Check out what rural Alberta has to offer in September! Join your rural colleagues (yes CCIS has a robust presence in several communities in Southern Alberta!), get outside of the city and experience some small-town charm by participating in a vast range of available activities, events and celebrations.
DRUMHELLER
Take a step back in time, experience the unique landscape and charm of Drumheller. Celebrate Alberta Culture Days as the town of Drumheller and FCSS present “Tastes of the World” on September 20th from 3-9pm at the BCF (Badlands Community Facility) Field House. Located approximately 2 hours NE of Calgary.
BROOKS
Visit the “City of 100 Hellos” on September 20th from 11am-2pm for an Alberta Culture Days event celebrating cultural diversity and featuring fashion shows and performances showcasing over 22 countries and 100 volunteers. Hosted at the JBS Field House and co-presented by SPEC and our own BCIS, the event is something you won’t want to miss! Located in “cattle country” approximately 2 hours SE of Calgary, you will get a sense of Alberta’s “big skies”.
HIGH RIVER
Situated along the Cowboy Trail, and home to many farming and ranching families, High River is known for being the primary filming location for the Heartland series since 2007. Who knew?! Join the FCIS and FLIP staff during Welcoming Week as the High River Public Library hosts the “Speed Mingling” event on September 17th from 6-8pm. Let’s welcome new friends and old, at this unique event that is sure to be filled with laughter.
The community has many activities for Alberta Culture Days (check out the Venue’s website https://www.thevenuehighriver.com/alberta-culture-days ) In particular, on Sunday September 28th , 1-3pm, join enthusiastic community members and visitors for “Party at the Venue” featuring some local newcomer talent.
OKOTOKS
This month take the short drive out to Okotoks and travel into the “foothills”; the gateway to the mountains and enjoy a few cultural events taking place around the community.
In celebrating Welcoming Week and this year’s national theme “Stories We Share”, the Okotoks Public Library and our own FCIS are hosting a Newcomer Social Gathering on Thursday September 18th from 6-8pm. Come and welcome newcomers as they navigate their new home in Alberta.
This week of celebration will also see the delivery of clothing and personal items to FCIS newcomer youth in the Foothills, collected in the month of August from generous community members!
On September 19th, FCIS and the FLIP presents “Bollywood Night at the Movies” at the Okotoks Cinema. You are going to want to get up and dance along with the film! Check out Event Brite to get your tickets!
CHESTERMERE
Never been to a Pow WOW…you are in for a treat! The Town of Chestermere has evolved around a 1000-acre man-made reservoir built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1980. Travel for 20 minutes East on Highway #1 and you have arrived! This year the town, in partnership, is presenting the Chestermere Pow Wow on September 1st at John Peake Park starting at 1pm with the Grand Entry. Open to all, it is expected to be a spectacular event!
On Friday, September 26th from 3-4 pm, join special guest Trevor Ward (Citizen representative of Rockyview Métis District of the Otipemisiwak Metis government) as he leads a scavenger hunt outside of the Chestermere Library. He will share teachings about the plants and objects we find and their significance and usage by First Nation, Métis, and Settlers. Be ready for a challenge at the end of the walk! There is no registration required, and it is open to all ages.
STRATHMORE
Head out of Calgary on Highway #1 and in 40 minutes you will arrive in historic Strathmore. This town of over 13,000 people does Alberta Culture Days up right! There are activities every weekend in September – check them all out here! https://strathmorelibrary.ca/Program-Pages/culture
Join us on September 19th at The Vault from 4:30-6:30pm for a delicious journey across the African continent through a curated tasting of traditional and beloved desserts. Organized by The Vault and CCIS, each bite will offer a taste of culture, celebration, and community.
On September 20th from 11am-2pm CCIS presents Melodies of our Roots – a free, family-friendly event. With colorful traditional clothing, lively music, and traditional storytelling, these performances will celebrate the unique cultural identities of different groups, promoting inclusion, pride, and unity within the community. It will also include a variety of food trucks for community members to experiences multiple flavors as well as opportunities to speak with the Strathmore Filipino Association and local Ukrainian Group.
COCHRANE
Travel 45 minutes West of Calgary on Highway 1A and you will arrive in the ‘Heart of Big Hill Country” – the town of Cochrane. During Alberta Culture Days on Saturday, September 6th from 9am to 2pm, come out to the Farmers Market in the Spray Lakes Sawmill Centre Parking Lot to spend some time enjoying the Drowsy Maggies, the Îyethka Nakoda Stoney Mini Thni Dancers, and join in the drumming circle with Circles of Rhythm! This market claims to be one of the best in the region as well. Once you have had your fill at the outdoor market, head indoors for Cochrane Culture Fest where organizers expect 25 cultural groups and up to 14 performances this year, ranging from music and dance to storytelling. The event is free and over 1000 people attended this amazing event last year and it is shaping up to be bigger and better this year!
CLARESHOLM
Check out the Welcoming Claresholm website https://welcoming.claresholm.ca/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WelcomingClaresholm.ca for the activities around Welcoming Week, September 12-21st and take a leisurely drive down South on Highway #2 to check out this quaint community of over 4100 people. Established in 1903, there remains a number of beautiful buildings built over 100 years ago.
