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Stettler set to sample Culture Days

Keying on its diverse history, Stettler is making plans to celebrate Culture Days from Sept. 28 to 30.
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Stettler Board of Trade executive-director Aubrey Brown (left) and committee members Joyce Kiryk

Keying on its diverse history, Stettler is making plans to celebrate Culture Days from Sept. 28 to 30.

“The event is moving with momentum and we already have over 20 events planned and more are expected,” said Aubrey Brown, the executive director of the Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Community Development.

Stettler was selected this summer as one of 64 communities awarded $5,000 to celebrate the fifth annual provincial celebration with free events.

“We are breaking ground in that we are leading the province in the number of events in one community,” Brown said as he opened an organizing meeting last Thursday.

Activities for all ages and interests are on tap for a fun-filled weekend to celebrate the rich and varied culture and heritage of the Stettler region.

A family concert and dance Friday night at the Stettler Recreation Centre, a flash dance Saturday morning downtown, a tailgate farmers’ market, a skating party and a music Culture Café on Saturday night and a Gospel Café on Sunday afternoon are the major activities.

“We have an eclectic assortment of groups and interests, so they can all be reflected,” Brown said.

Young dancers from Danceology in Stettler will perform, while St. James’ Gate Rocking Celtic takes the stage as the main performers at a family concert and dance Friday at the recreation centre from 8 p.m. to midnight.

“It will be a showcase for some of our young dancers,” Brown said. “It should be a great night in Stettler.”

Dancers plan to perform a variety of dances, including Irish, Highland and couples.

On Saturday morning, downtown will be abuzz for a flash dance led by Rhonda McCullough of Danceology at 10:30 a.m.

“The kids are pumped for this flash dance,” said McCullough, who noted the dance will last seven minutes.

As many as 30 vendors could line Main Street for the tailgate farmers’ market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We already have 24 vendors,” said organizer Joyce Kiryk.

At the market, shoppers will be able to find a variety of products, from perogies and cabbage rolls and baking, to crafts, stained glassware, greenhouse products, baby blankets and bamboo socks.

Stettler Downtown Business Association and merchants on Main Street say they’re enthused about such activities in the commercial core.

“They feel it will drive people to the downtown,” Brown said.

Saturday night features a Much Music skating party at the SRC in one rink, while a Culture Café evening of musical and performing talent is on stage in the other rink from 7 to 10 p.m.

A Gospel Café of heavenly music rounds out the menu Sunday at 2 p.m.

Churches and musical groups and choirs are invited to participate in an informal afternoon of music and fellowship. Groups or individuals interested in performing are requested to phone Ross Helgeton at 403-742-9507.

Other Friday activities include an open house at Cabinet of Curiosities, Taste of Bosnia at the Coffee Tree (and Saturday), and children’s crafts, bannock and beef stew at Parent Link Centre from 3 to 5 p. m., and also Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule features fall family photo shoots at Memories for Eternity, rollerskating and blading with Heartland Rollergirls in West Stettler Park, shinny hockey at the SRC, open house at Stettler Town and Country Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday to Sunday and Red Solo Cup Party at Social Bo’s at 9 p.m.

A free showing of Madagascar 3 will hit the Jewel Theatre screen Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.