The Canadian Badlands and the Hamlet of Rosebud in particular will be in full bloom as an arts and culture destination with free events for Alberta Arts Days, Friday, September 30 - Sunday, October 2.
     “We’ve got a wealth of talent in the valley and neighbouring areas, and Rosebud is thrilled to invite southern Alberta to join us to celebrate the inspiration (and perspiration) of art-making that many of us practice every day,” says local coordinator and theatre artist David Snider. “Between all of our event venues and dining options we are ready to host for a few hours to a full weekend.”
    Events will include:
• Gallery Walk with five venues for showcasing painting, quilting, weaving, jewellery, photography, and costume design
• Family Dance Night where group dances will be taught for all experience levels
• Music and Spoken Word Night with artists playing in three venues, daytime workshop activities for kids of all ages.
• Rosebud Centennial Museum – Come visit this newly renovated treasure.
• Rosebud Theatre’s “Queen Milli of Galt”
    The celebrated artist for the weekend is Canadian treasure Harry Palmer, the internationally exhibited photographer whose works have been displayed at the Glenbow Museum and on a Canada postage stamp.
    Calgary-based Palmer is generously donating two collections of black and white and color portraits of Rosebud people and places, one shot in the early '80s and the other from 2010-11, to the community. The show is called “A Portrait of Rosebud”, and will be displayed in Rosebud Centre for the Arts Encana Conference Centre located on the second floor.
    Rosebud was selected as a 2011 Alberta Arts Days Host Celebration site and received support from the Government of Alberta for its planned events.
    “The beautiful diversity and creative sprit our province was built upon will be brought to life during Alberta Arts Days,” says Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. “My thanks and congratulations to the community of Rosebud for taking part in this provincial celebration and showcasing the depth and breadth of talent in southern Alberta.”
    Alberta Arts Days, which is part of National Culture Days, running from September 30 to October 2, is all about discovering, experiencing and celebrating our unique blend of peoples and passions, and the importance of arts and culture to a healthy and vibrant Alberta. To learn more, visit www.AlbertaArtsDays.ca.

    Singer songwriter Jacob Moon is helping to christen the new Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle at a charity gala.
    Moon, who has become a mainstay on the Christian music scene, has released seven CDs and collected an armful of awards. Raves of his work come from big names in including Ron Sexsmith and CBC broadcaster Shelagh Rogers.
     He is coming to Drumheller for a charity gala on October 21 for a dinner concert.
    “We are excited to have him,” said Blaine McDonald, Pastor of Ministry Development at Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle.
    The show is co-sponsored by Compassion Canada.
    “All of the funds (from the gala) over and above the expenses will go to Compassion Canada projects,” explains McDonald. “We will also have sponsorships available that night.”
    McDonald says they are planning to take time to raise awareness during the evening, and are also planning a specially prepared international meal highlighting food of countries sponsored by Compassion Canada.
    “The main thing is to get the word out. We live in the top 10 per cent of the wealthiest in the world, and often we live our lives and forget how the third world survives on so little,” said McDonald.
    “Many times that sponsorship for that child is the difference between life and death.”
    McDonald says they are hoping for a great turnout for the family event. He is also excited to have the new venue at the new Elim Pentecostal Church at the former Central School.
    Tickets are available at Elim Pentecostal. For tickets or information, call 403-823-3207.