Festival celebrates ‘Echoes of the Pass’
The stories, traditions and people of the Crowsnest Pass will take centre stage this summer as the annual Crowsnest Pass Heritage Festival returns from July 30 to Aug. 3.
This year’s festival, themed “Echoes of the Pass,” will include 26 events spread across communities and venues throughout the municipality. Programming will recognize the 100th anniversaries of the local Legions and the Crowsnest Pass Community Orchestra.
“I hope people leave with a deeper appreciation for the stories, history and people that make the Crowsnest Pass such a special place,” said Brandy Fehr, community economic development and marketing coordinator with Community Futures Crowsnest Pass. “More than anything, I hope they make memories, connect with their community and discover something new about our shared heritage.”
One of the weekend’s main attractions will be the festival launch at 7 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Orpheum Theatre in Blairmore.
The free event will feature a youth theatre production directed by Rebecca Dewey, followed by a reception with live music, refreshments and snacks. A local Elder will offer a blessing recognizing the traditional lands on which the festival takes place.
“The launch event is always one of the biggest highlights,” Fehr said. “It’s amazing to see the heart and dedication these young performers bring to the stage.”
Other featured activities include rides at the Blairmore Legion Train Park, Museum Discovery Day and the Coleman Legion’s 100th Anniversary Dinner and Dance. A Hoop Dancer will also perform during an event Sunday at the Polish Hall.
A new partnership with the Crowsnest Pass SPCA will bring a heritage-inspired adoption activity to Hillcrest. Children will be able to “adopt” stuffed animals, each carrying a name and story inspired by a historic member of the community.
The family-friendly event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the SPCA, located at 22213 8 Ave. in Hillcrest.
Fehr said the activity offers a playful introduction to the animal adoption process while helping children connect with local history.
Festival programming will also include guided tours, museum activities, historical presentations, exhibits, storytelling, performances and commemorative events. Fehr said each activity is intended to preserve and share a different part of the Crowsnest Pass story while making local history accessible to people of all ages.
Events will be held throughout the Crowsnest Pass, allowing each community to highlight its distinctive history and character.
The festival typically draws between 7,000 and 10,000 people over the long weekend. Although organizers do not track the precise number of visitors from outside the municipality, Fehr said a significant portion of attendees come from surrounding communities and farther afield.
That influx provides an important boost to restaurants, hotels, retailers, attractions and tourism operators, she said.
Organizing the five-day festival begins about 10 months in advance and involves regular meetings among event organizers, community groups, venues, sponsors, volunteers and municipal partners. Work behind the scenes includes coordinating schedules, marketing, permits, grant applications, logistics and volunteer support.
Dozens of volunteers and approximately 50 community organizations are contributing to this year’s festival.
“The festival simply wouldn’t happen without volunteers,” Fehr said. “Every event is organized and delivered by passionate volunteers who dedicate countless hours before and during the festival to make it a success.”
Additional volunteers and participating organizations may contact festival organizers through the event’s website or social-media pages. Although the printed brochure has already been released, Fehr said organizers will try to accommodate new participants where possible or consider them for next year.
Most festival activities are free, though some require tickets or advance registration. Organizers recommend arriving early for the launch event, the Coleman Legion Dinner and Dance and other activities with limited seating.
Printed guides are available at restaurants, hotels, attractions, visitor locations and businesses throughout the Crowsnest Pass. The complete schedule, registration information and updates can be found at cnpheritagefest.ca or on the Crowsnest Pass Heritage Festival Facebook page.
“Heritage isn’t just about the past; it’s about strengthening our community today and inspiring its future,” Fehr said.