Small business in downtown Drumheller remains vibrant despite changing economic tides.
    While many cores ebb and flow with economic challenges, downtown Drumheller appears to be holding its own.
    According to Connie Tremblay of downtown Drumheller, the merchant’s association is about 33 strong and have come off a successful summer of events. These include Motorcycle Madness, and most recently Alberta Arts Day celebrations, to name a few. Right now, they are gearing up for the Downtown Trick or Treat.
    “The events are a draw to get people to come down, which is great for business,” said Tremblay.
    She said this is successful because it is a collaboration. Each business can contribute to the event, and benefit, rather than going alone. Each merchant can also draw on the expertise and experience of its neighbour to make it a success.
    One of the rules of business is competition. Tremblay refers to MLA Doug Griffith’s presentation called “13 Ways to Kill Your Community.”
    “He says how important it is to have that competition. People want that competition. Some say, ‘Why should I move downtown, because there are already two coffee shops?’ Why not three coffee shops?” she said.
    The efforts to keep the downtown community strong continue. Right now, they are in the midst of a heritage inventory, with hopes of working towards becoming part of the Mainstreet Program. The Centennial of Coal Mining committee is working on erecting a memorial to fallen miners, and the idea of creating a town centre is still on the agenda.
    The Town of Drumheller is also taking a very serious look at moving back to the core.
    “Once the town office is downtown, I think it is definitely going to be a benefit. It is going to establish a core. When people stop off at town hall, they will be right there, and can shop,” said Tremblay.
    “There really is a lot going on.”

    Queen Milli of Galt is turning out to be a fall fan favourite at Rosebud Theatre. 
    As the show heads into the final two weeks of its run, audience feedback has been very positive as the play’s charming and somewhat fumbling Prince Edward meets his match in the feisty and shoot-from-the-hip Milli. 
    Audiences tell us the feel good play has just the right mix of laughs, tears and love to make it a truly memorable experience for the entire family.
    Reviews from  Rosebud Theatre’s Facebook Page are bright:
    •“Queen Milli is an amazing play! We laughed until it hurt. The actors were all absolutely fabulous. At one point I turned to my wife and said ‘I can’t honestly tell if these guys are acting - or if they are actually having this much fun’ Well done Rosebud - if you are thinking of going - don’t think - Just Do IT - you will NOT be disappointed!”
• “Not being a ‘theatre-type’ gal, my husband and I had an opportunity to see “Queen Milli of Galt” on opening night. WELL, I laughed, then I cried, I laughed, then I cried, I laughed, then I cried!!!! It was an amazing production that my husband and I enjoyed very much. I HIGHLY recommend it!”
    When the handsome Prince Edward visits Galt, Ontario in the autumn of 1919 everyone wants to see him, everyone that is except Millicent Milroy. She would rather work in her garden than join the masses hoping to catch a glimpse of the king-to-be. An unplanned escape from his tedious public schedule leads Edward down Milli’s garden path. When the two meet, they develop a quick dislike for each other.  Things change however when their paths cross again.  The more they talk – the stronger their bond grows – leading to a royally funny romance and a surprise ending.
    “What may come as a shock to some Albertans is the fact that we as Canadians have our very own Wallace Simpson story in Milli Milroy of Galt, Ontario,” explains Artistic Director Morris Ertman. “In Rosebud this autumn, we provide audiences with another interesting chapter of royal intrigue for royal-story-hungry Canadians.”
    Queen Milli of Galt is a royally funny romance that will capture your heart and spur you to create your own destiny. Runs Wed-Sat until October 22, 2011. For tickets and show times call 1-800-267-7553 or visit www.rosebudtheatre.com