Sunday was the perfect day for a garden party, and to raise funds for the Drumheller Area Health Foundation.
    The foundation hosted its first of what is hoped to be an annual garden party complete with tea, snacks and a silent and live auction. The fun time took place at the new Recreation Therapy Garden at the Drumheller Health Centre on August 30.
    A strong crowd of residents of the continuing care unit as well as supporters came out on a sunny Sunday to have tea, bid on the items, and have fun. A healthy contingent of the local Red Hatters came out and even the queen. A backdrop of live music kept bidders entertained.
    Linda Ames, administrator with Drumheller Area Health Foundation was impressed by the support from local residents and businesses for the number of silent auction items.
    The main event for the garden party was a live auction of art, made and donated by local artists and collectors. Skip MacArthur took the gavel in hand and auctioned off the items.
    In total, the afternoon event raised about $6,000 for the Drumheller Area Health foundation.             The funds are earmarked for a portable ultra sound machine for the Emergency Room and Operating Room.
    Ames says they are already looking at ways to grow the event for next year.

Rosebud, a picturesque hamlet about an hour’s drive northeast of Calgary is well known for its theatre and many other types of art.
    For one day in September, many members of the hamlet are busy in preparing to showcase many of the emerging artists from Rosebud and area.
     On Sunday, September 6 be ready to witness these artists and their many talents at the fourth annual 15 Minutes of FAME arts festival from 2 p.m. to dark outside the Rosebud Community Hall.
     “15 Minutes of FAME is about professionals and amateurs sharing the same stage,” says producer, Carmen Paterson. It’s a place where you can indulge in your artistic senses as an artist and an audience member. I’m so excited to be part of it again this year. Every year it gets bigger and better and a little something new is added. This year we’ve tried to cover more types of art and have added a visual arts section. I’m really looking forward to the response this area receives.”
    15 Minutes of FAME began in 2006 when Carmen Paterson and Giovanni Mocibob, merged parties they were planning which allowed them to perform. Soon others showed interest in performing as well and soon 15 Minutes of FAME emerged.
    Now in its fourth year, the festival continues to grow. This year, along with the stage
performances, visual arts have been introduced into the mix.Featured artists include;          Jason Bertsch & Cold Shot,  a new blues band to the valley featuring Jason Bertsch; Fools Tongue, a neo jazz sound with an attitude and Stoning Mary, a memorable band with a new sound drawing from a wide range of musical influences.
    Artists featured at 15 Minutes of FAME are from Rosebud and area, but also include artists from Calgary, Edmonton and British Columbia.
     15 Minutes of FAME is a one-day event starting at 2 p.m., and admission is by donation. The festival is planned to be just outside the Rosebud Community Hall, so be prepared for the weather. In the case of rain, the festival will continue and be moved inside the hall. There will be food available onsite.