The time is nearing for a party that will kickoff the new year in style as the renovated Golden Civic Centre opens its doors to the public from December 29-31.
In 1946 a dedicated group envisioned a Civic Centre and created a campaign entitled “Yours to Build. Yours to Enjoy”.
With a few thousand dollars and thousands of hours by hard working volunteers the hall opened in 1948.
Sixty-three years later the old building has been given a rebirth that will give a new home to arts and culture events in the town for many years to come.
“We are doing these events on behalf of the town and wanted to give everyone the chance to come in and see the new building,” said Executive Director of Kicking Horse Culture Bill Usher.
The group has been putting together many different events to open the building to as many people as possible.
The opening night will be on December 29 with a special event hosted by the Town of Golden (by invitation only).
The following evening will be a Jamboree Concert of the 30 Dec. (cost $25). New Year’s Eve will be a busy time in the centre with no less than three events happening on that day.
Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., an open house will be held.
People will be able to come and take a guided tour of the building while listening to some great performances by some of the performers from the Jamboree night (This is a free event).
From 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. there will be a First Night Family New Year’s Party. This will be a free event which will be hosted by A-Muse Troupe.
The final event will be the grand New Year’s Dance 31. It’s an all star western swing and rockabilly party with the Bebop Cowboys Western Swing Orchestra, Prairie Oyster’s Russell deCarle, Cousin Harley’s Paul Pigat, Jeff Healey Band’s Terra Hazelton, Roy Forbes and special guests.
During the first weekend anywhere from 1000, to 1500 people are expected to walk into the Civic Centre according to Usher. Plans are still continuing for the three days of events and more information will be released over the next few weeks. Tickets are on sale as of Tuesday, Nov. 22.
To learn more about the grand opening weekend you can check out www.kickinghorseculture.ca or take a look at the Kicking Horse Culture Facebook site.
