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City is prepared for Canada Day celebrations
06/24/09
BY MARK WEBER
Red Deer Express
Thousands of Canada Day revelers will be heading down to Bower Ponds for a packed slate of family fun next Wednesday.
The colourful celebration, presented by the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society features all kinds of community song and dance troupes through the afternoon plus mainstage concerts through the evening.
Local groups gearing up to hit the stage starting at 10 a.m. include the Scottish Country Dancers, Jimi and Jase Nelson, Ballet Folklorica Raices de Mexico, the Alberta Pattern Dancers, Tahitian dancers, Irish dancers, the Kvitka Dancers, the Salvadorean Tropical Band, Buttons and Bows and many more.
The evening show features country singer Kym Simon, popular Celtic band St. James’ Gate, Porter and Donna Durand Prairie Four.
For Simon, inspiration flows from her early years — growing up in Stettler, her folks had a band. She later moved to Calgary to team up with a manager and venture into the industry. Joining a duo, she eventually opted to try her hand as a solo artist.
In 1999/2000 she worked with the Nashville-based Castle Records to produce If You Stole My Heart. Nashville producer Steve Fox later signed on to produce Priority and Simon co-wrote seven of the 10 cuts on the disc.
Priority was released in the spring of 2007, and Simon is currently hard at work on its follow-up due next year.
Audiences will also enjoy lively original prairie roots music with the Prairie Four. Finally, Porter is one of Red Deer’s most exciting music groups. Described as wielding raging guitar solos, a ‘rock solid’ rhythm section, masterfully played keys and soaring vocals, Porter’s schedule keeps them playing all over the province with everything from corporate functions to private parties.
Another special highlight this year is that David and Elizabeth Plumtree, who were involved in organizing Canada Day celebrations for 25 years in Red Deer, will be honoured during the opening portion of the event, said Edna Warriner, volunteer coordinator.
Meanwhile, fireworks wrap things up at 11:15 p.m.
There is no parking onsite, but bus service from the Memorial Centre is being provided throughout the day starting at 10:45 a.m. the shuttle leaves every 15 minutes for Bower Ponds, and the fair for those over 18 is one dollar each way.
Those ages six to 17 and seniors pay 50 cents each way and children five and under ride the bus for free. Pets also aren’t allowed for the day either.
Admission to the festivities is free but folks are encouraged to bring along a donation for the Red Deer Food Bank.
mweber@reddeer.greatwest.ca 309-5459
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