She just had a busy weekend with the Continental Cup curling tournament and events surrounding Founder’s Day and the 150th jubilee of the St. Albert Parish. Margaret Plain isn’t tired though. She’s just getting warmed up.
The chair of the city’s 150th anniversary celebration committee said that 2011 is the year for anyone and everyone to be in St. Albert. The first of the Rendezvous 2011 committee’s events takes place this weekend and it looks to be a popular one. It’s a sold-out event with all 570 tickets snapped up. The gala will be held at The Enjoy Centre at Hole’s Greenhouses & Gardens yet-to-be-opened new location in Riel Park.
“The building isn’t finished but the space where we’ll be holding the gala will be fine,” she reassured. “I’ve been into the space a couple of times.”
The black-tie evening will be one of the first major events at the new facility. Children’s Theatre alumna and local celebrity Bridget Ryan will host and the food will be catered by the Westin Hotel. Entertainment will be provided by the Bella Rouge Specialty Show Band, a quartet of award-winning singers and dancers renowned for their harmonies and creative choreography.
“They do a variety of music, everything from opera to rock.”
She added that the show would have a few surprises as well.
The event will also feature historical photo displays about the city and its growth. It’s that record of the past that Plain hopes will spur the public’s consideration of the future. The committee is asking people to submit their stories and photos to its website. As well, members of the St. Albert Photography Club will be taking snaps of events throughout the year.
“We’re hoping to do a book,” she said, adding that other memorabilia or events related to the city’s anniversary — including items like programs from last weekend’s production of The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon — are historic documents as well. “One of the things we have been encouraging groups to do is to make sure they keep stuff relevant to the year for their own use but also so they can give a copy to the museum.”
More events will follow in February with Snow Day at Lacombe Lake Park to be held on Family Day, Feb. 21. The details haven’t yet been finalized. The city will play host to the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games the following week. There are numerous other events scheduled throughout the year.
To learn more about the 150th anniversary events or to submit your photo or story to the committee, please call 780-458-4630 or visit www.rendezvous2011.ca.
