The Badlands Community Facility was packed for the 11th annual Memories of Christmas concert held Sunday, January 11. Vocal groups from Drumheller, Morrin and Rosebud were joined by a handbell choir from Three Hills and the Peacock sisters on harp and flute. The crowd enjoyed a variety of musical numbers, which culminated in a combined choir rendition of “Silent Night” in four languages. The grand piano was supplied by the Drumheller and District Music Festival Association. Vance Neudorf, Executive Director of the Passion Play, addressed the crowd and expressed appreciation for all the support the local community has given the Passion Play. “We are stepping out in faith this coming year by holding three weekends of performance. This will be good for the Passion Play and for Drumheller, but we will need many volunteers on stage and out front,” said Neudorf. Laverne Erickson, the founder of the Passion Play, unveiled a fund raising campaign aimed at paying off the debt incurred when the Passion Play had to buy the ski hill property which had gone into receivership. The goal of the campaign is to raise $60,000 by August 31. At the concert, $4,805 was donated or pledged toward this goal. Other events will be held in the next 8 months, and those wishing to donate to this project can drop off their donations at Harper’s Tire, The Drumheller Centre of Natural Healing, Sears, or The Brick.
