There is nothing more Canadian than playing shinny outside, or drinking hot chocolate while sitting on a wooden bench in skates.
    Two communities in Drumheller are working with the town to have their outdoor rinks refurbished.
    The Nacmine rink has been a flurry of activity as volunteers have worked hard to tear down the old boards, and frames, and are now starting to rebuild. It seems that weekly Cindy Thomas has been calling out for volunteers to pitch in, and the results have been astounding. Even the Drumheller Dragons came out to swing hammers.
    “It was amazing to see when I came around the corner, and they were all here waiting, and willing to work,” said organizer Cindy Thomas.
    “The Dragons Players jumped right into the demolition of the boards and were excited to be there helping. “I am glad to have the guys out in the community helping with such a great cause. We all have skated on an outdoor rink, and know how much fun it can be,” says Dragons Head Coach and GM, Kevin Hasselberg.
    Similarly on the other side of the valley, quietly the Rosedale outdoor rink is also being rebuilt.
     The old boards were torn out and new posts were installed. On Saturday, September 23, a work bee of Rosedale residents came out to raise the new boards.
    Debbie Scarlett of the Rosedale Recreation Society said they are working with the town to refurbish the rink and are looking forward to the completion. The rink remains a popular amenity in the community.
    Both rinks will be ready for the upcoming season.

As part of Alberta Culture Days 2017, the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Badlands Gallery and the Town of Drumheller will be celebrating the wealth of talent and creativity that exists within our community with the 2nd annual Pop-Up Arts & Culture Showcase.
    The Showcase will include many opportunities for locals to learn about and engage with local artists and performers. It is a free, family-friendly event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Drumheller
     Children’s art and craft activities will be taking place, and there will be artists at work in the Badlands Gallery that attendees can speak with to learn about their techniques, as well as a sidewalk performance from Lothar the Magician at 1:30 p.m and some outdoor acoustic performances. In addition, the Drumheller & District Humane Society will be holding a fundraiser barbecue.  
    A map of the stops will be available prior to the event, including a passport that attendees can get filled out to enter a prize draw. The map will be posted on the Facebook event and available in print to pick up at the Drumheller Visitor Information Center beginning September 25, and the Badlands Gallery beginning September 28. Businesses are invited to join in the welcoming of fall by decorating their storefronts in a harvest/autumn theme. The business with the most festively fall storefront will get to display a special “Golden Pumpkin” until next year’s event, along with a certificate and a small prize.
    The Downtown Pop-Up Arts & Culture Showcase is part of the celebrations occurring throughout the province during Alberta Culture Days 2017. Alberta Culture Days, September 29 - October 1. To learn more, visit www.AlbertaCultureDays.ca