Coun. Mackenzie Hengerer. organizing committee member
Plans are coming together for Fort Macleod’s 150th anniversary celebration June 28 to July 1.
The town’s origins date to the arrival of the North West Mounted Police under the command of Col. James Macleod in October 1874.
“Celebrating 150 years for our town is a significant milestone,” said John Guliker of the Fort Macleod and District Chamber of Commerce. “This is a big deal.”
“Why it’s a big deal is for a couple of reasons,” Guliker said. “It’s a reflection of historical moment as the community looks back to appreciate individuals, events and moments shaping our town’s identity.”
The Chamber of Commerce honoured the Town of Fort Macleod for its 150th year, and the Fort Macleod Curling Club for its 125th anniversary.
The recognition came Thursday during the Chamber’s awards gala at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall.
Guliker said the anniversary celebration will foster a sense of pride in Fort Macleod and strengthen the bond of community.
“Celebrating 150 years makes our town stand out,” Guliker added. “It attracts people from nearby and far away . . . and presents our town as an awesome and resilient place.”
The celebration will unofficially kick off Thursday, June 27 with a performance by singer-songwriter Tim Isberg at the Empress Theatre.
Details of an official kickoff event on Friday, June 28 are still being confirmed.
There will be music on Main Street on both Friday and Saturday, June 28-29.
Sherry Kennedy and the Centennial Singers will perform June 29.
Also on June 29, there will be a handmade market at the Fort Macleod Curling Club.
Other events planned for June 29 include a free country music concert, a Disney Princess event, and a Party in the Park.
Lethbridge College students will recreate historical Fort Macleod for a virtual reality experience.
Free public swimming is planned for Sunday, June 30.
Monday, July 1 kicks off with a pancake breakfast.
The cornerstone of the celebration will be Canada Day events at The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police, Fort Macleod council learned during a recent update.
The Fort Museum traditionally stages a Canada Day event, and activities planned for this year include opening ceremonies, the Musical Ride debut, a Blackfoot princess celebration, a barbecue and cake.
Other tentative plans include a show ‘n’ shine of vintage and custom vehicles and street curling.
Organizers are also collaborating with Granum on its annual fireworks show.
Fort Macleod Fish and Game will open the campground for the weekend.
The Fort Macleod Agricultural Society is also developing plans for the celebration weekend.
“It’s going to be absolutely amazing,” said Coun. Mackenzie Hengerer, who is on the organizing committee. The committee is inviting businesses, individuals and organizations to participate as event sponsors. The committee is inviting service groups and other organizations to plan events or assist with the overall celebration.
“We’ve had quite a few groups coming forward,” Hengerer said.
Committee members are Mackenzie Hengerer, Sandi Davis, Eileen Moses, Joy Hurlburt, Jason Austin, Jackie Palmer and Liisa Gillingham.
The organizing committee invites community members and groups to the bi-weekly meetings to share ideas.
The committee meets at 12 noon on the second and fourth Monday of the month at the G.R. Davis Administration Building.
“We encourage people to come and talk to us,” Hengerer said.
Gardeners are being encouraged to plant red and yellow flowers for the anniversary year.
Individuals can register as 150th anniversary volunteers at https://www.fortmacleod.com/live/150th-celebration.
