After the first Culture Days in Stettler drew relatively low support, organizers plan to move ahead with more enticing events next year to focus on the local diversity of the region.
“One of best assets is local talent,” said Aubrey Brown, the executive-director of Stettler Regional Board of Trade, which co-ordinated the local end of the provincial celebration.
“They draw crowds and we can build on that. My preference is to showcase local culture.”
Brown made his comments last week as the organizing committee reviewed this year’s September event and set the path for next year’s festivities.
It’s hoped that music and performing arts will become a higher focus next year. Among this year’s events were a Cultural Café on Saturday night and a Gospel Café on Sunday afternoon.
“Food is a great attraction, and maybe we’ll have to include more food in future events,” Brown said.
“One person suggested a pig roast, which used to draw about 1,000 people annually many years ago.”
With $5,000 from the provincial government announced for Stettler last June, organizers agreed that earlier planning and promotion might have been more beneficial.
For next year’s Culture Days, the committee plans to start organizing in February 2013.
During last week’s meeting, people suggested an activity to feature ethnic foods, costumes and tradition, and a major activity downtown on a Friday night to kick off the weekend.
Adding activities downtown appeared to be popular as a way to draw crowds after the flash dance on Saturday morning and farmers’ market raised enthusiasm.
Some said that schedule would also enhance downtown businesses to be more active and take advantage of shoppers, while a town-wide garage sale downtown was also suggested.
Organizers also plan to contact and welcome more community organizations and ethnic groups to participate in the weekend celebrations.