Santa Claus Parade |
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This was the first event of our 100th Anniversary celebration, and the 23rd annual Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade, "Building Edson Through the Ages." |
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Winter Festival |
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Many free activities were planned in and around the Edson and District Leisure Centre. Besides the Hockey, Skating and Swimming inside, there was Snowshoeing, an Ice Maze (see pictures of this on the Photo Page) , and Ice Carving Ring Toss, horse drawn sleigh rides, music filled the air, and of course a visit from Santa.
Friday the 3rd, featured a kids movie at the Nova Theatre in the morning, followed by a Teens movie in the afternoon. This was possible because it was a non-school Friday.
Great fun was enjoyed by all who bundled up to take on the early December weather conditions. Perhaps the best part of the weekend for many families was the fact they didn’t have to keep opening up their wallets, and all activities were FREE! Just like the good old days. |
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Vocal Variations - Community Choir at The Christian Reformed Church |
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New and long-time residents, young and old gathered for an enjoyable evening of seasonal music featuring a local choir and musicians. This event was free of charge, however many people made donations to assist the Edson Food Bank. |
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Musical Auditions Conducted in the Christian Reform Church |
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Four local musicians competed for a seat on the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra when it performs in Edson at the end of September to conclude Centennial celebrations in 2011.
“They are all people from Edson, born and raised here,” hints Les Halliwell, Centennial event committee chairperson. “Two are in their Master’s program in music, one is a teacher, and one works in a secretarial position.” But that is all he will say for now. The competitors were videotaped and the tapes sent to the director of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. A final decision will be made as to who will win the opportunity to play with the orchestra.
“For some young person, it is going to be the opportunity of a lifetime,” says Mr. Halliwell. “We’ve spent a lot of time negotiating with the symphony over this opportunity, and normally it’s not done. But in this situation the ESO are excited about it and they will do the best they can with it, and we will give them the best musician they can get.”
2011 not only marks the 100th anniversary of Edson, but the 60th anniversary of the ESO.
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The Show of the Century - Red Brick Theatre |
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Family Day Celebration |
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It was a day spent together with families playing games, dancing and winning prizes. It was a great fun filled afternoon, with numerous features including a massive picture of Edson’s Main Street from many years ago, where families were able to gather and have their picture taken in front of. |
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Edson Fire Department Host Fireman’s Curling Tournament |
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It was three days of fun and extremely completive curling at the Edson and District Recreation Complex. Top level Canadian Curling Champion, and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Gold Medalist team member, John Morris participated in the event. |
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Elks Club Snow Golf Tournament |
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Residents of Edson’s east end are no strangers to a peculiar scene that plays itself out on their streets and avenues every February: people playing snow golf.
Once again, Edson Elks and Royal Purple hosted their annual Snow Golf Tournament.
Mr. Weisser says that the course is always the same: tee off takes places at the Lions Park. “You can tee off with almost anything: from a baseball bat to a tennis racket or hockey stick.”
But once the tennis ball is in play, players must use a golf putter to play the 10-hole course. Asphalt and snow make for the greens and for the “holes” themselves, pieces of plywood with six inch holes .
And just what possible hazards and traps lay in wait for the avid snow golfer? Mr. Weisser laughs and says, “We’ve had balls lost under vehicles, some caught up in tree branches, we’ve had dogs run after the balls, and the odd vehicle has driven over a ball or two.” |
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ARTy Gras |
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Edson Creative Arts Society hosted this one-night event at the Library, featuring an art-themed rummage sale, live music, a lot of fun, and a few surprises. Community members donated a variety of items for the rummage sale. There were paintings, prints, photographs, jewelry, and even a coat-of-arms. |
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"Alberta Open" Cadet/Juvenile Freestyle Wrestling Tournament |
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Edson’s wrestling team, the Edson Gladiators, hosted the 2011 Championships at Parkland Composite High School.
Tournament director, Curtis Brinker, said that the event featured some of the best amateur freestyle wrestlers from across the province.
“There were between 200 and 250 junior and senior high kids and close to 100 elementary school children.
Coach Brinker says that the club was aware of Edson’s Centennial when it thought about bidding for the tournament and believed this would be another event befitting a year in which Edson celebrates its 100th anniversary.
“Edson continues to grow with the diversity of events it hosts, and this is a sign of that,” says Mr. Brinker. And as an added bonus: hosting the Alberta Open tournament assisted in sponsoring five students from the Gladiators to attend the nationals in Windsor, Ontario later in the season. |
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Edson Trade Show |
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According to all accounts, the Centennial Year edition the Edson and District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show was a “huge success”, said Chamber Manager Heather Kelly. It featured 104 booths, great attendance both days, perhaps the best in its history. Next years show will be held during the third week of April, and is already 60 percent sold. |
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Community Wide Inter Faith Easter Church Service |
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Our community came together for song and worship to celebrate 100 years of church history in Edson.
The Good Friday Easter Celebrations started with breakfast, followed by the Easter service. |
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2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt - Hosted by The Weekly Anchor |
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Some of the children who were in attendance thought it was the most fun they have ever had with eggs, which perhaps explains why chickens strut when they walk. It’s all in the egg. |
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Gospel Musical Concert featuring Steve Bell at the Legion Hall |
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Fifteen albums and tireless touring over 20 years have resulted in numerous awards (including JUNOs in 1997 and 2000), the sale of over 300,000 units world-wide, and thousands of loyal fans. This is a change to see and hear singer, songwriter, and storyteller Steve Bell in Edson, at the Royal Canadian Legion. Performance begins at 7:30pm. Find out more at www.stevebell.com |
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Spring Palette and Pottery Exhibition and Sale |
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Edson Creative Arts Society and the Edson Craft Centre jointly present this annual community event at the Edson Library Building, 4726 – 8th Avenue. This year, in honour of Edson’s 100th Anniversary, it will feature “100 Pottery Bowls for 100 years,” and includes other recent works by area artists
Saturday, April 30, 10 – 5. |
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Home Grown Film Festival - Nova Theatre - Starting at 5 pm |
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Admission is Free! All that is asked is that a silver donation be made at the door to benefit Habitat For Humanity Edson.
Plus - All those making a donation will be eligible to win a “Family Night at the Movies” package from the Nova Theatre, valued at $66! |
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Second Annual Luminary Speakers Series |
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His Honour, Colonel (Ret’d) The Honourable Donald S. Ethell Lieutenant Governor of Alberta will be at the Edson Legion. Colonel Ethell is a veteran of 14 peacekeeping tours. His military service included NATO duties in Germany as well as extensive service in Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Central America and the Balkans. During the first Persian Gulf War he served for 16 months as the Chief of Staff/Deputy Force Commander with the Middle East-based Multinational Force & Observers. From 1987 to 1990, he served in National Defence Headquarters as the Director of Peacekeeping Operations. His last tour of duty was as the Canadian Head of Mission to the European Community's Military Mission to the former Yugoslavia during the wars of 1992 in both Croatia and Bosnia. Colonel Ethell retired from the Army in July 1993 as one of Canada's most decorated peacekeepers. Meeting with Veterans at 5:30 followed by dinner |
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Shumka Dancers School Shows |
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Students that wish to participate in two separate seminars will have the privilege to learn and participate with members of the internationally recognized dance group. |
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Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers |
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Vocal Variations - Community Choir at the Christian Reformed Church |
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This will be an evening of enjoyable vocal renditions by our very own Community Choir.. From 7 to 9 pm. |
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Medicine Lodge Rodeo |
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Come and watch the west’s oldest ranching sport of rodeo. Food, fun and activities for all ages. Don’t forget your blue jeans and of course your hat. Native drumming and dancing during the event. |
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St. Catherine's Anglican Church |
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The church is celebrating it’s 100th Anniversary with a home coming and special services and events. Come join them as they retrace 100 years of service in the community. |
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Edson Soccer Association Tournament |
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Join with parents and players in a fun filled weekend of soccer. Over 300 players from the region will show you fine plays and sportsmanship. |
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Surprise Lake Campout Weekend |
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Location: Surprise Lake – East of Edson on Hwy. 16 |
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Join the folks at Surprise Lake for a weekend of fun with period costumes and memorabilia. You will go back in time to the good old days with a talent show, silent auction and dinner. You can enjoy a weekend of family camping. Join them as they celebrate 60 years, and we celebrate 100 years. |
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Kinsmen Monsters and Mudders |
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Seniors Week Of Celebration |
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A week of fun and laughter for seniors. Breakfasts, lunches and suppers. Movies and entertainment that is geared for those who been part of our community for years. Come and join in during this week of celebration. |
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100 Quilts for 100 Years Show |
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Location: Edson Leisure Centre |
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The Quilting Guild of Edson and Circle of Quilting Friends joined forces for a fabulous two-day show of quilts called “100 Quilts for 100 Years.” Although, if you were really counting, you would know there were 300 items on display. Some of the proceeds from the silent auction have been put towards fabric to make donation quilts such as the one which was donated to the Red Brick Arts Centre several years ago, baby quilts and quilts for the respite room at the Edson hospital, for the emergency shelter, and Ronald McDonald House. A great show, and perhaps that the only one we will see this Centennial year. |
Edson Royal Canadian Legion Hosts Provincial Legion Convention |
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Take time to join with veterans from across Alberta as they meet together in parade, meetings, fellowship and fun. |
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Eddie’s Big Run |
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Celebrate our great trail system around through our community, and get your exercise at the same time. Choose to enter one or more of the following events.
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31st Annual Alberta Mine Rescue Competition |
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Everyone is invited to witness the exciting 31st annual Alberta Mine Rescue Competition at the Leisure Center, hosted by Sherritt Coal, Coal Valley Mine/Obed Mountain Mine. This one day competition will test the skill and expertise of 12 Mine Rescue Teams from across Alberta. This year’s event will look back at the past one hundred years of Coal Mining in the area including the Coal Branch which played an important role in Edson’s history. Organizers are expecting five hundred plus visitors for this event. Admission is free. |
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Soap Box Derby |
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Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program which has been run in North America since the early 1930’s. Cars competing in this and related events are unpowered, relying completely upon gravity to move. The Kinsmen Club will be orgainising and hosting this one day event. Check with member of the Kinsmen Club for more details. |
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Edson and District Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary Golf Tournament |
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Edson and District Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament was held over the weekend, and believe or not the rain held off until the last of the teams were finishing their last hole. 82 golfers participated in the one day event at the Edson Golf Club. Congratulations to the foursome from Coal Valley Mine ending the day with the best score of 64. The Chamber of Commerce says, "Thank You," all the volunteers, participants and of course the many sponsors who made the tournament a huge success. |
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Canada Day Celebrations |
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Friday, July 1, Edson's 2011 Canada Day Celebrations were held at the Edson and District Leisure Centre, from 1 - 10:30. The activities planned for the day actually started with Flap Jack Breakfast at the Legion from 10 – 12, then it back over to the Leisure Centre. Lots of family fun and entertainment was planned throughout the day and included Face Painting, Inflatable Jumper, Al Simmons, Magic Show, and HOJA. Fireworks exploded in the night sky at Centennial Park. |
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Kinsmen International Slow Pitch Tournament |
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Edson And District Sidewalk Jamboree |
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The Edson and District Chamber of Commerce invite you to join our residents in a weekend fun and frolic. The centre of our business area is closed to traffic. A midway carnival atmosphere is created, covering five city blocks, with rides, games, food and a chance to meet old and new friends. |
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Edson Masonic 100th Anniversary |
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Edson Masonic Lodge No 68 will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary starting at 1:00 o’clock Saturday afternoon. |
Parkland Composite High School Reunion |
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This reunion is for Parkland Composite High School clases of 1969, ’70, and ’71. These are actually the first three classes at Parkland. Memories will be shared and some fun is planned as well. Events will take place at Pine Grove Hall, North of Town. |
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Early Day Life in Northern Alberta |
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A display of trapping with presentations, pictures and people. This was once a very thriving industry with a rich history of people who made their living by trapping. Visit the oldtimers involved and listen to the history of trapping in northern Alberta. |
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Northern Alberta Regional Scott FireFit Championships |
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You've seen it on TSN, OLN & RDS! Now witness the completion in person. This is the last competition before the Canadian Nationals so there will be some top teams in attendance to get their last runs in. It’s also the 10th anniversary of 9/11 that weekend so we will have the honour guard attending the event in Edson, and there will be a special recognition during the event.
For more event details you can go to http://www.firefit.com/ff_description.htm |
Careers through the Years |
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Want to learn about careers from the
past, present and future?
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Edson’s 100th Anniversary Parade |
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The parade theme will be our last 100 years in float design and dress come and be a part of a large parade with great floats and marching bands. |
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The Final Celebrations of Our 100 Years and Homecoming |
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September 21st
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This is an evening of awards and presentations to old and young alike. The evening will be a wine and cheese event featuring Canadian wines and cheeses. Our community will be honouring seniors, newborns of the year 2011, and many more deserving individuals. |
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This will be the night that the Edson and District Recreation Complex will be transformed into a dinning hall for hundreds who are proud to have called, or still call Edson home. The evening will feature a special Homecoming Supper, and after some time to visit and catch up, entertainment will take to the stage to keep your feet moving and fingers tapping. Music for the evening will be provided by “The Classics” an eight-piece Rock n' Roll / Rhythm & Blues band based in Edmonton.
Today, these highly-skilled musicians and singers send the energy off the stage at clubs, school gymnasiums, and beach pavilions, just like in the 'old days' when the music was still brand new.
Over the years members of The Classics have shared the stage with such internationally acclaimed artists as: The Guess Who, Roy Orbison, Tommy Banks, Bobby Curtola, The Fireballs, P.J. Perry, and David Clayton Thomas (later of Blood, Sweat and Tears), to name a few.
The 100th Anniversary Committee is hoping that this will be a night to remember as the music will span the decades.
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Homecoming Weekend, and the almost year long 100th Anniversary Celebration will come to a close with a performance of the outstanding Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony is also celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and look forward to their first ever performance in Edson. The music of the evening will consist of well known selections of the last 100 years.
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Galloway Station Museum Grand Opening |
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Edson's newly renovated Galloway Station Museum officially opens it's doors! |
Edson United Church Morning Service
The Edson United Church will be celebrating the anniversary by welcoming one and all to their Sunday morning service in which they will trace their history as it relates to the Town of Edson. All are welcome.
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Fashion For The Soul |
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“Fashion For the Soul” is a fashion show for charity. Featuring a stage of the past 100 year looks. A stage of modern fashion and fantasy looks. With a little something for everyone this Fashion show donates to Kinsmen Splash Park. There will be gift bags as well as draws. Doors and Bar open at 7:00 pm. Entertainment between stages performed by local artists. Come see the local venders and amazing show.
Brought to you by: West Yellowhead Music Society and The Other Side Hair Studio Inc.
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If you or your group are planning an event, please make sure to contact Les Halliwell, chairman of the events committee, at (780) 723-3713. We want to avoid double booking of events in order that everyone can attend the maximum number of functions! Bookings will be done on a "first come, first serve" basis.