Last week I showcased a few of the many great festivals in Edmonton. But there are way too many festivals in the city to include in one feature, so this week I would like to present some of the other major festivals of Edmonton.
Klondike Days is a celebration of Edmonton's history as a major stop-over for men on the way to the Klondike eager to
get rich panning for gold. However, the main draw of Klondike Days is the exciting midway with rides and games. But if you are adventurous, you can pan for gold in the Chilkoot Mine.
When it is time for Jazz City, all of downtown knows it -- you can hear the music taking place at Winston Churchill Square echoing through the streets. The shows in the Square are free, but there are many top-name acts who come to town to perform at venues around the city.
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is by far one of the most popular events in the city. Every year in Gallagher Park tens of thousands of folkies come to see the likes of Emmylou Harris, Blue Rodeo, and other Canadian and international acts perform on the main stage, and also at workshops held throughout the day.
Another major event is the Fringe Theatre Festival, featuring a plethora of independentally written and produced plays. Most of the performances take place in the Old Strathcona area, and go from the mid-afternoon until well into the wee hours.
Two of Edmonton's vibrant cultural groups have festivals that highlight their importance in the multi-cultural fabric of the city. The Caribbean community has CariWest, featuring a parade through Jasper Avenue -- those colorful costumes are blinding! As well,
Dreamspeakers is a yearly celebration of Native culture, with concerts, special film screenings, and cultural displays.
Finally, a festival that has evolved in recent years is Harvest Moon, a one-day celebration of Christian music. Some of the acts that have performed include Hokus Pick, Cindy Morgan, and local talent The Splendourbog.
I will be on the scene at many of the upcoming festivals in 1999, reporting on them in this space. I hope to meet you there!
