Calling All Creators and Wannabe Creatives!
The eve of our winter festival, EmberFest, swiftly approaches and creators in the community are assembling their costumes, puppets, and skits in a flurry of excited preparation. February 15th is the big night, with a traditional gathering in Spirit Square to celebrate community, creativity and the magic of light returning to the Columbia Valley through performance and storytelling. Fireworks and live music will extend the festivities into the night!
This pageant is built on community involvement, it is YOU who could be dancing in front of the firelight on February 15th and wowing the crowds. Over the next few weeks, Kicking Horse Culture is facilitating workshops where professional and community-based artists will collaborate with folks in the community to create this large-scale outdoor ‘pageant’.
The invitation is open to anyone and everyone to get involved. And all of the workshops are FREE. Here are some important dates to highlight:
Play House Drop In January 18 – February 9: Every weekend (Saturday & Sunday) from 1 pm – 8 pm at the Civic Centre.
Traditions of the Snow King MasqueParade carry on in EmberFest through the Play House, an open door creative space welcoming all ages and all creative thinkers. These après-ski sessions are the perfect way to unwind, connect, and get inspired after a day enjoying nature. All materials are provided but you are welcome to bring your own! Drop in and create your costume and props for EmberFest.
Artist Led Workshops – a new EmberFest touch!
• Circus Day with Jocelyn and Sarah Saturday January 25th from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Civic Centre.
Get ready for a day of juggling, twirling, and playful imagination at Kids Circus Day! Explore the magic of the circus through juggling, poi, fans, and character creation. Let’s clown around, have fun, and make some unforgettable memories!
• After Dark Adults Circus Saturday, January 25th from 5 pm – 8 pm at the Civic Centre.
Step into a world of wonder and play at Circus After Dark, an evening workshop designed for adults to explore juggling, props, clowning, and character creation. Unleash your creativity, connect with others, and experience the joy of circus arts in a relaxed and fun environment. No experience required—just bring your sense of adventure!
• Old Time Jam! Saturday, February 1st from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Civic Centre. Ready to make some music? Join this workshop where everyone— beginners and seasoned players alike—can come together to play tunes and connect through the joy of music. We’ll kick things off with a 30-minute intro session to guide you through how a jam works. Chords and lyrics will be provided, so all you need is your instrument and a basic understanding of how to play it. Whether you’re strumming, plucking, or singing, this is your chance to join the fun and be part of something special. Let’s create music together!
• EmberFest Chorus: Singing with Community Sunday, February 9th from 4 pm – 7:30 pm at the Civic Centre. Experience the joy of singing in a group at our Choir Workshop, where no prior experience is necessary! Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or just someone who loves to sing in the shower, this workshop is for you. Learn more about EmberFest and how to get involved at https://kickinghorseculture.ca/emberfest.
