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May Day celebrates legacy of mining history in the valley

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    Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB) has signed on as a sponsor for this year’s May Day Festival.
    The Atlas Coal announced the partnership for the event that runs the first weekend of May. Kelly Eddy, Program Director at the Atlas says  May Day speaks to the importance of the history of mining in the valley.
    “May Day is a legacy to the men who paid the blood tax of coal, but because we remember them, their lights will shine,” she said.
    The annual festival runs Friday, May 1 until Sunday, May 3 and kicks off at noon on Friday with the Miners’ March; a procession of miners, their families, and local residents who carry commemorative placards to the Miners’ Memorial on Center Street, Drumheller.
    Placards display the names of miners who braved the “belly of the beast” here in the valley and participants can register for a placard, half-an-hour before the March, at the Badlands Community Facility. A memorial service for the 207 men killed in the Drumheller coalfields will follow at 12:30pm . Reverend Katherine Freeman will officiate.
     Other events planned for the weekend include a concert on Friday night at the Atlas, featuring Joe Vickers - tickets will be at the door.
    On Saturday morning, the festival will launch its first Annual May Day Miners’ Baseball Tournament. The tournament will run all weekend at the Rosedale and Hoodoo ball diamonds, with field time generously donated by the Town of Drumheller and the Hoodoo RV Resort and Campground.
“Anyone interested in registering a team should contact the Atlas for more details,” said tournament coordinator, Remie DeFoor.
    The East Coulee School Museum and Drumheller Humane Society will be selling popcorn, hot dogs, and peanuts all weekend. On Saturday evening everyone is invited to a free screening of the 1952 World Series Game at the School Museum from 5-8 p.m. Following the game, the Last Chance Saloon will be hosting Ginger St. James. The Dinosaur Valley Express will be offering a safe ride service on Saturday evening and anyone interested can call Shelley or Karel at 403.823.8664 for more details.
    Jay Russell, Curator at the Atlas encourages everyone to attend the Festival, emphasizing that “these are our miners, this is our heritage”.
    According to a press release, ATB Financial is proud to support The Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site in their efforts to preserve the rich social history of the Valley and continue connecting people to stories and experience that enrich their lives.
    A full schedule of events can be found online at www.atlascoalmine.ab.ca/special.html.


Boston Pizza opens with fresh new look

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Boston Pizza has a fresh new looking going into the summer.

The restaurant held its grand reopening on Thursday, April 9. Manager Tim Dennis said the restaurant is putting on a more friendly face.

"We've really focused on changing our image to a cleaner and more friendly place to be," said Dennis.

He explains they have made upgrades to the sports lounge to make it more inviting.  On the restaurant side, they created a clean classy look.

“The dining room is a lot fresher and cleaner, said Chris Jones of Boston Pizza. "The art is more black and white and sports oriented."

Throughout more HD television technology was added to enhance guest experiences.

In order to make the changes the restaurant was closed for a short period.

"It was tough on the staff and guests, not being able to come in how they would have liked to,"Dennis said. “ But overall the changes are to make it a better quality dining experience for everybody.”

Residents key to success for local facility

 

 

 

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The Town of Drumheller is encouraging residents to get behind the 2015 fund raising efforts for the Badlands Community Facility (BCF) for 2015, noting their support is the key to the future for the BCF.
    They also ask that those with outstanding pledges the importance to BCF success of honoring their commitments made to the BCF Fundraising Committee.
    Town of Drumheller staff will assume the responsibility for donor relations and  work to ensure that outstanding pledges are collected as the facility’s fundraising committee winds down prior to being disbanded.
    Maintaining a first rate facility such as the BCF and its specialized equipment will require ongoing operational funding, the Town notes.
    In order to support these requirements and other recreation and culture endeavors within Drumheller, The Town said the BCF Fundraising Committee will be changing from its current committee/cabinet structure to a registered society. The Town’s goal to have this new society in place is fall of 2015.
    Advantages the Town lists by changing the fundraising cabinet to a society include having eligibility for Alberta Gaming and other grant funding resources that it could not otherwise access as a committee within the Town’s structure.
     The Town is inviting current committee members to serve on the new board of the new society, noting their incredible commitment, energy and service are a valuable and appreciated asset to the community.
    The Legacy Tree and Jason Hastie concert are current fundraising committee’s projects the Town encourages residents to get  behind in support for the Badlands Community Facility.
    The Legacy Leaf project gives families and businesses a chance to honour and remember their loved ones while showing their commitment to culture and recreation in Drumheller.
    Leaf sales and engraving are being finalized for the June tree unveiling. Those interested in a leaf purchase are encouraged to visit the BCF for more information, or contact a fundraising committee member at 403-823-6300 .
    Canadian country star Jason Hastie and the Alibi are scheduled to visit Drumheller for a concert at BCF on Saturday, April 18,.
    Talented local singing artist and Drumheller Valley Secondary School student Abby Fooks will be opening for Hastie and his band. Tickets are just $25 and can be purchased in Drumheller at the BCF, For Sight Vision Centre, Riverside Dental Clinic, Century 21 PowerRealty, and Western GM.
    Fooks was the overall winner of the first youth talent showcase “Drumheller’s Got Talent” , held fall 2014 at the Old Central School. The project was a joint effort between the Town of Drumheller and local businesses and organizations, encouraging youth to take a chance on themselves and perform a talent of their choice for the public and a panel of judges.
    “Jason Hastie will be a great concert for all ages and is sure to showcase the versatility of the BCF. I encourage everyone to get a ticket for this concert,” said Drumheller Mayor Terry  Yemen.


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