – “10 Frowning Street,” and a uniform to mimic their town mascot, a scowling coal miner.
So now you know – if ever you’re in Evansburg, Alberta and you encounter a total jerk.. don’t take it personally. They’re probably just doing their job.
