Spirit River Set to Celebrate Centennial in 2016

News Release

Member of Parliament Chris Warkentin announces funding for the Town of Spirit River’s centennial celebrations

July 24, 2015 – Spirit River, Alberta – Department of Canadian Heritage

Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament (Peace River), today announced support of $39,800 under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for the Town of Spirit River’s 100^th anniversary. Mr. Warkentin made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Town of Spirit River will celebrate its centennial in 2016 with a variety of activities, including musical entertainment, an art show, Ukrainian and First Nations dancing, historical walking tours and textile demonstrations. The celebration will see the contributions of nearly 40 artists and count on the efforts of close to 150 local volunteers.

Quick Facts

The Town of Spirit River’s centennial anniversary celebrations will take place from August 5 to 7, 2016, and will engage the public in activities that celebrate their history and highlight the community’s milestones and achievements.
The Spirit River Centennial Committee is a local non-profit organization that was established specifically to produce activities in honour of the town’s 100th anniversary.
Spirit River is located in northwestern Alberta and is one of the oldest towns in the Central Peace Region.
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

Quotes

“The 150^th anniversary of Confederation and the milestones leading up to 2017 present a unique opportunity for Canadians across the country to gain a true sense of our nation’s history and to celebrate everything that has helped make Canada a country that is strong, proud and free. Congratulations to the Town of Spirit River on this remarkable milestone.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“The 100^th anniversary of the Town of Spirit River will afford us the opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage of the region and the people who laid the foundations of this vibrant community. Our Government is proud to help Spirit River mark 100 years of prosperity and success. We look forward to an incredible celebration in the coming months and wish the organizers every success in planning it.”

—Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament (Peace River)

“The support of the Government of Canada is a very important part of making Spirit River’s Centennial Home Coming event a success. This grant will ensure that our pioneers are properly recognized for making Alberta what it is today. These pioneers did a better job than they knew.”

—His Worship Allan J. Georget, Mayor of Spirit River