Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel Hotel Blog

Welcome To Evergreen Park And The Stompede

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Two of Grande Prairie’s major tourist attractions urge guests of the Stanford Hotel to pay a visit and find out why so many people are attracted to them. One is an event, which after 35 years attracts 30,000 spectators annually; the other, the park and facilities which host the event, attract more than 450,000 visitors annually. The event is the famous Grande Prairie Stompede; the park, Evergreen Park, “is the largest full featured exhibition facility north of Edmonton.”

The Grande Prairie Stompede is just around the corner, taking place this year between May 29th and June 2nd, 2013. The Stompede is the first big event of the outdoor season for its competitors. Spectators always are thrilled by the professional rodeo and chuckwagon racing. There are a wide variety of events guaranteed to send tingles up your spine: steer wrestling, saddle bronc, tie down roping, bareback, bull riding, barrel racing, and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association racing. This year, Aaron Pritchett will be headlining the Stompede Beer Gardens on Friday night while International Country Superstar Joe Diffie will take the stage on Saturday.

Stompede Entertainment Director, Trevor Denis says, “The Stompede Beer Gardens is a sellout every year but with entertainment like we have booked this year, getting tickets in advance will be more important than ever.” Stompede Day passes start at $25 for Adults, $15 for children or seniors and free for children under 6 years old. Advanced tickets can be purchased online.

Evergreen Park itself is worth a visit. Evergreen Park is open year round, offers a welcome respite in a forest setting and is adaptable for any event. Located only three kilometres south of Grande Prairie, it comprises more than 600 acres of the largest collection of exhibition, entertainment and agricultural facilities in Northern Alberta. The Gordon Badger Stadium is the major feature of the park, providing oval tracks perfect for horse racing. It’s the central home not only for Stompede, but also for other diverse events such as Monster Trucks, Tractor Pulls and Music Festivals. The latest addition to Gordon Badger Stadium is the Racing and Entertainment Centre which includes facilities for live and simulcasts track betting and a fully licensed Casino Restaurant and lounge. The 115,000 sq. ft. Trade Exhibition Convention Centre will be happy to host your meeting, wedding, convention, or other similar events be they small or large.

For luxurious and affordable accommodation during the Grande Prairie Stompede or other events at Evergreen Park, look no further than the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel, less than ten minutes away. On your return to the hotel, unwind in your spacious room, relax in our SIPPS Lounge, and experience a sumptuous meal in our Delmonica’s restaurant.

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Mark your calenders! Grand Prairie`s “Eggstravaganza”, is just around the corner. Eggstravaganza is a word now heard throughout the world describing events set up at Easter mainly for pre-teens. It’s a catchy name, and refers to activities that vary from location to location. Happening at Easter, however, there are common threads amongst the offerings. Many activities are free or at minimal cost. Just about all of them feature egg hunts, egg dyeing, and candy. As Eggstravaganza has spread from city to city, so have its attractions, which range from face painting to athletic challenges, to workshops and even courses for the academically inclined. It all depends on what the talent of your community wishes to offer.

Fun is always planned at Canada’s Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. Because of the setting, eggs featured there are a little more “eggs-otic” than in other parts of the world. Chocolate egg decorating classes are offered, as well as opportunities to bring your own designs or follow the patterns in this amazing museum as you create a traditional pysanka. Searchers are challenged to find twelve golden eggs hidden throughout the museum before they enter a draw for prizes.

In Orange County near Disneyland, families flock to the Irvine Park Railroad. There they can meet an oversized Easter Bunny and obtain a photo with E.B. Before they leave they can also experience train rides, moon bounces, hay rides, and paddleboat rides.

Grande Prairie’s annual event is also extremely popular. We won’t let the cat out of the bag (....er, is that rabbit out of the bag?) about all the child-friendly Easter events being planned for your family. A strong hint, however, is that you will not be disappointed if you are a 10 or under bunny and wish to take part in the Easter egg hunt, cookie decorating, petting zoo, games and prizes or face painting.

The 2013 Grande Prairie Easter Eggstravaganza takes place on Saturday, March 30, 2013. It all happens between 12: 00 noon and 3:00 pm. A bonus hour is being offered this year to eager beavers who obtain an early bird passport for $5.00. The first 250 of these lucky, passport-bearing bunnies will be allowed to enter at 11 am! The action all takes place at beautiful Muskoseepi Park, which runs through the heart of the city. Use the entrance located at the intersection of 102 Street and 102 Avenue. This entrance is conveniently located less than two kilometres from the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel. Inquire from any staff at the hotel, or call 780-538-0451 for further details.

Be sure to mark the date on your calendar. This is one Easter activity they won’t want to miss!

Check out a short video of Grande Prairie’s 2012 Eggstravaganza (Scroll to 0.59 sec)

NITEHAWK WINTER GETAWAY

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Let’s assume you are keen to spend some quality time with your family on some snow trails in the vicinity. You have only a day on the tracks together, so you want to go on well groomed trails. Although you want to be together for at least part of the day, you each are also excited about spending at least a little time improving your skill level. Thus, part of the day’s criteria for each family member is to face opportunities at their own level. This means the area for outdoor adventuring in the snow must have a variety of trails, be well groomed, and feature different levels for different abilities.

Does anywhere in or around Grande Prairie meet these conditions? Glad you asked, since you will be blown away by our findings! The Nitehawk Recreation Area, is along the Wapiti River and is a mere ten minutes from Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel. It features 14 trails. It is a phenomenal place for anyone seeking the sun and outdoors and especially beginning skiers. Family skiers and advanced skiers may find it a tad less challenging, but everyone will enjoy the friendly atmosphere and should be ready for weather and conditions which will appeal to them.

As of the date this was written, all trails were rated Excellent. The Will-0-Way, Bob’s Bump, Easy Street, and Slow Poke are easy trails enjoyed by beginners, but also worth cruising on by experts and Intermediates. Temptation and the Shoot will intrigue Intermediate skiers. Two runs, Show Off and Home Run, are available for the experts. Intermediates who ski responsibly and experts can both enjoy schussing down Upper/Lower Roller Coaster, Connector, Highway 40, Aquatera Tube Zone, and Terrain Park. Everyone will find The Mogol Patch worthwhile.

We realize that conditions change with the weather, so invite all thrill-seekers who want up-to-date conditions reports and a list of operating days and hours to contact the Hill Hotline at 780-402-8977, or log in to gonitehawk.com/hill-report/trail-report. There, you’ll find whether to expect good or fair ratings for each trail, if it’s open or closed, and, best of all, whether fresh powder awaits you. The website also provides rates, information on a half-dozen or so clubs for all ages, and blogs which really tell it like is. Example, one February blog entices visitors with news of on-site barbecues to dare and tear themselves away from snow which had created epic snowboard and skiing conditions.

If you thought that Nitehawk was just a quaint little ski hill, think again. It is the Northern Alberta centre for training of ski and snowboard instructors. It operates a triple chair and platter lift. Ski lessons and rentals for over 300 sets of skis and boards are available.

Nitehawk may be smaller than ski hills located in National Parks, but its location means that you are safer since you don’t have to worry about driving in those dangerous mountain passes. 40,000 visits to the hill in one winter suggest its popularity. Nitehawk supports Grande Prairie interests big time. “Supports” is the right word because since its beginning in 1960 the area is run as a non-profit. And, its chalet in the wilderness can become the venue for a variety of events such as weddings, conventions and banquets.

Nitehawk is sure to answer your needs for exercise in the winter’s fresh air. Don’t be disappointed by the thought of winter ending, however. Once the melt is underway, look forward to the summer events which occur in a multitude of settings in the area: the Wilderness Campground, Gravity Mountain Bike Park, Luge Track and the Freestyle Water Ramp, where you can even practise ski jumping in the summer! No wonder Grande Prairie is so proud of the all-season Nitehawk development!

Weather Delays Our First Frost Moon Winter Festival

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

When you plan a winter festival, you do everything possible to take advantage of all that living in the icy, cold north has to offer. You actually relish the thought of unplugging your car to motor off to an event Southerns can only dream about. Imagine putting on your long johns and visiting a family-friendly site where you can sled, skate or toboggan with your children, and then warm up in community-built-and-maintained fire pits. Later, think about ways to celebrate your forays into the freezing cold by enjoying a hot meal together in the Friday fundraising barbecue and entertainment event.

Where and how was all this supposed to take place? Why, at Grande Prairie’s initial Frost Moon Festival, of course! What happened? Well, the weather gods who normally supply sub-zero temperatures and conditions in our area must have eaten too much Christmas Fruit Cake. This year, the event planned for what is normally a snowy January week has had to be postponed until February 21-24. The reason? Rain combined with abnormally high temperatures for this time of year eliminated the snow. With snow completely gone, building ice sculptures is a tad difficult. So is skating and sledding. We wonder how the Snow Volleyball Tournament might have been affected. The latter event is a take-off on beach volleyball, with the added attraction of a glow-in-the dark ball. We are dying to see how participants and spectators might select their styles of dress: will they mix bathing suits with snow suits?

Not to worry, since our hardy community organizers never admit defeat for any reason. Instead of canceling the Frost Moon event, they had the foresight to move it into February. Maybe they rationalized that the weather gods who necessitated the change just wanted to please us by by supplying some balmy, unseasonably warm weather in January for those who prefer indoor activities. Whether January or February, Frost Moon promises plenty of activities for those inclined to stay reclined, or indoors. Grande Prairie winters will now be famous for refuting that slogan that “you can’t have your cake and eat it, too”.

Travelers fortunate enough to stay at the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel during the Frost Moon celebration are a short distance from the event’s main Montrose Site at 9839-103 Avenue. All activities appeal to all ages and skill levels, and are free, except for the reasonably-costing family, fundraising barbecue. Further information can be obtained from the Regional Tourism Association located at 11330 106 Street, telephone 780-539-7688. Be sure to be in town for the event, and invite your friends from the South, who may otherwise never know what they are missing in our winter paradise.

Harlem Globetrotters come to Grande Prairie!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

On January 12th, 2013 Get ready for the world famous Harlem Globe Trotters! Coming to Grande Prairire as part of the "You Write the Rules" World Tour, the Globetrotters bring their unique and quirky antics to the courts at Canada Games Arena. Don't miss your chance to see this incredible event while staying at our Grande Prairie hotel!

As an added bonus, the Magic Pass ($22+taxes) can get you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend some time before the game with the Globetrotters themselves!

For more information, check out the Harlem Globetrotter's website

Taste of Winter comes to Grande Prairie

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

On October 28, 2012 we had an unusual cold snap here in Grande Prairie. -14°C, 10cm of fresh snow, and a bitter west wind ain't gonna stop these guys firing up their grill.

Ashley MacIssac Comes to Grande Prairie!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Internaitionally reknown Canadian music star Ashley MacIssac will be making a tour stop in Grande Prairie on October 28th, 2012. The Cape Breton native's modern celtic tunes will surely have you up on your feet for what is sure to be one of the premiere live music events in Grande Prairie this year!

With regular apprearances on Much Music, international shows, and even a performance during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Ceremonies, Ashley MacIssac is a household name in Eastern Canada, and a very popular musician nationwide. Come out and stomp your feet to the sounds of rock-infused celtic music!

Need a place to stay for the show? Contact us today for your Grande Prairie accommodations

Elton John's "Greatest Hits Live" Concert in Grande Prairie April 26th!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Visiting Grande Prairie on April 26, 2012? Come see world-famous musician Elton John perform his very best songs LIVE at the Crystal Centre! His 1999 "Greatest Hits Live" show in Edmonton brought in over 18,000 fans. Now, for the first time in history, Sir Elton John fans in Grande Prairie can sign along to hits such as "Rocket Man", "Crocodile Rock", "Tiny Dancer", "Bennie and the Jets" and many more!

Need a place to stay in Grande Prairie the night of the concert? Contact us today to find out about accommodation for this first ever event!

Winter Arrives Grande Prairie

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Cold, wind, and snow were arriving as we were departing Grande Prairie. Ravens
were sailing in the wind above the trucks in the Guest Parking Lot, and here is one brave one either guarding the drive-way or hoping for treats from Del Monica's .

Let us not feed the wildlife, rather let us look after ourselves and each other, be sure we have our warm layers and toques and mittens and scarves with us, and maybe one extra in case we meet someone without. Exposed skin is freezing in five minutes, and we don't want anyone to suffer frostbite injury. Thanks again for a wonderful stay.

Wintertime in Grande Prairie, AB

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Looking for things to do in the Peace River region this winter? Get outdoors at the Nitehawk Recreation Area! Nitehawk offers a ski and snowboard hill, Terrain Park, luge area, and Snow School ski and snowboard instruction. The area has great rates for both day and seasons passes, and has equipment rentals on-site. With elevations as high as 695 meters, and runs as long as 2,200 meters, Nitehawk is sure to be your choice for winter recreation in Grande Prairie!

If downhill skiing isn’t for you, head to the Wapati Nordic Ski Club for cross country skiing adventure. Open 7 days a week, the club houses a rental facility, canteen, ski wax centre, washrooms, and a fireplace for warming up after a day on the trails. With lessons available for both kids and adults, it’s a great place to head for skiing in Grande Prairie!

Summer Fun in Grande Prairie!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

It has been said that the more you know about your community, the more you will appreciate it. Grande Prairie offers many opportunities for you to discover and appreciate our area. You may be surprised at the unique ways we have come up with to assure that you enjoy your forays into the past and present at Grande Prairie.

For example, our friendly Grand Prairie Visitor Centre at 11330 106 Street wants you to “taste the region” every Wednesday from June through August. They set up free bison barbeques with all the fixings. Just be ready to eat between 4 and 6 PM. Where else does that happen?!

The Visitor Centre is also the starting point of a 1.5 hour, free bus tour of the city and county sponsored by the Grand Prairie Rotary Club. Bring your cameras and questions, and board the bus any Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening June through August. Tours start at 7 PM.

Having examined what Grande Prairie looks like today, you will want to delve into its past. Fortunately, the Heritage Village on the Grande Prairie Museum grounds, located at the entrance to Muskoseepi Park at 102 Street and 102 Avenue, want you to bring the whole family to Heritage Fun Days, Tuesday and Thursday, 130 pm - 330 pm, July 12 -August 18, 2011. Those lucky enough to be in Grande Prairie on Monday, August 1, will also be able to celebrate Heritage Day by participating in or watching demonstrations such as threshing, horse and cart rides, butter making, weaving, wool carding and spinning. Come and Join the Fun!

Many other opportunities to learn and have fun in our community can be found through the museum’s contact number, 780-532-5482 or email info@grandeprairiemuseum.org.

The Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel, one of the north’s largest full-service hotels and Grande Prairie’s premiere special events hotel, lends its support to various events and activities in the area. The friendly staff is always ready to direct its visitors to events they are sure to enjoy. Contact us at 780-539-5678 or email us to reserve a room today at reservations@stanfordhospitality.com

The Grand Prairie Stompede is Right Around the Corner!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Now in its 33^rd year, the annual Grand Prairie Stompede takes place this week, May 24-29 and features everything you’d expect from a good ol’ fashioned rodeo celebration. There’s tons of live music, a raucous beer gardens, a sensational miss Stompede pageant, an ultra-fun midway, and some rip-roarin’ chuckwagon racing. And, of course, there’s the main attraction: pro rodeo events from bull riding to steer wrestling.

The event takes place at Grand Prairie’s evergreen parkand is expected to draw over 30,000 eager Stompede spectators. So be sure to book your Stanford Grand Prairie Hotel accommodations soon, before they fill up. Contact us to find our about our special Stompede rates.

For more information about Stompede, visit their website or call the Stompede hotline at 780-532-4646.

Reel Shorts Film Festival in Grand Prairie

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Come celebrate cinema this week at Grand Prairie’s annual showcase of local and international filmmaking. Stanford Grand Prairie Hotel is proud to sponsor this year’s Reel Shorts Film Festival taking place May 4-8 at the Second Street Theatre. This popular Grand Prairie event caters to cineophiles of all ages and tastes, with everything from documentaries to dramas. The festival also features special workshops and screenings for young aspiring auteurs, with special appearances by the directors themselves.

Beginning in 2007, the Reel Shorts Film Festival was established by founder Terry Scerbak, as a way of showcasing local filmmakers from the Peace region of northwest Alberta and northeast BC alongside international talent. Since then, attendance has doubled, with youth programs and filmmaking workshops being a major draw.

To find out more about the Reel Shorts festival, visit them online. And don’t forget to book your special discounted festival accommodations with Stanford Grand Prairie Resort. As a sponsor, we’re proud to offer guests the ultimate Grand Prairie film festival experience. Give us a shout to find out more!

Spring is in the Air

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Herald-Tribune has been receiving reports all week about the return of crows, geese, gulls and, of course, the famous trumpeter swan for which the city garners its nickname. Here's the evidence as this one flies over the St. Joe's field on the city's south side.

Congrats to our winner!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Congrats to our Valentine's Day drwa winner Rob Nolius,Rob won a pair of tickets to go see "Heart" live in concert on Monday evening!Enjoy Rob and once again congrats from all of us here at Stanford Hotel amd Resorts in Grande Prairie!

Congrats to our "Beat the Winter Blues" Contest!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Congrats to our winner Denise Davidson from Worsley,AB!! Denise won our "Beat the Winter Blues" contest and won a lovely night for 2 in one of our fabulous jacuzzi suites with a complementary bottle of bubbly! Enjoy Denise

Stanford Christmas Pet Draw

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Congrats to our winners Kirk and Tammy Glass from Coal Dale,AB!!Rosie (Mr and Mrs.Glass's boston terrier)is our grande prize winner and walked away with the lovely gift basket pictured above.

Rosie I hope you enjoy all of your treats from your family here at Stanford Hotel & Resorts in Grande Prairie,AB.

Demolition of the Husky House Restaurant!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

If you'e driving around town today and you happen to end up over y the Husky Gas Station on 100 Ave across from Wal Mart you may notice a something different,today workers are busy with the demolition of the Husky House Restaurant! So if you're in need of gas or simply want something to do drop on by and take a look for yourself!

Passport Changes Coming!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

New Canadian passport rules coming

Getting a passport is about to get a bit more difficult.

The federal government has announced that in order to "further enhance the integrity of the passport issuance process" Passport Canada will implement changes to its birth certificate requirements for general passport applications.

As of February 1, 2011, for Canadians born in Canada, Passport Canada will only accept birth certificates issued by a provincial or territorial vital statistics agency to support a general or a child's passport application.

More information is available online at: passportcanada.gc.ca.

Passport Canada wants to ensure that Canadian travellers are aware of these upcoming changes well in advance of the implementation date and encourages Canadians to initiate their passport application process as soon as they intend to travel to ensure that the proper documentation is obtained in time for a trip abroad.

Passport Canada is advising travellers to factor in the time required to obtain proper documentation prior to submitting a passport application. The changes outlined above are reflected in the passport application forms. Failure to provide the proper documentation will result in the passport application being rejected.

Canadians requiring a new birth certificate must contact the vital statistics agency of the province or territory of their birth.

Simplified renewal applications are not impacted by this requirement.

These requirements apply only to the Canadian passport program

Congratulations to our Edmonton Oiler tickets winner!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Congratulations to our big winner Alyssiana Hughes who won a pair of tickets to the Oiler's game for Dec 16,hope you enjoy the tickets Alyssiana!!

Crystal Lake Cemetary Haunted House

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

October 23 and October 30

Oh exciting...someone has put on a haunted house at 8910 129 Ave.

From dark till 11pm. Entry Fee is a non-perishable food item or cash all to be donated to the Grande Prairie Food bank.

Happy Haunting!

PARDS - "Our Shining Stars" Dine and Dance

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Our Shining Stars – Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society’s 13^th Annual Dine and Dance Fundraiser

Join us for PARDS 13^th Annual Dine & Dance on Saturday, November 20^th at Five Mile Hall from 5:30 PM - 1:00 AM

Enjoy a champagne greeting, delicious buffet dinner, cash bar, auctions, draws, door prizes, music and dancing! It will be a magical evening honouring our riders, and the volunteers, community members and businesses who help to keep this essential service available in our community. All proceeds raised directly support PARDS therapeutic programs.

Tickets are only $50.00 each and are available through the PARDS office. Call 780-538-3211 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting or email info@pards.ca today to order your tickets and reserve your tables.

We look forward to seeing you at PARDS 13^th Annual Dine & Dance in celebration of “Our Shining Stars”!

http://pards.ca/

Ovations Dinner Theatre Presents…

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Odd Couple, by Neil Simon

Ovations Dinner Theatre in association with the Grande Prairie Performing Arts Guild is proud to present the Female Version of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple. This family comedy about two mismatched personalities living in the same apartment has been an audience favourite for over 50 years.

Tickets are available for dinner and the show for $55 or $60, or for the show alone for $30 or $35. Youth ticket prices are also available. Shows will be playing on October 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and November 4, 5, and 6.

For more information, or to buy tickets, you can visit the Ovations Dinner Theatre website, or call the Box Office at 780-897-9200.

The Great Pumpkin Carving Contest

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie's New Mayor

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Bill Given is Grande Prairie's new Mayor! We would like to thank Dwight for his time he has spent as Mayor of our City and welcome Bill and his new council. This is a great opportunity for our city. If you are looking for some info on Bill please check out his website: http://www.votegiven.com/info/aboutbill/aboutbill.html

"Let's do this. Let's build a better community together!"

Peace Country Idol Begins!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Peace Country Idol is calling for auditions on October 14, 15 and 16th at the GPRC in room L123. Thursday and Friday from 6-8pm. Saturday from 1-4. Registration is $20.00. Forms are available at Q99 or at the door.

Please check out the artiicle featuring those marketing students involved in the organization of the 8th annual competition.

http://dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2798281

Grande Prairie Museum Lantern Tours

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Museum Lantern Tours run at 7pm on October 22 and 23. Tour the museum's Heritage Village with GPRC drama students guided by lantern. Visitors are encouraged to purchase advance tickets as space is limited. Call 780-830-7090

Oktoberfest Dinner & Dance

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Oktoberfest - featuring traditional food and music by Herbert the Entertainer. For tickets or more info call Harry at 780-532-8621 or Anka at 780-538-1123. Location is the German Canadian Club Hall in Clairmont.

Sipps Lounge - UFC 121

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Play & Stay – Grande Prairie Live Theatre

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Play & Stay – Grande Prairie Live Theatre

Play and Stay at the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel with our Grande Prairie Live Theatre Package. Perfect for an anniversary, night away from the kids, or added bonus to your trip. Plays are held on Friday and Saturday evenings.

· 1 night accommodation

· 2 tickets to your choice of a Grande Prairie Live Theatre Production

· 1 appetizer at SIPPS Lounge

· Canadian breakfasts for 2 at Delmonica’s Restaurant

Package Price $157.00 + taxes

Ovations Fundraiser with Kevin McGrath & Ken Valgardson

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Come on out for a fun-filled evening of great comedy and helping a good cause. Ovations dinner theatre is helping put the FUN back into fundraising on Friday, October 15 with performances by Ken Valgardson and Kevin McGrath. All proceeds from the show go to the Grande Prairie Performing Arts Guild. Doors open at 7:00 pm, with the show beginning at 8. Appetisers will be available for purchase during the show. Tickets are just $15 so call 780-897-9200 today to reserve your seats and help support the arts in your community.

The Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel wants you to have two of the best seats in the house. Click here for your ballot to enter our draw for tickets to the show.

Grande Prairie Library’s In Touch Newsletter

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Did you know…

The Grande Prairie Public Library releases a monthly newsletter called In Touch, which highlights library events, activities, local authors, and new additions to their collection. Highlights from October’s issue include:

Canadian Library Month – October is Canadian Library Month, and the theme this year is “Your Library, Your World: Opening Doors to the Future.” Come in to discover how the Grande Prairie Public Library has adapted to meet the needs of the 21^st century, including collections of DVDs and Blu-Rays, downloadable audio books, magazines, and more!
Caught You Reading Week – From October 4-8, the library crew will be on the lookout for readers. If we “catch you reading,” you’ll receive a bookmark and a ballot to enter draws for great prizes including a laptop computer and a eBook reader!
Rocky Mountain Book Awards – Local author and friend of the Grande Prairie Public Library, Sue Farrell Holler’s book Lacey and the African Grandmothers has been shortlisted for this year’s Rocky Mountain Book Awards. The program works with students and educators to stimulate the reading interests of students in grades 4 to 7.

Pet Friendly - Stanford Hotel

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Stanford Hotel has always been a property that welcomes all our guests including pets. When checking in, make sure you receive our new awesome dog dish/scoop that is for your best friend, along with their package of goodies with treats and of course puppy bags. As well don't forget to enter your pet into our fantastic Christmas Giveaway Basket!!! Just enter at the desk when you check in.

Nitehawk - Season Pass Sale

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‘Community ambassador’ Celebrates Long Service

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

If you say the name Dougie, everyone know who you are talking about. Doug can be found selling tickets for every raffle, event and fundraiser. He constantly steps up to help all of us achieve our goals. We are very proud and congratulate you on 20 years at IGA.

Please check out the article in the Daily Herald Tribune.

http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2774976

Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers
Friday, October 29, 2010 & Saturday, October 30, 2010 @ Douglas J. Cardinal Theatre (GPRC)
Show time: 8:00 pm
Tickets: $36.00 Regular
             $21.50 Child (12 & under)
             $32.75 Senior Discount (65+)
             $30.75 Student Discount
             $27.75 Group Discount ( 10 or more)

Purchase:  Online, telephone or in person

https://eventtickets.muniportal.ca/Online/

Rankin Sisters, A Maritime Christmas

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Rankin Sisters, A Maritime Christmas
Monday December 13, 2010 @ Douglas J. Cardinal Theatre (GPRC)
Show time: 7:30 pm
Tickets: $49.50

Purchase: Online, telephone or in person
https://eventtickets.muniportal.ca/Online/

Corb Lund & The Hurtin' Albertans

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Corb Lund & The Hurtin' Albertans are performing Tuesday December 14, 2010 @ Douglas J. Cardinal Theatre (GPRC)
Show time: 8:00 pm
Tickets: $46.50

Purchase online or by phone at the Crystal Centre

https://eventtickets.muniportal.ca/Online/

Toys for Tots Run - Santa Claus Came to Town!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Toys for Tots run - a huge success!!!

http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2774988

Tracy Lawrence - Grande Prairie Tour Date

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Tracey Lawrence will be back in Grande Prairie on November 12, 2010 performing at Rock City. Tickets can be purchased from the Crystal Centre. We will let you know when they officially go on sale!

Ron James LIVE! GPRC

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Event Starts:	Wednesday, November 17th, 2010
Event Ends:	Thursday, November 18th, 2010

8 pm show
ticket info to come

RON JAMES ... LIVE!

With five television comedy specials under his belt and THE RON JAMES SHOW into its second successful season on CBC-TV Fridays at 8pm, Canada’s busiest and best-selling comedian takes to the road with a new “gut-bustingly, knee-slappingly funny” 90-minute rant. From MAC-savvy twenty-something tattooed techno-geeks to the mid-life angst of whiny, aging Baby Boomers, James weaves a verbal tapestry of trademark laughs that audiences have endorsed with standing ovations from coast to coast. Whether it’s our national blood sport of contemporary politics, or family stories from the 1960s, where dreams of making the NHL are squandered on Pee Wee league hand-me-down hockey skates with buckles on them a leprechaun would wear, or a frightening forest encounter with a nostril-drooling bull moose that gets him babbling in a ‘Cro-Magnon tongue he never knew he was fluent in’, RON JAMES ... LIVE! has something for everyone ... a roller coaster ride of seat-soaking laughs!

“devastatingly funny” - Globe & Mail
“5 STARS - Utterly Brilliant” - Ottawa Sun
“funniest man in Canada” - Victoria Times-Colonist
“4 STARS - a wheezing, snorting, chortling, gasping night of hilarity” - Edmonton Sun
“thunderous standing ovation” - Saskatoon Star Phoenix
“fits of helpless laughter” - Halifax Chronicle Herald
“Winspear crowd in hysterics” - Edmonton Journal

United Way geared up for fall campaign

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Local News / Regional

REMO ZACCAGNA, Herald-Tribune staff

Posted 22 hours ago

GPRC president Don Gnatiuk will be the honourary chairman of the United Way's annual fall fundraising campaign.

Remo Zaccagna

The annual United Way fall campaign officially kicked off Tuesday with a luncheon at the Grande Prairie Regional College.

The launch is actually split into two parts, the other being an Oct. 8 breakfast with Gen.Rick Hillier, chief of Canada's defence staff from 2005 to 2008, at the Grande Prairie Inn.

GPRC hosted the Tuesday event because president Don Gnatiuk is this campaign's honourary chairman.

"The folks at the United Way approached me and asked me and I agreed," he said.

"I'm humbled by the request because it's such an important part of what we do here in our community and I want to make sure that I do it justice.

"Today was the kickoff and a chance to meet the board, to meet the cabinet and to state our goal – that by the end of November, we want to be able to raise $825,000."

Gnatiuk hopes to help impress upon college students, as well as the general public, the importance an organization like the United Way holds in a community like Grande Prairie.

"The United Way represents our ability to give back, to help those that need a little help, that need a little support. And all of us in our lives at some point need that and that's our responsibility," he said.

The goal is $25,000 more than last year's, when the organization raised $810,337.

Even with a slower economy, Gnatiuk said he believes the goal is attainable.

"I think (the United Way) is important at any time, because many of the issues we deal with are not directly economy driven. Some are, but not everything is about the economy," he said.

"I think we will (reach our goal). Based on the history, based on knowing this community, I think $825,000 is a realistic goal."

rzaccagna@bowesnet.com

Nomination Day Round Up: Five Mayoral Candidates For Grande Prairie, Acclamations In Other Communiti

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

A busy day for returning officers across the province and in communities here in the Peace. Here's a round up:

Grande Prairie: Five mayoral candidates, 14 for council as the city closed nominations at noon today. Running for mayor are incumbent Dwight Logan, Aldermen Gladys Blackmore and Bill Given, and newcomers Nasim Khan and Dale Robertson. Among the 14 council hopefuls are incumbents Alex Gustafson, Lorne Radbourne, Helen Rice, and Dan Wong. Newcomers to this year's election Bert Auger, John Croken, Kevin McLean, Rob McLeod, Justin Munroe, Kevin O'Toole, Eileen Robertson, Erin Steidel, Chris Thiessen and Colby Whipple.

County of Grande Prairie: six of nine divisions were acclaimed.In division two, incumbent Sharon Nelson is challenged by Kurt Balderston. In division four Ross Sutherland will run against incumbent Jack O'Toole. and in division nine, Mary Ann Eckstrom runs for reelection against Bob Chrenek. Five incumbents were acclaimed -- Everett McDonald, Leanne Beaupre Lois Dueck and Richard Harpe. Brock Smith--an 21-year veteran of previous councils--ran unopposed in the vacated division seven.

Leona Hansen has been acclaimed as mayor of Beaverlodgereclaiming the chair. However, not enough candidates stepped forward to run for council. Nominations are adjourned until tomorrow at 10 am to allow more people to submit nomination papers.

Residents of Wembley will have choices to make when they elect their new town council on October 18th. Incumbant Owen Smith will be challenged by Chris Turnmire for the mayor's seat, while eight people are in the running for six council positions. That includes incumbants Ron Halladay, Colleen Holler, Richard Querin and Cindy Trudel, and 4 challengers... Dick Barendregt, Joe Bruyere, Marc Moncrieff, and Terry Pope.

There will be no election next month in Hythe, as the village has received the exact number of candidates needed to fill out council. Acclaimed to three year terms are incumbants Gary Burgess, Carol Descoteaux, Lyle Sipe and Cheryl Phillips, as well as newcomer Krista Olson.

Fairview: Gord MacLeod has been acclaimed as as mayor. Eight people will vie for one of six council chairs: John Paul Buck, Larry Chorney, N. Ann Grayson, Dan Litke, Lionel E. Marier, Anton Prybysh, Dennis Radbourne, and Tim Schindel

Posted on September 20, 2010 by news feed

Nitehawk Back to School Pass!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Roadwork’s For Access To Pipestone Bone Bed Should Start Soon

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Federal and provincial approval of the development of road and bridge access to the Pipestone Creek Bone Bed site should become a reality over the next week.

That was included in an update this week to the County of Grande Prairie on the River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum.

Executive Director Brian Brake says their local fundraising efforts also continue to move ahead:

$3.4-million of the $9-million in local funds needed for the project already in place.

That amount does not include gifts in kind for the project.

The Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative is also now fully staffed, with the recent hiring of a paleontologist and an education manager.

Resource: http://hqgrandeprairie.com/news/14586/Roadworks%20For%20Access%20To%20Pipestone%20Bonebed%20Should%20Start%20Soon

YOM KIPPUR Downhill Race

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Food Bank Drive

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

I am so proud and would like to say thank you to everyone who donated food Tuesday night for the annual Salvation Army Foodbank Drive. Ken O'Shea and his team did a fantastic job organizing the event and myself and family were proud to be part of it. Please see Josephine Lim's front page article in the Daily Herald Tribune about the increase.

http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2760472

2010 GPRC Presidents Ball October 23rd

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

2010 President's Ball

Saturday, October 23^rd
Bowes Family Crystal Gardens

Click Here to view the President's Ball 2009 Photo Gallery!

2010 Titanium Sponsor

2010 President's Ball Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor

Janina's Jewellery Ltd.

Gold Sponsors

Silver

All Peace Protection
Crystal Centre
Devon Canada Corporation
Field, Field & Field Architecture-Engineering Ltd.
Pepsi Bottling Group
Rural Discovery Destination Marketing Fund
Stantec Architecture
TD Insurance

Bronze

CIBC
Serv-All Mechanical Services

Friends of the Ball

Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.
APEGGA - Education Foundation
Chrenek Dion & Associates
Encana Corporation
Jade Cash ATM
Jake's Down South/Lions Den Pub
Kay McVey Smith & Carlstrom
Royal LePage - The Realty Group/Gail Haakstad and Jeannie Schultz
Sean Sargent Toyota/Ken Sargent Pontiac Buick
Weyerhaeuser Canada

For more information, contact:

Amanda Cyr Special Events Coordinator, Community Relations
	Office: E221 Phone: (780) 539-2905 Email: ACyr@gprc.ab.ca

Coats for Kids Program starts Wednesday

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Merv Crouse coats for Kids Campaign is looking for gently used clothing items for winter. Coats, scarves, mittens, hats and toques do not need to be cleaned, just taken to Crouse's Cleaners for drop off where all items are being cleaned and prepared for their new home. Donations will be accepted till October 15th. Residents in need can visit the Coats for Kids distribution centre across from the Lyric Theatre in Prairie Mall.

Palm Leaf honour for Hegland

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Congratulations Olaf Hegland on reciving the highest recognition award through Royal Canadian Legion. Please check out the story by Eric Plummer of the Daily Herald Tribune:

http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2756478

Ovations Dinner Theatre 2010-2011 Schedule

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

G.P. PERFORMING ARTS GUILD

ANNOUNCES

2010—2011 DINNER THEATRE SEASON

OVATIONS!

THE ODD COUPLE, FEMALE VERSION by Neil Simon

October 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, November 4, 5, 6

Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is. Olive Madison, a divorcee who freely admits

to being a slob, has invited the girls over for a game of Trivial Pursuit. Late to arrive is Florence Unger, a fuss-budget who has

just become separated from her husband. As life would have it, the slob and the fuss-budget decide to room together -- with

hilarious results! Within days, Florence's obsessive habits start taking their toll on Olive and their friends. The only remedy

Olive can think of (2 suave, gigilo brothers from Barcelona) disastrously backfires, and the two women are forced to agree on

one thing -- even the best of friends sometimes make the worst of roommates. Great family fun!

RUMORS by Neil Simon

November 25, 26, 27, December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18

Four couples arrive at the townhouse of a deputy New York City mayor and his wife to attend a party celebrating their tenth

wedding anniversary. However, the four couples soon discover that there are no servants, the hostess is missing and the deputy

mayor has shot himself in the head (it’s only a flesh wound). Comic complications arise when, given everyone's upper class

status, they decide they need to do everything possible to conceal the evening's events from the local police and the media.

Great Christmas staff party fun.

SPREADING IT AROUND by Londos D’Arrigo

February 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26

This light-hearted comedy finds Angela Drayton, a wealthy widow living in a retirement community in Florida. When she

grows tired of footing the bills and handing out money to her ungrateful children, she and some of the other residents start the

“S.I.N. (Spending It Now) Foundation,” an organization which gives to those really in need. Fearing they will lose their

inheritance, her greedy son, and his shopaholic wife show up to try to have her committed for incompetence. Turning the

tables, Angela shows them just how competent she is, and then shows them the door. Great family show!

LEADING LADIES by Ken Ludwig

March 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31, April 1, 2

In this hilarious comedy by the author of Lend Me A Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo, two English Shakespearean actors, Jack

and Leo, find themselves so down on their luck that they are performing "Scenes from Shakespeare" on the Moose Lodge circuit

in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they hear that an old lady in York, PA is about to die and leave her fortune to

her two long lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. The trouble is,

when they get to York, they find out the relatives aren’t nephews, but nieces! Romantic entanglements abound, especially when

Leo falls head-over-petticoat in love with the old lady’s vivacious niece, Meg, who’s engaged to the local minister. Slapstick

goofiness, scrambled Shakespeare, and good-natured laughs make Leading Ladies an irresistible treat.

Musical - TO BE ANNOUNCED

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 (16, 17, 18)

CHECK OUR WEBSITE www.ovationsdinnertheatre.com FOR TICKET PRICES AND SHOW TIMES

Rotary Food Bank Drive Coming Up Soon!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Rotary clubs in the Grande Prairie area are gearing up for what's thought to be the largest single-day food drive of its kind in Canada.

On Tuesday September 14th, teams will go door-to-door in our city looking for donations to help supply the local food bank.

Ken O'Shea chairs the Drive that's been a part of this city's landscape for several years:

He says if you think about it, you probably know someone who needs the help of the food bank.

O'Shea says they're looking for collection teams, too:

Parents and kids, company employees -- all are welcome to sign up a team.

Here's how you do it -- call 780-532-3366.

Great Job Walmart Grande Prairie!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Wal-Mart stores across the country have raised over 2 million dollars for the Red Cross through their August fundraising initiative.

Leading the way is the Grande Prairie store, having raised over 24 thousand dollars.

Money raised here stays locally for disaster management services.

Today is the final day of the campaign.

The local Wal-Mart store have cake and other activities planned to both celebrate the campaign's success and encourage last minute donations.

The Oilpatch is Making a Comeback According to Local Sources

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Oilpatch hiring again

A sign on the fence outside Sanjel Corporation in Red Deer indicates ongoing hiring at the location.

by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Buy Red Deer Advocate Photos Online

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By Harley Richards - Red Deer Advocate

Published: August 27, 2010 6:43 AM
Updated: August 27, 2010 2:05 PM

A year ago, the prospects were pretty bleak for oilpatch workers with a resume in their hand.

No more.

Drilling and service companies are beating the bushes for skilled and even unskilled people as their industry recovers from the economic downturn.

Bonnie Snair, human resources manager at Red Deer’s High Arctic Energy Services, said her company has hired 74 workers over the past two and a half months.

“I anticipate that we’ll be hiring another 50 before the end of the year,” she said.

One of the most popular places for oilpatch companies to seek staff has been the newspaper classifieds. And after a period of absence, corporate logos have returned to that section of the Advocate, said Richard Smalley, the newspaper’s retail advertising manager.

“You’ve just got to open up a paper and you’ll see all the oil and gas ads that are running in there.”

Year-over-year, said Smalley, the Advocate’s classified display linage — which consist primarily of employment ads, particularly for the oilpatch — is up 43 per cent.

“That’s a huge jump.”

Charles Strachey, a regional communications manager with Alberta Employment and Immigration, has also observed an increase in job postings at his department’s Labour Market Information Centre in Red Deer.

“There’s been a significant jump in the number of oilfield jobs,” he said, adding that construction has also seen renewed hiring.

“Basically, there was almost zero jobs for the oilpatch on the job board last summer.”

As might be expected, this increase in the male-dominated sectors has impacted the ratio of job-seekers visiting the local Labour Market Information Centre.

Six months ago, 75 to 80 per cent were men, said Strachey; now the male-female split is about 50-50.

He added that his department is also now getting more requests for the specialized training typically required for oilpatch jobs.

Shane Goacher, operations manager with Bravo Oilfield Safety Services Inc. (B.O.S.S.), said the Grande Prairie-based company’s ads have generated quantity but not quality.

“A lot of people are available but nobody has the experience.”

When the oil and gas sector plummeted, he said, many skilled workers disappeared.

“Some of them ended up going to school, some of them ended up getting (other) jobs.”

Nancy Malone, economic analysis manager with the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors, said senior staff on drilling rigs tend to ride out the slow periods.

“They understand the industry, they understand the ups and downs and they work appropriately.”

Roger Soucy, president of the Petroleum Services Association of Canada, said the labour crunch is likely hitting some companies harder than others. Those active in horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracturing — increasingly popular methods for pursuing oil and gas — are probably busier than other firms.

He and Malone agreed that the situation is not as dire as it was during the boom period several years ago. But if rig activity is high this winter, manpower could become a concern.

“We lost so many people who generally don’t come back to the industry once they’ve left it,” said Soucy.

The companies vying for people are already turning to new strategies.

High Arctic has been promoting a snubbing boot camp to entice prospective employees to give the industry a try. Snair said it’s helped her company hire many of its new people.

B.O.S.S. offers employees a travel voucher that they can use for a vacation after working for a period of time. Goacher said such enticements have become commonplace in the industry.

Both businesses are tapping into new search methods — High Arctic has turned to Facebook and B.O.S.S. to Kijiji — in their efforts to connect with young prospects.

“I think people just have to get really creative and step out of the box,” said Snair.

hrichards@reddeeradvocate.com

Oilers in Grande Prairie This Weekend

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Gearing up for Grande Prairie

Oilers join Grande Prairie Storm for kick-off weekend camps & celebrations

Thursday, 26.08.2010 / 10:00 AM / Community

By Andrea Goss | edmontonoilers.com

The city of Grande Prairie will be bustling with hockey activity this weekend.

The Oilers Events Team and Community Partnerships Staff will be hitting Grande Prairie this weekend, drumming up excitement across Oil Country as the Oilers gear up for the 2010-11 season.

In celebration of their 15th season in the AJHL, the Edmonton Oilers will be joining the Grande Prairie Storm for their kick-off weekend and Hockey Alberta for various camps throughout the Friday and Saturday.

"Fans across Oil Country are gearing up for the start of the 2010-11 season and what better way for the Oilers to join that momentum then take part in Grande Prairie’s festivities this weekend," said Oilers President and CEO Patrick LaForge. "Northern Alberta has a rich diversity of hockey programs that span all levels and ages, this weekend will be about celebrating the game of hockey from grassroots to the pros."

Starting Friday, Oilers Community Partnerships Staff will be present at Coke Centre, taking part in on- and off-ice sessions with Hockey Alberta Camp. Joining them onsite will be the Oilers Events Team with some fun prizes and giveaways for camp participants.

Saturday really kicks the upcoming season momentum into high gear with the Storm Season Icebreaker.

Grande Prairie residents and visiting Oil country fans alike can join the Storm and the Oilers Events Team from noon to 4:00pm in Crystal Centre’s Front Parking Lot and Lobby.

Fans can expect a fun-filled afternoon of family activities and a special visit from the Oilers 53-foot big-rig, packed to the brim with Oilers giveaways, merchandise and a complete road-hockey setup. And what would an Oilers event be without the infamous, decked-out Fanboni present for rides and photographs.

Saturday additionally plays host to the OneGoal Female Hockey Clinic run by Hockey Alberta. The program, promoting and encouraging the enrollment of females in hockey, will also feature Oilers Community Partnerships Staff onsite in the morning and involvement by Hockey Canada and the NHL.

In preparation for the 2010-11 season, the Oilers Store Kiosk will be also be present throughout the entire weekend for the special opportunity to get your hands on the latest Oilers merchandise.

GP Inn won’t convert to retirement complex

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Grande Prairie Inn will no longer become a seniors' retirement complex. Calgary-based Dolemo Development Corp., which owns the hotel, said Wednesday it is halting the structure's conversion into the Grande Retirement Complex. "People loved the concept, it was what was needed in Grande Prairie, but a lot of people had kind of a wait-and-see attitude," said Martin Dolemo, owner of Dolemo Development.

"We didn't achieve our pre-leasing and so in turn what we had to do was pull back on the project for now." Dolemo said the decision was made last week and that the company wasn't close to getting the number of future residents needed. "Over time we would have got to where we needed to be, but without the pre-leasing it just made it a bit hard to do," he said. He wouldn't comment on the specific number of pre-leases needed or how many they had.

As for whether the company will try converting the 204-room hotel into a seniors complex again, he said it's "off the books for now." Meanwhile, Dolemo is still deciding what to do with the show suites. "(There's) no decision as of yet whether we're going to start renting them or hold off," he said. "I say they'll probably be worked into the rental mix."

Dolemo Development announced its conversion plans in January and expected the associated amenity renovations to begin in June. But the company never started on them, Dolemo said. Now, it will refocus efforts on regaining the inn's clientele, which he said shouldn't be difficult. "In these tough economic times people are looking for value," he said. "With our pricing … I think that the clientele and the companies will take note and start returning to the Grande Prairie Inn. But he's disappointed the project never took off. "We were very excited about the opportunity to bring this project into Grande Prairie and it's unfortunate that not enough people had pre-leased to make it viable," he said.

Mayor Dwight Logan commends the company on its attempt, but inevitably it's up to consumers to decide whether such a project moves forward, he said. "In a market-based economy like we've got, people vote with their dollars," Logan said. "Obviously the concept of it had been developed to try and market the property and command the marketplace but people didn't vote to stay there by buying or taking out leases." As for existing city senior care facilities, he said Grande Prairie is doing better than most places, but the city will need more. "Part of the problem is that there's different stages of care for seniors," he said. "You've got to not only have enough facilities for any particular stage of care that's needed, but you've got to have it for all the stages of care. That's the challenge."

josephine@dailyheraldtribune.com

Viterra Officially Open in Sexsmith

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

SEXSMITH – A $22 million Viterra grain terminal was officially unveiled Thursday, ushering in a new era for Peace Country producers.

The terminal, with more than 30,000 tonnes of storage and 104 railway car capacity, was up and running in June.

Viterra officials heralded the new facility as being modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Brent Lindsay, market service manager, noted that loaded trucks enter through a single driveway where a probe assesses grain quality.

"That makes this facility faster because we know time is money for (producers)," he said. "(They) don't want to sit in driveways, they want to be in the field, they want to be on the road."

The process is so fast it has the capacity to load about 22 rail cars an hour at maximum capacity, Lindsay said.

"To put that in perspective, in a perfect world on a perfect day… we could load this 104-car capacity in about five hours," Lindsay said. "The plant I used to work in Spirit River, it would take me about 18 hours to load about 10% of that."

The terminal's capacity is the equivalent of more than one million bushels.

Lindsay pointed out the facility was constructed to meet current environmental standards including a dust collection system that returns all dust back to the stream of the grain.

"There is no exhaust into the atmosphere at this plant in any area, except for the rail car spout that goes into the car – and even that has three spouts on it to draw the dust."

In the middle of a crowd of Viterra employees, customers, and producers who were on hand for Thursday's ceremony, Sexsmith Mayor Claude Lagace listened intently as each speaker described the impact the facility will have on the region.

Building Stories

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Public Library will be hosting the Prairie Art Gallery’s collection Building Stories for the entire month of September. This collection features Alberta artists’ works including local artists such as Euphemia McNaught and Peter von Tiesenhausen. The works will be displayed all over the Library as part of the Artwalk during Arts Days. Those who view the collection during the weekend of September 17-19 will be eligible to enter the Arts Days grand prize draw. Stop in and have a look!

Sunrise Rotary Club is gearing up for its 3rd annual Scarecrow Festival

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Presented by the Grande Prairie Stompede Association. Last year’s event was fantastic and sold out early. Only 40 scarecrow kits are available for purchase and display. The scarecrows must be made, decorated, displayed in their businesses (or someone else’s) for the first two weeks in October, then they will be auctioned off at a Dinner / Barn Dance at 5 Mile Hall on October 16 with dancing to the

Lazy Boy Rockers. Purchase a Scarecrow Sponsorship Package for $100.00 which will include a “scarecrow kit” and a ticket to the Barn Dance and Dinner. Contact Sandra for more information 780.831.8863. A limited number of Tickets are also available for the Dinner/Dance for $75.00/each

Two More Pachyrhinos for the Wapiti Bonebed

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

It's been a successful season for dinosaur excavation, bringing total skull discoveries in the Pipestone Creek/Wapiti River fossil bonebeds to 29. "We got two very nice (Wapiti bed) skulls. One we took out, one we didn't because it was just too far into the cliff," world-renowned paleontologist Dr. Philip Currie of Edmonton said. Currie, along with his team which includes his wife, palaeobotanist Dr. Eva Koppelhus, and members of the Grande Prairie Regional College, airlifted the skull along with other larger fossils from the Wapiti bonebed Friday, ending the team's three-week summer work. Twelve pachyrhinosaurus skulls have been found at the Wapiti bed and 17 at the better-known Pipestone Creek site south of Wembley over the last several years. And Currie thinks they've discovered a different classification of the dinosaur. "I'm still highly suspicious that these are in fact pachyrhinosaurus canadensis, the first (of its kind) that was ever described, near Lethbridge (about 1950)," he said.

The eight-metre-long, four-tonne adult dinos unearthed at Pipestone have been classed as p. lakustai, for discoverer Al Lakusta of Grande Prairie who stumbled on the bonebed in 1972. "For us to find it (p. canadensis) up here it's pretty exciting because it increases the range. We felt for a long time that these dinosaurs were probably migratory … and given the fact that the corridor for them moving is north-south then it's likely that they were moving up into the Arctic." It's hard to prove this point, Currie said, because of the known northern species of the 70 million-year-old Cretaceous-era beast. "Now that we have a much bigger range ... then there's exciting possibilities to look at isotopes in the bone for example and see in fact if they were moving north and south," he said. But it'll take years to confirm this. "Unfortunately in paleontology nothing happens overly fast," he said. The Wapiti bed skull retrieved will take a year or so to prepare in a laboratory, but they'll also need more than just the one. "For us to determine what species it is we do need a couple of good skulls so we can look at the range of variability," he said. "(We look at) how different are the males to the females?

How different are the old animals from the young animals kind of thing?" He expects to find many more fossils in both bonebeds, but it typically takes longer at the Wapiti location, about 30 kilometres west of the Pipestone site. "This is not as easy as a bonebed to work with as Pipestone. (It's) more remote, more difficult to get to and the rock is very, very hard," he said. "Pipestone is a place where we can work much faster and see results faster, but really we need the information from both places. "It's a fantastic opportunity for us to be able to compare very closely-related species in the same geographic area." Gathering the specimens is important, but so is mapping the geographic area they're found in, Currie added. "That helps us interpret the environment they were living in up till the point of death," he said. "It helps us determine how they were buried. "It helps us determine things like climate through the analysis of the plant fossils and the other fossils that are in the same area as the Ceratopsian (horned herbivore) dinosaurs. It helps us determine which way the rivers were in fact running and how big the rivers were." After the bones were removed, there was still lots of work to be done.

The group laid down plastic to cover the layer to make it easier to rediscover where they'd dug and chipped at the cliff's side. "On the last day what we do is clear everything out and make sure that everything is covered up so there's nothing visual that anyone would be offended by," he said. "We've restored the bonebed as natural as we can and we'll leave it for next year now. Next year we'll be back to reopen it again and go to the next section." Currie is unsure when they'll be back, but he said it'll likely be around the same time. "It's over (for this season). It went awfully fast. I can't believe it, but we were very successful and I'm very happy with the results." josephine@dailyheraldtribune.com

New Bypass Opening this weekend!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The new Grande Prairie bypass will open to traffic on the afternoon of July 30, providing an alternate route for traffic and helping to reduce congestion in the city. “Investing in our provincial highway network supports thousands of jobs today, lays the foundation for future economic growth, and supports our communities,” said Luke Ouellette, Minister of Transportation. “The new bypass will improve traffic flow in Grande Prairie and provide an important transportation and economic link for the region.” The Alberta government invested $24 million for the construction of the bypass, providing four kilometres of twinned highway and nine kilometres of service road improvements. “The new Grande Prairie bypass will help to ease congestion in the city and improve the transport of goods across northwestern Alberta,” said Mel Knight, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development and MLA for Grande Prairie-Smoky.

The roadway has been designated Highway 43X and connects Highway 43 from west of Highway 2 to 116 Street. “The new bypass allows large industrial and commercial traffic to move smoothly around the outside of the city, helping to reduce congestion and improve traffic safety for motorists,” said Wayne Drysdale, MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti. Construction on the proposed second phase of the bypass will extend west from 116 Street and connect with Highway 43 west of the airport. Government is currently completing the detailed design on the project.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province’s industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity. -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Heather Kaszuba Alberta Transportation Communications 780-422-7070 Cell: 780-717-3913 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Battle of the Bands

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

August 28, 2010
Battle of the Bands at the Wembley Rec Centre at 8pm. Enter your band for $25.00 and compete for prize money. For more info and or tickets email wembleyreccenter@live.ca

100 Flags Festival

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

August 1, 2010
100 Flags Festival at Muskoseepi Park runs from 11am to 3 pm. Enjoy an afternoon of culture from around the world. Musician Boris Sichon, Moondance Shimmy Bellydance and All Nations Drummers will perform. There is no admission. For more info call the park at 780-538-0451.

Sundays in the Park - July 18 and 25th

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

July 18 - features a Sunsational Kids Fair featuring Bobby Boogaloo from 2-4pm. Fun for the whole family. Fore more info call the park at 780-538-0451

July 25 - presents Peace in the Park featuring local bands as well as Lethbridge percussionist/flutist Jodi Bartell performing music from around the globe.

Election 2010

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Every three years the City of Grande Prairie holds elections for the positions of Mayor and Alderman. Additionally, School Board Trustees from the Grande Prairie Roman Catholic Separate School Board and Grande Prairie Public School Board are elected on the same ballot.

This year voting day will be on Monday, October 18th, 2010. Click on the link for more elecction information. Remember this is your way to be heard in your community!
http://www.cityofgp.com/citygov/dept/cityclerk/election/Election2010Homepage.htm

2010 Race to the River

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Bear Creek Pool nearing its end

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie's Bear Creek Outdoor Pool is slated to close its doors at the end of the summer. The pool which was built in the early 60's is Grande Prairie's oldest recreation facilities. The decision was made after weighing the future investments needed to further maintain the facility. As well the opening of the new Multiplex in 2011 will bring three new pools to the area reducing the need for the Bear Creek Pool. There is already a plan in place for the pool to be filled in and a water park to take its place. This water park would be similar to the one that is already in place at Lion's Park.

Grande Prairie Roller Derby!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

It's official - the beginning of a new sport in GP. Thinking it might be time to dust off my roller skates and take out some of my agression in the rink. Make sure you check out the Daily Herald Tribune's article featuring: Niki Niki 9 Fists!

http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2606893

SPCA Pets in the Park "A Walk for Animals"

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Start:

June 13, 2010 12:00pm .

End:

June 13, 2010 4:00pm

Title:

SPCA Pets in the Park "A Walk for Animals"

Location:

Muskoseepi Park

Inquiry Phone #:

events@gpspca.com

Note:

Details:

SPCA Pets in the Park "A Walk for Animals": Muskoseepi Park, June 13, 2010

SPCA Pets in the Park is a fundraiser for the GPSPCA, an opportunity to collect pledges for your local SPCA’s “Walk for Animals”. Bring your pet to the Park on June 13^th, 2010 for a day of great fund, games and relaxation in the sun. Make sure you enter one of our contests. “Best Pet Trick”, “I look like my Pet”, “Most Unique Pet”, and “Best Dressed Pet”. All donations go directly to the SPCA building fund and the Animals in our care.

Come out on June 13^th from Noon to 4pm and help support your local SPCA!

Stompede Events 2010

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Stompede Parade & Cattle Drive will roll through the Downtown on May 25 at 6:00pm. The Parade will muster and leave from Hillside School followed by the Cattle Drive that will muster at 5-Mile Hall. Our parade and cattle drive will end behind the Curling Club around 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us at the Curling Club for the Stompede Bust Out, with live entertainment by Shady Junction. Tickets are available in advance at the Crystal Centre. For more information, call the Stompede Hotline 780.532.4646

ZZ Top Coming to Town!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

So I was pretty excited to hear that ZZ top is coming to Grande Prairie. Love the music!!!!!

Thursday, June 10th, 2010
8:00 pm
Canada Games Arena

To buy tickets go to: https://eventtickets.muniportal.ca/Online/

SIPPS/GPLT Date Night Contest

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Congratulations!! Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie would like to thank everyone that entered in round 1 of our SIPPS Lounge/ Grande Prairie Live Theatre Date Night contest. Congratulations to the following winners: Roger & Val Shewkenik Christie Donald Joan Pol Julie Maines Anita Demchuk Bonnie Knee Jack Dewant We are giving away 6 more date nights for the weekend of May 28 & 29, 2010 so come to Delmonica’s or the Stanford Hotel Lobby to enter!

Grande Prairie Boys Choir

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

If you have had the opportunity to take in the boys Choir bravo, if not you are totally missing out. These students are absolutely amazing. They are holding their Spring Sing Concert at the Christian Fellowship Assembly at 7pm May 15th. Tickets are available downtown at Shepherd's Fold.
http://gpboyschoir.org/

Wipe out Graffiti Week

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie is on the clean up. This Saturday Greenathon takes place with the Rotary Clubs and the Grades 5 and 6 from all schools. Please ensure you drive carely around the students.
The week of May 10-15 is the Wipe out Graffiti Week throughout GP. To report Graffiti call 780-830-7080. To volunteer or for assistance to remove it call 780-882-7813.

City Scrub is taking place around the city.

This is your opportunity to get out and help tidy up the city. We ask that you spend 20 minutes on April 30 or anytime during the week of April 30 - May 7 picking up garbage in your neighbourhood, business or a local park. We will assist with supplies and curbside pickup or arrange for a bin for you.

Supplies available:
* bags
* gloves
* safety vests (for groups smaller than 25)
* garbage pickers (for groups smaller that 25)
* bin (for large clean ups)

Register your participation
email: gpblooms@cityofgp.com
phone: 780.513.5265

Register and you have the opportunity to win prizes!

1st Annual Grande Prairie Woman's Show April 23-25

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Grande Prairie Woman’s Show - Spring Edition is a vibrant, multi-dimensional event that attendees from all over the region look forward to each spring. It is an excellent, targeted opportunity to promote and sell your product or service. A company that sells any product or service that women purchase or use can benefit from participating in this show - that is a very broad range! From fashion, health, children’s products, financial management, home improvement to fitness, travel, recreation, career and gift-giving. The Grande Prairie Woman's Show is a place where attendees can find what they are looking for all in one place!!

Show Times

Friday April 23

3pm-9pm

Saturday April 24

10am-5:30pm

Sunday April 25

12pm-5pm

Daily admission: $8.00 Weekend Pass: $12.00

Attention Vendors: Register as soon as possible to ensure your participation - for the past few years the fall event has sold out, we anticipate the subscription for this event to be early also.

Please contact Verve with any questions or comments you may have at 780.487.5422 or toll free at 1.888.282.2524.

UFC 113 at SIPPS Lounge

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Don't miss out! SIPPS Lounge is offering UFC 113 on our 12 foot screen. Join the action for some great fights, drink specials and Nacho Platters for $8.00.

GRANDE PRAIRIE - RELAY FOR LIFE

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life is taking place June 11th 2010. This is not only the biggest cancer fundraising event, it provides an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and join the fight against cancer. The Relay for Life is a 12-hour, overnight, non-competitive event that involves teams of people taking turns walking or running around a track. The event begins with the “Survivors' Victory Lap”, where cancer survivors kick-off the event by walking an inspirational first lap. This event also involves a “Luminary Ceremony” at dusk, luminaries are lit to pay tribute to loved ones and provide inspiration to participants. To get involved with this great event please click here.

Grande Prairie Live Theatre’s 4th annual Reel Shorts Film Festival Media Release

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Live Theatre’s 4th annual Reel Shorts Film Festival is taking place April 21st -April 25th, 2010. Festival Programmer Terry Scerbak has had a busy year attending film festivals in Toronto, Palm Springs, Edmonton, and Calgary to find a selection of the world’s best short films as well as sifting through dozens of submissions, confirmed the line-up of 69 films in this years festival! Included in the program this year are 5 Peace Region films, 11 other Canadian films, 16 from the US, and 37 from around the world including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the UK as well as the 10 Oscar-nominated short films from 2010.

Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie is excited to be a part of the festival this year and would like to offer anyone coming to town a special rate of $89.00 + Applicable Taxes and Fees. For further booking information please call 1.800.661.816.
For additional information on the Reel Shorts Film Festival in Grande Prairie, click here.

Delmonica’s Annual Mother’s Day Brunch May 9th, 2010

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Show Mom your love and take her to brunch at Delmonica’s! Delmonica’s annual mother’s day brunch is back and taking place May 9th, 2010. Call today to reserve! Brunch Prices: Adult $21.95 Senior $18.95 Kids 6-12 $9.95 5 & under $1.00 per year of age We are also having a great Mother’s Day Draw! You could win Mother’s Day Brunch for two along with a jacuzzi suite and Merle Norman prize package. Draw ends May 1st 2010. Entry locations can be found at Delmonica’s, Stanford Inn Lobby or InSPArations Day Spa. Best of luck to all who enter!

Easter Is Coming!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Easter Fun April 3rd Bring the kids out to Muskoseepi Park for a day of fun! There will be an Egg Hunt, Cookie Decorating, Silent Auction, Bunny Display and even a visit from the Easter Bunny! Admission is $5.00 per person This great event is put on by the Pregnant & Parenting Teen Program and Muskoseepi Park. For more information please call Muskoseepi Park at 780-538-0451 Sounds Of Spring Grande Prairie Regional College Concert Choir are performing at the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre April 10th 2010 at 7:30pm. Adult Tickets: $15.00 Student/Senior Tickets: $10.00 Tickets will be available at the door.

A Busy Weekend for Grande Prairie

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Friday March 26, 2010 Grande Prairie Regional College Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert 7:30pm At the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre. Adult Tickets: $15.00 Student/Senior Tickets: $10.00 Tickets will be available at the door. Saturday March 27, 2010 The Chuckwagon Heritage Fundraiser at Five Mile Hall This event includes a Dinner, Dance, and Live Silent Auction

Leaders of Tomorrow Presented by ATCO - Now accepting nominations!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

“Vision is not enough. It must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.” Vaclav Havel

The Volunteer Services Bureau takes pride in promoting this innovative and exciting program in the South Peace Region. We are pleased to be partners with our presenting sponsor, ATCO, and many other award sponsors.

About the Awards

The Leaders of Tomorrow Awards program recognizes students who have made outstanding contributions to their communities through volunteerism. By recognizing these exceptional youth volunteers, the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards will inspire other students to give of themselves to benefit the region and even the world.

Individuals, community groups, educational institutions, and voluntary organizations are invited to nominate young people who deserve recognition for their devotion to helping others. Each FCSS region will recognize youth in the age categories of 13-15 years old and 15-18 years old to receive awards. Awards will be presented at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held during National Volunteer Week in April.

Each award recipient will receive a Leaders of Tomorrow Awards plaque, cash award of $100, and a $100 donation to the charity of his or her choice.

Criteria for Nominations

The Leaders of Tomorrow Awards Nominee must:

Exhibit dedication and excellence in any field of volunteer work including school, community, athletics, or fine arts; and
Inspire the spirit of volunteerism in others.

Student volunteer involvement at any level is eligible. The nominee’s activities may have taken place at any time resulting in a positive, and preferably, lasting impact.

Click here for a nomination form (PDF).

ATCO: Presenting Sponsor of the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards

As companies with long histories in the Province of Alberta – in Grande Prairie in particular – ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas understand the value of volunteerism and its positive impacts on our quality of life.

ATCO is donating over $29,000 to Alberta charities on behalf of its employees who volunteer in their communities. Through the Volunteer Recognition Fund, employees who volunteered 50 hours or more in 2009 were eligible to apply for a $150 donation to the registered charity of their choice. Nearly 200 ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric employees participated in teh program in 2009.

ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas wish to acknowledge the work of those who give their time and effort to communities in the South Peace Region.

2009 Award Recipients

Age Category 16 - 18:

Blaine W. Smith
Alyssa Shofner
Cole Jarvie
Jamie Tissington
Jessica Watson
Kolby Peterson
Lincoln Welsh
Magnus Von Tiesenhausen
Megan Kelly
Melissa Wade
Sarah Jensen
Sherman Willis
Siera Houle

Age Category 13 – 15:

Nicholas Kosa
Hailey Grotkowski
Michelle Krahn

6 days left at Nitehawk!!!!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Seasons almost over...and we're not going out without a BANG!

March 23, 2010

Even though there are only 6 full days left in the season, there’s still plenty going on at Nitehawk. And now with the snow we are continuing to get the conditions could not be any better, and it all just adds to our remaining 60cms of manmade base (thanks to our snowmaking and grooming staff).

Tomorrow night, Tuesday March 23, we’ll be open for “Powder Riding” at Nitehawk from 5:30-9:30, with $20.00 lift tickets. Now how often can we say the word “powder”? We’ll only be grooming Willoway and Easy Street, and will be leaving the rest untouched for all you powder hounds out there to enjoy.

For a list of upcoming events as well as daily hours for the remaining week of skiing & boarding, visit www.gonitehawk.com.

TEACHERS CONVENTION – “2 DAY SCHOOLS OUT CAMP”
This Thursday and Friday (March 25 & 26), we’re excited to be putting on our last lesson camp of the season. This camp
features 2 hours of instruction per day from our CSIA and CASI Certified instructors, starting at 10:30am. With this program
we also provide a lunch snack. Once the lesson is complete your children are able to practice what they’ve learnt while free
skiing or boarding the remainder of the day.

We’ll also be offering our other lesson programs right until our last day on Sunday March 28. So get in on a lesson before heading to the mountains this spring. For details on more Nitehawk lessons visit http://gonitehawk.com/rates/clinics-snow-school/

END OF SEASON HOURS:

Tuesday March 23 5:30-9:30pm Sunday March 28 10:00-5:00pm
Wednesday March 24 5:30-9:30pm Monday March 30 10:00-2:30pm
Thursday March 25 10:00am-9:30pm Tuesday March 31 10:00-2:30pm
Friday March 26 10:00am-9:30pm Wednesday April 1 10:00-2:30pm
Saturday March 27 10:00-5:00pm

8th ANNUAL SLUSH CUP Event…this Saturday!

We’ll also be hosting the 2nd installment of our Downhill Mountain Bike 4 Cross Series for all ages. So dust off your bike and enter in one of the first bike races of the season. The BBQ will be on and we’ll be grillin’ up burgers and hotdogs and servin’ up beverages for all to enjoy. For details visit www.gonitehawk.com or call the hill at 780-532-6637.

So don’t let the season end without at least one last trip to Nitehawk Recreation Area!

Pony Chucks Satellite Tarp Auction @ Dukes

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Pony Chucks Satellite Tarp Auction will be held at Dukes Country Club on Thursday March 18, 2010! Doors open at 6:00pm with Auction to follow at 7:00 pm. This is a Satellite Auction so be sure to get there early!

Why Bid? Wagon Canvas Advertising opportunities are awarded to the successful bidders for all 5 nights of Racing at the 2010 Grande Prairie Stompede with an audience of over 30,000 people!

Benefits:

-Wagon canvas advertising

-Daily race announcements

-Daily program race insert listing

-Wagon family hospitality

-Two tickets for all five nights of racing

There are also two additional Satellite Tarp Auctions coming up!

Tuesday April 6^th the World Professional Chuckwagon Tour Tarp Auction at Evergreen Park Tech Centre

Thursday April 15^th the Western Chuck Association Tarp Auction at Dukes Country Club

Coming in from out of town? Choose Stanford Hotels & Resorts to take care of your accommodations.

Book right here on our website or call our

Reservation Line

1-800-661-8160

Enter Our Grande Prairie Mother's Day Draw!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

To Celebrate Mother's Day; Stanford Hotels & Resorts and InSPArations Day Spa have teamed up to provide a Mother-Daughter Delight Spa Package. This package includes one night hotel accommodations and Mother’s Day Brunch for two at Delmonica's Restaurant!

Enjoy together time with an 80 min Aromatherapy Massage for each of you in adjoining suites at InSPArations Day Spa. Relax together while enjoying side-by-side natural manicures and pedicures. Complete your spa day with Makeup Lessons. Bonding is Beautiful!

This package also includes an overnight stay at the Stanford Inn Grande Prairie, and Mother’s Day Brunch at Delmonica's Restaurant.

There are three ways you can enter to win!

*Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie or Delmonica's Restaurant

*In Studio at InSPArations Day Spa/Merle Norman Cosmetics

Happy Mother's Day!

Note: This package is for two guests, mother-daughter, sisters, or girlfriends.

Draw Closes May 01, 2010

30th Annual Art Auction

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

30th Annual Art Auction

We hope you will mark the new event date on your calendar and join us on April 10th in the beautiful Teresa Sargent Hall at the Montrose Cultural Centre.

Saturday, April 10, 2010
7:00 pm
9839 – 103 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB
Tickets are $100 each.
Please call the Gallery at (780) 532-8111 to purchase tickets.

The annual Art Auction is a special event that provides a diverse showcase of local, regional and national artistic talent. This year we are introducing a Commemorative Catalogue that will focus attention on each donating artist’s work and each guest will receive a copy.

Sponsorship
With the support of the community and patrons like you, we are able to host such an important event. We have revitalized our Sponsorship Program in hopes that it provides a better range of sponsorship opportunities. Also, we have added a Pearl Level sponsorship opportunity. This new opportunity is available for two supporters who are interested in becoming the 30th Anniversary Commemorative Art Catalogue Sponsors.

This year the Art Auction is excited to announce that Investors Group Financial Services will continue their support of the Gallery at the 30th Anniversary Art Auction as the Title Sponsor. We would like to thank Investors Group for their ongoing and generous support.

If you would like information on any of our sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rob Swanston directly at (780) 357 – 7486 and he would be happy to provide you with more details.

Download Sponsorship Information: Sponsorship Package, Pearl Sponsorship Package

All funds raised at the Art Auction directly support The Prairie Art Gallery.

http://prairiegallery.com/news/30th-annual-art-auction/

Stanford On the Scene

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Stanford Hotels & Resorts would like to keep everyone updated on the 2010 Arctic Winter Games! Keep an eye on our Stanford Inn Grande Prairie Facebook Fan Page where we are uploading new pictures daily.

See photo’s from the Opening Ceremonies, Curling, Dog Mushing, and Figure Skating Short Program’s. There will be much more to come so join us as a fan on Facebook and browse our photo albums today!

Official Site of The River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum Revealed!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The official location of the River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum was revealed at Centre 2000 on Tuesday! Slated to be approximately two kilometers north east of the Town of Wembley the museum will be visible from highway 43 otherwise known as the Alaska Highway. The unveiling of the location makes this long awaited masterpiece more of a reality.

MP Chris Warkentin also made a video announcement that the federal government just granted over $500,000.00 to the project. Tuesday March 2, 2010 was the official launch of the Capital Fund-Raising Program for the Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative. The success of the museum relies on community support along with municipal, provincial, and federal funding.

The excitement surrounding this project is undeniable. The River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum will help Grande Prairie become a tourist destination and promises to drive international attention to our area.

Speakers during today’s presentation included:

Bill Rogan

Chief Administrative Officer for County of Grande Prairie No.1

Wayne Drysdale

Member of the Legislative Assembly for Grande Prairie Wapiti

Richard Harpe Deputy Reeve County of Grande Prairie No. 1

Dwight Logan Mayor of the City of Grande Prairie

Claudia Buck Member, Board of Directors Rural Alberta Development Fund

Jack O’Toole Chair for the River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum Society

Brian Brake Executive Director Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative

There are several levels of support that will be accepted from $50.00 to 1,000,000.00+. There is an amazing Donor Recognition Program. Become a part of the legacy today!

Contact: Brian Brake

Executive Director

Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative

780-567-5584

Bbrake@countygp.ab.ca

Cody Hay - Fantastic Job

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

We are so proud to see so many talents emerge from our local towns; from skaters, aerialists, fashion designers to singers, the Peace Country has been blessed with so many talented individuals.

We want to congratulate you all on on the path you are on and look forward to seeing where it takes you in the future.

Please check out the Daily Herald Tribune on a fantastic picture of Cody Hay and Anabelle Langlois on their trip to the Olympics.
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/PhotoGallery/PhotoGallery.aspx?abID=42462&imgID=&pageID=3

Expedia Review for Stanford Hotel

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Stanford Hotels and Resort

Grande Prairie self-catering property with a restaurant

Hotel Class

Traveler ratings summary of Stanford Hotels and Resort, Grande Prairie Hotel

Scores are based on a 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) rating system.
5.0	Hotel service	Hotel condition	Room cleanliness	Room comfort
Overall satisfaction	100% of travelers (1 of 1) recommend this hotel
5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
Scores are based on a 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) rating system.

Write a review of this hotel (You may be required to sign in to verify your stay)

Individual ratings and reviews

All reviews displayed below have been submitted by customers who stayed at this hotel. Only the 1 most recent reviews are shown.

A traveler from Tumbler Ridge recommends this hotel

	Overall satisfaction	Hotel service	Hotel condition	Room cleanliness	Room comfort
	5	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0

Posted: 13 Aug 2009

Impressed

We thought the Stanford was very clean and comfortable and will stay there again. In particular, the one-cup style coffee maker was a bonus and the coffee itself was quite good!

Expedia Review for Stanford Hotel

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Stanford Hotels and Resort

Grande Prairie self-catering property with a restaurant

Hotel Class

Traveler ratings summary of Stanford Hotels and Resort, Grande Prairie Hotel

Scores are based on a 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) rating system.
5.0	Hotel service	Hotel condition	Room cleanliness	Room comfort
Overall satisfaction	100% of travelers (1 of 1) recommend this hotel
5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
Scores are based on a 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) rating system.

Write a review of this hotel (You may be required to sign in to verify your stay)

Individual ratings and reviews

All reviews displayed below have been submitted by customers who stayed at this hotel. Only the 1 most recent reviews are shown.

A traveler from Tumbler Ridge recommends this hotel

	Overall satisfaction	Hotel service	Hotel condition	Room cleanliness	Room comfort
	5	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0

Posted: 13 Aug 2009

Impressed

We thought the Stanford was very clean and comfortable and will stay there again. In particular, the one-cup style coffee maker was a bonus and the coffee itself was quite good!

Locals Know Contest

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

We found an excellent contest for those of you looking for a vacation!!!!!!!!
Check out: http://www.localsknow.ca/ultimate-upload/?sc_cid=caen242

Travel Alberta:"Alberta's Rural Cuisine"

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Please be advised that your business has been mentioned by Travel Alberta on our website www.travelalberta.com . The article that you are featured in is “Alberta’s Rural Cuisine.”

The article can be viewed by going to the following link:

http://www.travelalberta.com/en-ab/HolidayPlanning/HolidayIdeas/Pages/Article.aspx?detailid=c23523a2-a189-4b43-97c7-41e852dbcc54

Vancouver Olympics 2010 in SIPPS Lounge

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Join us in SIPPS Lounge to cheer on our fellow Canadians on our 12ft wallscreen. Unsure of the times of the events? Check out the link:
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/

John Jantsch - Duct Tape Marketing

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

This evening we had the opportunity to take in a 90 minutes seminar with the author of "Duct Tape Marketing: John Jantsch.

This past year has been a very interesting learning experience for all of us with the benefits of social media, marketing and networking. I would love to relay everything I learned but I , definately will leave that to the pros. Make sure you check our John's website and if you have the opportunity pick up a copy of his book. In Grande Prairie, we are very lucky as Jennifer Metituk who is now a Duct Tape Marketing coach and is offering a series of classes to bring you into the newest forms of marketing.

http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/
Looking for more information on Jennifer; the Daily Herald has recently published an article on her new endeavor.
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2222545

Body Soul & Spirit Expo

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Friday April 23, 2010 - Sunday April 25, 2010

Evergreen Park
To purchase tickets:
http://www.bodysoulspiritexpo.com

The Grande Prairie Home Show

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Home Show March 5-7, 2010

Presented by Dirham Homes & the Kevin Vobeyda Home Selling Team at TEC Centre Evergreen Park

OVER 150 EXHIBITORS
Displaying the latest in new products and services!

Event Schedule

The Grande Prairie Home Show takes place at the TEC Centre at Evergreen Park. Hours are:

Friday March 5th: 3pm - 9pm
Saturday March 6th: 9am - 5pm
Sunday March 7th: 11am - 4pm

Kelowna Ballet - The Promise of Angels

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Ballet Kelowna

Categories:	GPRC, GPRC Theatre
Event Starts:	Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

Be Moved this spring when Ballet Kelowna presents

“The Promise of Angels & Other Works”.

This magical evening of dance features Ballet Kelowna’s “inno-classical” style, incorporating both classical ballets and innovative modern dances.

Audiences will be enthralled by the beauty and emotion of “The Promise of Angels” to music by Gustav Mahler and will rejoice with Mozart’s exuberant ‘Exsultate Jubilate’, both choreographed by Artistic Director David LaHay.

The second half of the performance will include the wildly successful ‘Negotiating Shifts’ from Ballet Kelowna’s Fall Tour, choreographed by Gioconda Barbuto, and the premiere of a new work to composer Vaughan Williams’ “Lark Ascending” by choreographer DA Hoskins, who thrilled audiences throughout BC with his work “Affairs of the Heart” last season.

Ballet Kelowna is breathtakingly beautiful and elegantly bold, captivating audiences with classical and innovative dance and was recently named the ‘Touring Artist of the Year 2008’ by the BC Touring Council.

Show is at 7:30pm

Ticket available in person at the Crystal Centre Box office, or by phone @ 780-538-0387
or online at https://eventtickets.muniportal.ca/Online/

$35 Adults
$25 Seniors
$15 Children $ Students
20% off groups 10 or more

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Show Information

Starts	March 25, 2010
Ends	April 17, 2010
Location	Second Street Theatre, 10130-98 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB
Directed By	Corben Kushneryk

Summary

Baked Salmon & Glazed Ham Dinner available April 9, 10, 16 & 17
Dinner catered by Jeffrey's
Dinner at 6:00pm
Show at 7:30pm

Matinee: Sunday March 28 and April 11, 2010 at 1:30pm

Pricing

$ 16.00	Preview
$ 24.00	Seniors and Students
$ 29.00	Adults

Description

A musical with book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner

Director: Corben Kushneryk; Producer: Adrian Tanasichuk

Not many would have grown up without at least a nodding acquaintance with the lovable character 
Charlie Brown of the famous comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schulz. The musical version is made up 
of little moments picked from some of the significant days in the life of Charlie Brown involving the 
rest of the gang  Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Snoopy etc., strung together as a chain of a single days, from 
bright uncertain morning to a hopeful starlit evening.

http://www.gplt.ab.ca/

The Nearlyweds - Ovations Dinner Theatre

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

THE NEARLYWEDS

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.

http://www.ovationsdinnertheatre.com/shows.aspx

Adult comedy by Lloyd J. Schwartz
March 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Tomorrow, Marcy is supposed to be marrying an Admiral. Tonight though her focus is on Doug, her Ex. While Marcy is preparing for the wedding Doug swings in from the balcony to abduct her before she can marry the Admiral. Ah but there is no Admiral. Marcy's mother set up the ruse to force Doug into action. But - mother goes for a walk and forgets to cancel the actor she hired to play the Admiral ... who does appear. Confusion and hilarity reigns.

Travel Alberta Holiday Card Offers

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The long weekend is just about here and we don't want you to miss out on a fantastic deal. The Grande Prairie Stanford is offering a long weekend extravaganza:

http://www1.travelalberta.com/card/offers/details.cfm?ID=2001&LastMin=0 &region=North &showAll=1 &userSegment=5 &City=Grande%20Prairie

Alberta North

Family Day Weekend Saver!
(Stanford Inn )
(Views: 40)

Tourism Region: Alberta North
City: Grande Prairie

Description

Coming to Grande Prairie for the Family Day long weekend? Stay Stanford and save! Stay 2 nights at our regular rate and save 50% on your 3rd night. This is a $45.00 savings!

Accommodation

Available on Standard Room Accommodation. Single, Double and Triple Occupancy.

Price (Canadian Dollars)

Standard Room rate is $99.00 per night for the first two nights. Third night is only $45.00.

Offer Dates

February 12, 2010 - February 15, 2010

Contact Us
Website
Contact Name:	Laurie Lynch
Toll-Free:	1-800-661-8160
Phone:	780-539-5678
Fax:	780-538-3913
E-mail:	reservations@stanfordhospitality.com

From the Office of the Mayor

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Mayor Dwight Logan has his new update for us in Grande Prairie - please check out the link

http://www.cityofgp.com/citygov/council/fromthemayor/MayorsBlog20100208.htm

Big Hearts for Big Kids - Grande Prairie Youth Emergency Shelter

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

We need to share this event in Grande Prairie in support of the Grande Prairie Youth Emergency Shelter.

Hospitality Industry Gearing up for Arctic Winter Games Visitors

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Please check out the article from the Daily Herald Tribune with regards to our hospitality industry and the Arctic Winter Games.
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2440115

Travelling with Kids - Moms Minivan

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

This morning while searching for some travel info I stumbled upon a site dedicated to those travelling with children. Here's a part of your travel planning that you can't leave without!
MomsMinivan.com has over 101 ideas for fun things for kids to do in the car, kids travel games, printable car games and activities, and road-trip tips. They are organized by age group, so have a look around - there's something for everyone!

http://momsminivan.com

Chinese Acrobatics Troupe

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Chinese Acrobatics Troupe


Event Starts:	Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 7:30 pm GPRC Theatre

The Chinese Association of Grande Prairie presents

Sichuan Performance Troupe from China!
Show at 7:30pm

Tickets at the Crystal Centre Box office
https://eventtickets.muniportal.ca/Online/default.asp

or thru Yang Su of the GP Acupuncture Clinic.

Acrobatics
Acrobatics is one of the performing arts, and is also practiced as a sport. Acrobatics involves difficult feats of balance, agility and motor coordination. Nearly any performance or sport which involves full-body activity-- especially in short, highly controlled bursts of activity-- can be considered acrobatics. Typical examples are, first and foremost, all the subdivisions of gymnastics and trapeze work, but specialized activities like ballet and diving could also be included. In a narrow sense, the term "acrobatics" refers to "acrobatic gymnastics," a specialized subdivision of gymnastics.

In China, acrobatics have been a part of the culture since the Western Han Dynasty, over 2500 years ago. Acrobatics were part of village harvest festivals.
During the Tang Dynasty, acrobatics saw much the same sort of development as European acrobatics saw during the Middle Ages with court displays during the 7th through 10th century dominating the practice.Today the performance art remains to be one of the most important performances offered within Chinese variety art, mostly referred to in the west as "Chinese Circus".

(Excerpt from the Deyang Acrobatics website)

Grande Prairie Regional Tourism

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The GP Regional Tourism newsletter for February is ready. Please check it out to see what other exciting events are taking place in our region.
http://gptourism.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Member-Connection-Feb-20101.pdf

Festival de la Cabane à sucre

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Festival de la Cabane à sucre

Maple sugar festival

The Association canadiennefrançaise

de l’Alberta, Regional of Grande Prairie, invites you to

celebrate the 11th annual Maple Sugar Festival. Many activities are planned for this event; taffy

on the snow, tasting of traditional dishes, professional face painting, musical animation, sleigh ride and more!

The festival will be held on Saturday, February 28th, 2009, at Muskoseepi Park form 11:00 a.m. till 4:00p.m.

See you there!

Wine Fair Gala & Auction

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Start:	February 20, 2010

Title:	Wine Fair Gala & Auction hosted by REMS Foundation
Location:	Crystal Centre/Bowes Family Crystal Gardens
Inquiry Phone #:	(780) 538-0387
Note:	Don't miss this great event presented by the Regional Emergency Medical Services Foundation!
Details:	Afternoon Tasting @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Tickets: $50.00 Dinner & Dance with Cocktails @ 6:30 pm and Dinner @ 7:30 pm Tickets: $125.00 Afternoon Tasting, Dinner & Dance with Afternoon Tasting @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm; Cocktails @ 6:30 pm and Dinner @ 7:30 pm Tickets: $150.00
Event Type:	Charity / Fundraiser

Muskoseepi Park Family Day

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Start:	February 15, 2010 12:00pm

Title:	Winterlude Family Day Celebration
Location:	Muskoseepi Park
Inquiry Phone #:	(780) 538-0451
Note:
Details:	Muskoseepi Park Celebrates Family Day: Winterlude Family Day Celebration Feb 15, 2010 Come down to celebrate your family at Muskoseepi Park! We will have fun activities for the whole family from noon to 4:00pm. At $5.00 per family, enjoy indoor activities such as bird house building, clowns, family entertainment. Outdoor activities include snowshoeing, sledding, ball hockey, skating and sleigh rides. For more information, please call (780) 538-0451. Please join us for an afternoon of family fun!

Chamber Ball 2010

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Date: Saturday, February 6

Location: Grande Prairie Inn

Time: 6:00pm Champagne Member Reception
7:00pm Dinner
8:00pm Presentations and Awards
9:00pm Live Entertainment by "Aura"

* One lucky guest will win a pair of 14 Karat Diamond Stud Earrings valued at $1500 courtesy of Curry's Jewellers.

Cost: $100.00 + GST for members / $150.00 + GST for non-members
* Reserve your seat by calliing the Chamber at 780.532.5340 *

Grande Prairie Public Library In Touch February 2010

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Stanford Hotels and Resorts believes in keeping our community together and informed. Great newsletters like the GPPL In Touch Newsletter does just that!

Find this newsletter at the following link:http://www.digitalhospitality.com/FTP/GPPL_InTouch.pdf

Coca Cola Centre

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Did you know that the Stanford Hotels & Resorts have been active in the community for many years. Not only do we try to aid not for profit groups with their campaigns/rooming needs, we as well are looking at leaving a legacy of what the Stanford stands for in our community. The Stanford room in the Coca Cola centre is part of this legacy. The Stanford came onboard during the developmental stages of the project. Please check out their website at:

http://www.cityofgp.com/citygov/dept/ccc/meeting/default.htm?fromNav=&item=

Meeting Rooms

The Coca-Cola Centre offers a number of Meeting Rooms, which are available for a variety of different functions. They are equipped with high speed internet access as well as whiteboards. We also have flip charts and projectors which are available upon request with a minimal rental fee. These rooms are available at an hourly rate or a day rate is also available.

To find out more information click on one of the following Meeting Room links.

  The Ainsworth Room
The Boardroom
The Stanford Room

Holiday Card Packages

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Attention, Alberta Holiday Card Holders! The Stanford Grande Prairie Inn has two exciting offers coming up in February:

Family Day Weekend Offer

Stay 2 nights and get your 3^rd night for 50% off! This packages is great if you or your family are coming to town for the weekend.

Valentine’s Day Offer

The Stanford Inn Grande Prairie knows that it can be hard to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 14^th. Busy schedules make planning difficult, so we have slashed the price on our Executive Jacuzzi Suite! This room is usually $350.00 per night but from February 8-20, we are offering the room for only $225.00 per night to Holiday Card holders! You will also receive Cinnamon Hearts and a gift certificate for SIPPS Lounge. Even if you can’t celebrate on the day you can still make your Valentine’s Day special with this great package deal.

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger during Chinese New Year

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

February 1st -
Crystal Centre starting at 5pm. Evening includes Chinese Buffet, door prizes, dance and live cultural entertainment by Edmonton's XAOMEI Professional Dance Group. For tickets call Tom 780-532-9681 or Susan at 780-518-4988

Beer Cruise

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

I found this awesome article on a new cruise they have developed - a Beer Cruise!!!!! Check out the link to our facebook page to see it in full.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grande-Prairie-AB/Sipps-Lounge/121837967216?v=app_2373072738&ref=ts#/topic.php?uid=121837967216&topic=13235&post=74790#post74790

Sunday Night Sex Show!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Canada's most familiar authority on everything to do with sex will appear at Grande Prairie Regional College next week to do what she does best – try to open up the conversation.

Sue Johanson of the old Sunday Night Sex Show fame will speak at the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre Jan. 27.

Tickets are on sale at the GPRC Student Association office in the college, at $15 for students and $25 for general public.

On the day of the event, prices will rise to $25 and $35 respectively.

To see full article: http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2269451

Ladies We're Worth It!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Hello Ladies (and gentlemen of course!),

Ladies We’re Worth It! is right around the corner and

we want to tell you about our New and Improved Event.

We’ve moved the event to a Saturday Night and

added a Fashion Show to go with our Famous Makeover Reveals.

That’s not all! We are going to be filling the Ladies in on all of Life’s Important Secrets:

¨ Entertaining made easy (from hopeless to hostess)

¨ Self-Defense (Get them where it hurts!)

¨ How to spice up your bedroom (no, not with Jalapeno Chips!)

¨ De-clutter (from Relationships to closets)

¨ How to make your ta ta’s happy (Need we say more!)

¨ Easy Hair in 10 minutes or less (bye bye Birds Nest!)

We’re really excited about this year’s changes and hope you will be too.

It’s Saturday, February 27^th, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Crystal Centre.

Ritchie Bros. Auction

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Get ready to come to town - Ritchie Bros. Auction is scheduled for April 14 & 15. Check out the link below to see all their upcoming Spring Events!

http://www.rbauction.com/index.jsp?type=GoogleAdWordsSearch&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=gs&gclid=CNLL68nCs58CFQwhDQodTFlQNg

Grande Prairie Garden Club

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

January 20
The Grande Prairie Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting at 7pm at Lions Learning Centre. Ursula Delfs will present "Pleasures and Benfits of Gardening with Ornaments.

Grande Prairie Garden Club

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

January 20
The Grande Prairie Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting at 7pm at Lions Learning Centre. Ursula Delfs will present "Pleasures and Benfits of Gardening with Ornaments.

Grande Prairie Spirit Seekers Youth Conference

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Just one month left before the annual Spirit Seekers Youth Conference in Grande Prairie!

Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie is proud to once again be involved with The Spirit Seekers Youth Conference February 12-13^th 2010. This year’s theme “Never Give Up” captures the true goal of this conference to educate and inspire Aboriginal Youths in Grande Prairie and surrounding area.

Two exciting keynote speakers will be attending this years Conference. Linsay Willier from “Canada’s Next Top Model” and James Jones from “So You Think You Can Dance Canada”! The conference will also cover topics such as Goal Setting, Education, Art, Cultural Teachings, and Nutrition. There will be Role Model Awards as well as a Feast and Round Dance.

To register for the conference or for further information please contact:

Delaine Lambert

(780)532-5617

For hotel information please call our toll free reservation line

1-800-661-8160

Nitehawk Update

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

NITEHAWK NEWS

Excitement all week at Nitehawk!

January 15, 2010

“SPRING RIDING” in January and fun for the whole family.
We are OPEN today, Friday January 15, from 10:00am-9:30pm.

This weekend is going to be great, we have the Alberta Freestyle Skiing Provincial Competition going everyday for schedule of events visit www.northernextreme.ca.

“Frugal Friday” $15.00 Lift Tickets start…

Monopoly Vote

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

We are so excited - we are competing for a spot on the monopoly board.We are encouraging all of our friends to vote for Grande Prairie as an official real estate spot on the new Monopoly Canadian edition board game! Go to www.monopolyvote.ca ! Grande Prairie is one of 65 pre-selected Canadian cities competing for a spot on the board!!

Wedding Show 2010 Reminder

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

January 24, 2010
Title:	The Largest Wedding Show for Grande Prairie and the Peace Region 2010
Location:	Crystal Centre/Bowes Family Crystal Gardens
Contact:	Please contact Shelagh at 1-877-878-4377 or email at info@ultimatewedding.ca

Details:	Early bird prizes, gift bags for all brides/grooms and 80+ exhibitors along with two fashion shows! The festivities start at 10:00 am and wrap up at 5:00 pm. For additional information go to www.ultimatewedding.ca

GP Mazda Car Show & Sale

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

January 11-16, 2010

GP Mazda Car Show & Sale
Crystal Centre
532-5005 - contact Lionel for more details

Arctic Winter Games

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Arctic Winter Games

Mar	Mar
6	13

The City of Grande Prairie will soon become the stage for the 21st Arctic Winter Games

The 2010 Arctic Winter Games are a participant focused circumpolar celebration of sport and culture, inspiring a legacy of individual and community growth.

Grande Prairie will be the most southern community to ever host the Games, which are held biennielly and feature competitors & performers from North of the 55th parallel.

Participating contingents for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie include:

Northwest Territories
Alaska
Yukon
Nunavut
Nunavik (Quebec)
Northern Alberta
Greenland
Yamal-Nenets (Russia)
Sami (Norway/Sweden/Finland/Russia)

Athletes and cultural performers will come to Grande Prairie full of talent, dreams, and unlimited potential. These games will give them the chance to realize their dreams, and in turn inspire others.

Join their Facebook Group for ways to get involved.

Arctic Winter Games

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Arctic Winter Games

Mar	Mar
6	13

The City of Grande Prairie will soon become the stage for the 21st Arctic Winter Games

The 2010 Arctic Winter Games are a participant focused circumpolar celebration of sport and culture, inspiring a legacy of individual and community growth.

Grande Prairie will be the most southern community to ever host the Games, which are held biennielly and feature competitors & performers from North of the 55th parallel.

Participating contingents for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie include:

Northwest Territories
Alaska
Yukon
Nunavut
Nunavik (Quebec)
Northern Alberta
Greenland
Yamal-Nenets (Russia)
Sami (Norway/Sweden/Finland/Russia)

Join their Facebook Group for ways to get involved.

UFC 109 SIPPS Lounge

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

UFC 108 Fight SIPPS Lounge

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

NITEHAWK CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY HOURS

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

NITEHAWK CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY HOURS
Fri. Dec 18	Sat. Dec 19	Sun. Dec 20	Mon. Dec 21	Tues. Dec 22	Wed. Dec 23	Thur. Dec 24	Fri. Dec 25
10:00am - 9:30pm	10:00am-5:00pm	10:00am-5:00pm	10:00am-5:00pm	10:00am-5:00pm	10:00am-5:00pm	Closed	Closed
Last Day of School (out early)						CHRISTMAS EVE	CHRISTMAS DAY
Sat. Dec 26	Sun. Dec 27	Mon. Dec 28	Tues. Dec 29	Wed. Dec 30	Thur. Dec 31	Fri. Jan 1	Sat. Jan 2	Sun. Jan 3
10:00am-9:30pm	10:00am-5:00pm	12:00 noon-9:30pm	12:00 noon-9:30pm	12:00 noon-9:30pm	10:00am-5:00pm	12:00 noon-9:30pm	10:00am-5:00pm	10:00am-5:00pm
BOXING DAY					NEW YEARS EVE	NEW YEARS DAY

Nitehawk Ski Conditions Wednesday Dec 16, 2009

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Current Hill Conditions

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Base Snow: 75

Fresh Snow: 0

Condition: Fog

Temperature: -13.9°C

Pressure / Tendency: 101.0 kPa falling

Visibility: 6.4 km

Humidity: 92 %

Wind Chill: -17

Dewpoint: -14.9°C

Wind: WNW 4 km/h

Air Quality Health Index: N/A

Forecast: Cloudy periods. Fog patches. Low -17 with temperature rising to -11 by morning.

All hours are weather permitting. Please call our hotline at 780-402-8977 to confirm if the Ski Area is open.

Nitehawk Current Conditions - Hill Closed

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Current Hill Conditions

Monday, December 14, 2009

Base Snow: 75

Fresh Snow: 0

Condition: Shallow Fog

Temperature: -39.3°C

Pressure / Tendency: 103.1 kPa

Visibility: 16.1 km

Humidity: 73 %

Dewpoint: -42.3°C

Wind: 0 km/h

Air Quality Health Index: N/A

Forecast: Sunny. Ice fog patches dissipating near noon. Wind up to 15 km/h. High -35. Extreme wind chill -51.

Evening: Clear. Low -40.

All hours are weather permitting. Please call our hotline at 780-402-8977 to confirm if the Ski Area is open.

Nitehawk Now Open!!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Nitehawk is Open:

Current Hill Conditions

Friday, December 11, 2009

Base Snow: 75

Fresh Snow: 0

Condition: Light Snow

Temperature: -15.4°C

Pressure / Tendency: 101.3 kPa rising

Visibility: 6.4 km

Humidity: 90 %

Wind Chill: -21

Dewpoint: -16.7°C

Wind: ENE 9 km/h

Air Quality Health Index: N/A

Forecast: Periods of light snow. Local amount 2 cm. Wind up to 15 km/h. Temperature falling to -21 this afternoon. Wind chill -27.

Evening: Periods of light snow ending near midnight then cloudy with 30% chance of light snow. Local amount 2 cm. Wind up to 15 km/h. Low -28. Wind chill -35.

All hours are weather permitting. Please call our hotline at 780-402-8977 to confirm if the Ski Area is open.

Northern Spirit of Lights

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Come and See the New & Improved NORTHERN SPIRIT OF LIGHTS at the Evergreen Park From Nov.26/09 - Dec.30/09.
On Thursdays to Sundays from 6pm - 10pm for Vehicles and 6pm - 9pm for Wagon Rides. The light show has not been seen for 3 yrs, but now it's new & improved and run by our local PEACE DRAFT HORSE & PULLING CLUB!!!! $12 per vehicle or only $10 per Vehicle with a Food Donation for our Food Bank!!! Wagon Rides are $3 per person. Please come and enjoy our light show - you'll appreciate all the Clubs many many hours of hard work to put together this great sight!!!! Please come and help make this a success so we can continue to put on a bigger and better show in the following years!!!

Grande Prairie Run/Walk Club

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Run/Walk Club presents its annual Jingle Bell Walk on December 13th starting at noon at the Muskoseepi Park pavilion. Stay for hot chocolate and snacks afterwards. Cost is free with a donation to the food bank. Festive Costumes are encouraged. For more information contact Sonya at sonya_bodner@hotmail.com

Join Us for UFC 107!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

27th Annual Festival of Carols

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

December 7, 2009

27th Annual Festival of Carols takes place at St. Joseph church at 7:30pm. Donations will be accepted on behalf of the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Fund.

Grey Cup is less than a week away!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Join us at SIPPS to watch the 97^th Grey Cup on November 29, 2009. Kick off is at 4:30 watch the Montreal Alouettes face off against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in SIPPS Lounge. There will be great prizes and amazing specials.

Grande Prairie’s Annual Santa Claus Parade Reminder

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

On November 29, 2009 get the kids bundled up and enjoy Grande Prairie’s Santa Claus Parade! The parade begins at 1:00pm and travels East on 100 Avenue from 102 Street, turn North on 99 Street and ends on 101 Avenue. This event is fun for all ages and is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie were featured by Travel Alberta in the current issue of “Fresh Tracks”.

Please click the following link to flip through the online publication – and be sure to note the familiar face staring back at you from the cover. (Yes - That’s 2010 Arctic Winter Games Sports Ambassador Ryan Blais!)

See It Here: http://freshtracks.travelalberta.com

Be a cash savvy traveler with these tips

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

There is a lot of debate these days on the best method of payment while you are traveling. Here are some of the benefits and negative aspects of traveling with cash along with some helpful tips.

Cash is considered one of the most versatile method’s of payment there is. Virtually everywhere takes cash. In some countries you may be able to get by entirely with American money or other local generally accepted currency.

Exchange Rates on Cash
Exchange rates can be very hard on the budget if you don’t watch the interest rates you are paying or keep track of how often you are paying an exchange. Exchanges are not created equal. Make sure you are aware of the interest rate you are paying.

-Exchange rates offered by merchants or hotels can be as much as 15% or more as they prefer to offer a flat rate to ensure they are not losing money when the funds are actually exchanged to their currency

-Make sure all paper money is in good condition as this may affect the exchange rate or it may not be accepted at all. Banks cannot easily or cheaply exchange worn out foreign currency for replacement as they can with their own currency.

-In some cases it is better to exchange your money before you travel while other cases it is best to wait until you have arrived at your destination.

Cash Tips
-Never carry large amounts of cash with you on your person this could put you in a lot of danger.

-Only exchange as much money as you think you will need. Exchanging too much currency may leave you with money you cannot use upon returning home.

-If you do have large amounts of cash left over at the end of your trip and you were planning on paying for your hotel stay or car rental by credit card, pay for some of it with cash to get rid of the currency.

-Research on the internet or contact your bank to see what they suggest for currency in your planned destination.

-The US dollar is still the gold standard for accepted payment in many countries although currencies such as the Euro are growing in popularity in countries frequented by European travelers.

The City of Grande Prairie Winter 2010 Community Connections Brochure Information

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The City of Grande Prairie Winter 2010 Community Connections Brochure information is now available. Click the website to see what opportunities recreationally that Grande Prairie can offer you.

http://www.cityofgp.com/citygov/dept/recculture/connections/default.htm

Peace Country Idol

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

I feel very appreciative of being able to attend the Peace Country Idol on Saturday night. We are so lucky to have so many talented individuals in our area. A big congratulations to Jason Cheeseman for winning the singing competition and to Carly Norton a 16 year old PWA student who won the Dance competetion. Excellent job by all performers and the GPRC Marketing students for their organization. I will be looking forward to next year's competition!!!

The Wizard of Clauz

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

November 29, 2009

The Wizard of Clauz children's Christmas play will be performing at the GPRC Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre at 5pm. Tickets are $4.00 and available at Ready, Set, Dance. For more information call Valerie at 780-538-0097

Mark Us as a Fan on Facebook

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Stanford has jumped on the band wagon and are updating our pages on Facebook to keep everyone informed on some great contests, specials and events.

Click on the below Facebook links to become a fan!

SIPPS Lounge

Delmonica's Restaurant

Stanford Fernie Resort

Miss Grande Prairie Stompede Wins Rodeo Canada 2010

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Britteny Foster, Miss Grande Prairie Stompede, reacts to winning Miss Rodeo Canada 2010 at the Westin Hotel yesterday.

Grande Prairie's Stompede queen is taking her good looks and barrel-racing skills to the national stage. Britteny Foster, 22, was named Miss Rodeo Canada yesterday at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton.

Foster won the national crown after competing in the pageant the last several days. She was up against five other young women, all rodeo queens from across Alberta. Foster said it was emotional experience, hearing her name called as the winner. She took the prize for having the most rodeo knowledge of all entrants.

As part of the crown, Foster has won an collection of prizes from sponsors and she will be paid a monthly stipend and appearance fees for showing up at future rodeos and have her expenses covered when travelling. She will also represent Canada and carry the flag at the U.S. National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. Foster said she couldn't have made it without the support of friends, family and sponsors back home.

"It was my ultimate goal and my dream and now here I am ... I was very proud to represent the Peace Country and the Grande Prairie Stompede."

Excerpt from part of the Daily Herald Tribune article by D. Winwood

Ryan Blais Prepares for 2010 Olympics

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Check out Ryan Blais's fan page on facebook while he prepares for the 2010 Olympics!!!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Airblais/177599716251

2010 Subway Alberta Provincial Championships

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

GPCC is hosting the 2010 Subway Alberta Provincial Championships December 27 - 31, 2009. Call the club if you wish to volunteer as an official or host committee member.

Phone: 780-532-7221
http://www.grandeprairiecurlingclub.com/

Upcoming Curling events:

Subway Jr. Provincials

December 27 – 31

January 15 – 17

Forestry Spiel

January 29 – 31

ACAC College Provincials

February 5 – 7

Peace Challenge Cup

February 19 – 21

Men’s Spiel

February 27

Curl for a Cure

March 8 – 13

Arctic Winter Games

Ladies Spiel - TBD

March 26 – 28

Truckers Spiel

March 31 – April 2

Oilmen’s

UFC 106

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Join us in SIPPS Lounge on November 21st at 7pm for the UFC 106 match on the wall screen. Drink specials all evening!

Tourism industry jumps into realm of social media - Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune - Alberta, C

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Check out the article:

http://www.dailyheraldtribune.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2169183

Remembrance Day Services

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Just a reminder to ensure you take in the Remembrance Day Services tomorrow. The program will begin at 10:56am at the Canada Games Arena and will conclude around 12:20pm.

The outdoor service will commemorate the day with a Remembrance Day Parade and a ceremony at the cenotaph in Jubilee Park. The parade marches from the Provincial Building to the cenotaph at 10:45am where 2 minutes of silence will be observed along with the laying of the wreaths.

Please be respectful of those that have given their lives for us and show our support to the troops themselves.

PARDS Annual Dine & Dance

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

November 14th PARDS will be hosting their annual fundraiser at the Five-Mile Hall.
Cocktails at 5:30pm followed by a buffet dinner, silent auction, raffles, games, music and dancing.
Proceeds support Therapeutic Riding programs.
Contact PARDS at 780-538-3211 for tickets.

Peace Country Idol

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Peace Country Idol Semi Finals

November 7
Dance 2pm to 5pm
Singing 7pm to 9:30pm
Finals November
7pm to 9:30pm

Douglas Cardinal Centre at the GPRC.
Tickets available at the Crystal Centre Box Office or at the door $20/adults $15/students
Proceeds to benefit the Swan City Rotary Ethiopia Project and the 2010 Marketing Tour.

Learn to Luge Lessons

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Learn to Luge Lessons start at $35 for a two hour introduction to snow sliding session. This includes sled and helmet rental, membership in Peace Country Luge and Alberta Luge Association as well as instruction from an NCCP level 1 coach.

Additional snow sliding sessions are $10.00 each, or join the Peace Country Luge Club and enjoy unlimited sliding and coaching for $90. Nitehawk lift passes are not included in prices and are required to ride the lift.

Once you have mastered your skills give our Canadian Tire Snow Track a try with 15 corners over 1 km it’s a thrill not to be missed. With instruction by experienced NCCP 1 coaches you will learn the skills necessary to navigate the track going only as fast as you want.

Sliding Times:

Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
Snow sessions 10:00-12:00, 1:00-3:00
Open Sliding 3:30-5:00

For more information contact John Gibson at Nitehawk

http://gonitehawk.com

Nitehawk's Annual Ski, Board & Bike Swap

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Annual Ski, Snowboard & Bike Swap Saturday November 7th

ONE DAY ONLY!!!

Drop-off Friday November 6th between
4:00 & 8:30pm.

“Nitehawk's Annual Ski, Board & Bike Swap” being held at the Evergreen Park Tec Centre. Looking for new or gently used gear, or trying to get rid of your outgrown gear, this is the place for to be! Don’t forget this is also your last chance to get Season Passes at Reduced Rates.
http://gonitehawk.com/

Christmas Around the World

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Grande Prairie Museum will be hosting a Christmas Around the World trade show event. There will be homemade and craft Christmas gifts available along with games/crafts and storytime for the kids. A Christmas event is never complete without a visit from dear St. Nick. Make sure you come prepared to tell Santa what you are hoping to get for Christmas.
12pm - 4:30pm December 6, 2009

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Santa Parade

When:Sun, November 29, 1pm – 2pm

Where:Downtown Grande Prairie

Parade travels East on 100 Avenue from 102 Street, turn North on 99 Street and ends on 101 Avenue. Call the DownTown Assoc. 780-538-1909 for an entry form.

Vegas Night!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Vegas Night

When: Fri, November 20, 6pm – 11pm

Where: Downtown Grande Prairie
Description: Cut the cards, spin the wheel, roll the dice for discounts. It's no gamel at all. (Transit service available until 11:15pm)

Reba McEntire in Concert!!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Just Announced!!!

Reba McEntire in concert!!
www.crystalcentre.com and click on Buy Tickets Now or come and see us!
Sunday, March 21, 2010 at the Crystal Centre
Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 30, 2010 @ 10:00 am!!
Call the Crystal Centre Box Office @ (780) 538-0387, go on line @

Wedding Show 2010

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM


	January 24, 2010
Title:	The Largest Wedding Show for Grande Prairie and the Peace Region 2010
Location:	Crystal Centre/Bowes Family Crystal Gardens
Contact:	Please contact Shelagh at 1-877-878-4377 or email at info@ultimatewedding.ca

Details:	Early bird prizes, gift bags for all brides/grooms and 80+ exhibitors along with two fashion shows! The festivities start at 10:00 am and wrap up at 5:00 pm. For additional information go to www.ultimatewedding.ca

2010 Forestry & Construction Show

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

2010 REGISTRATION PACKAGES NOW

AVAILABLE!!!

Registration packages are now available for interested exhibitors for the 2010 Forestry and Construction Show. Please download the following package and send in as soon as possible to ensure a spot in the 2010 show for your company!

If you have any problems downloading the registration package please phone Evergreen Park office at

780.532.3279

2010 Registration Package

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

PRESS RELEASE

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Timeless and for Our Time

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece by legendary writing team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is coming to the Canada Games Arena in Grande Prairie on Monday, January 4^th 2010 for one night only! The first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be performed on the professional stage, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the musical theatre. Featuring such notable songs as Superstar, Everything’s Alright and I Don’t Know How to Love Him, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR earned five TONY nominations.

Set in two acts, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. SUPERSTAR dramatizes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. Perpetually changing the face of musical theatre JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, will leave audiences captivated by its power.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Canada Games Arena

Monday, January 4^th – 7:30pm

On Sale Friday, October 2^nd at 10:00am

Tickets available at the Crystal Centre Box Office

Charge by phone 780-538-0387

Online at www.crystalcentre.com

Tickets prices: $74.00/$63.00/$49.50 (includes all taxes and charges)

Discounts for groups of 15 or more

Discount for seniors aged 65 and older

Stone Temple Pilots

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

	November 12, 2009
	Stone Temple Pilots with Special Guests
	Crystal Centre/Canada Games Arena
	(780) 538-0387
	Tickets: $64.50 with a general admission floor
	Tickets go on sale Friday, October 9, 2009 @ 10:00. Random number line up will be in effect. http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce Events

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Small Business Week Proclamation Breakfast
Monday, October 19 from 7:30am to 9:00am
Centre 2000
FREE-FM Morning Show on location
Awards of Excellence nominees and Community Fund recipients will be announced

Small Business Week Women in Business Lunch
Wednesday, October 21 from 11:30am to 1:30pm
Maddhatters
$35 + GST
Guest Speaker: Carrie Warren
"My Profits Are Up, But My Bottom is Sagging"
Humor is a necessity, especially for the business woman. Imagine what a little “ha ha” can do for your business: happy clients, happy staff and a happy you. Laugh and learn as Carrie Warren shows you how her sense of humor has helped her personal and work life and how it can benefit you.

Small Business Week Fall Mega Mixer Trade Expo
Thursday, October 22 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Jackpot Grill

Small Business Week Awards of Excellence Dinner
Friday, October 23 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Montrose Cultural Centre
Guest Speaker: The Premier of Alberta, the Honourable Ed Stelmach

8th Annual Mistletoe Mixer

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

8^TH ANNUAL MISTLETOE MIXER
The Perfect Party Setting for businesses of all sizes!

Saturday, December 5,

Bowes Family Gardens- Crystal Centre

Dinner, Interaction and Dancing

Great holiday style buffet

Live Entertainment with Jimmy Whiffen

“We take care of the details so you don’t have to!”

Call 780.538.0377 to sign up or for more information

Ducks Unlimited Fundraiser

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

DUCKS UNLIMITED FUNDRAISER

27th Annual Dinner and Auction

Thursday, November 5

Evergreen Park TEC Center
This year we are offering more trips, sports memorabilia, and unique DUC merchandise than ever before. We have some new ideas for games and we promise a fun filled evening that will cater to every interest. Call up your friends and book now! Don't miss out. Buy your tickets online at

www.ducks.ca/gpdu

Grande Prairie 2010 Arctic Winter Games

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

What?

A celebration of Northern people’s art, culture, and sport

Where?

Grande Prairie, Alberta

When?

March 6-13, 2010

The Arctic Winter Games was first held in 1968, and over the past forty years it has evolved into a celebration of Arctic youth and culture. Athletes compete in 21 sports, from well known favourites like hockey and skiing to traditional Arctic sports like knuckle hop and two-foot high kick.

Currently the Arctic Winter Games includes athletes from nine contingents from around the Arctic Circle. With a focus on youth, this event plays a large part in maintaining and developing the traditions of Arctic peoples, and brings Northern communities together to share, learn, and compete.

Don’t miss out on this great biannual event! Treat your family to a spectacular celebration, take in some high-level competition, and learn a little bit about Northern heritage and our Canadian history. The Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel is proud to be an official sponsor of the games, so be sure to book rooms early before they’re gone!

For more information on the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, visit their website.

High School Musical

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Disney's High School Musical, the Broadway Musical live at the Douglas Cardinal Theatre inside the Grande Prairie Regional College.

Show begins on October 17th, 2009 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm.Sunday, October 18, 2009 2:00 pm
Friday, October 23, 2009 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 24, 2009 2:00 pm
Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:00 pm
Sunday, October 25, 2009 2:00 pm
Thursday, October 29, 2009 8:00 pm
Friday, October 30, 2009 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 31, 2009 2:00 pm
Sunday, November 1, 2009 2:00 pm

Disney Channel's smash hit musical comes to life on your stage! On the front steps of East High, it’s the first day after winter break (Wildcat Cheer). The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations, and look forward to the new year (Start of Something New).

In Ms. Darbus’s homeroom, basketball team captain Troy discovers that Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. When he calls her, the eccentric drama teacher quickly confiscates all cell phones and assigns detention. Between classes, Gabriella and Troy look at the audition sign-up for the school musical, but the drama diva Sharpay discourages them. At basketball practice, Troy tries to shake his desire to sing at the urging of his best friend Chad (Get'cha Head in the Game).

Taylor, the science club president, discovers Gabriella’s intelligence and encourages her to join the upcoming science decathlon. While the students learn how to “act” at detention, Troy’s dad, Coach Bolton, faces off with Ms. Darbus – his star players can’t miss practice for Friday’s championship game! The next day, hopeful Thespians strut their stuff for Ms. Darbus (Auditions), but they’re no match for Sharpay and her twin brother Ryan (What I’ve Been Looking For).

Troy and Gabriella arrive too late to audition, but Kelsi, the show's composer, plays the song her way and encourages them to sing (What I’ve Been Looking For – Reprise).

Ms. Darbus overhears and gives them a callback. News spreads fast (Cellular Fusion), Sharpay is furious, and some students try to break out of their cliques during lunch (Stick to the Status Quo).

Troy and Gabriella escape to the rooftop garden and share a little bit about their real selves (I Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You).

The Jocks and Brainiacs devise a plan to trick Troy and Gabriella into forgetting about the musical and committing to their respective competitions (Counting on You).

Thinking each one has betrayed the other, Gabriella and Troy are crushed (When There Was Me and You).

Against Ryan’s advice, Sharpay convinces Ms. Darbus to move the callbacks to conflict with the science decathlon and championship game. Chad and Taylor put their heads together to make things right again (We’re All in This Together).

While the Jocks and Brainiacs compete, Sharpay and Ryan pull off a polished callback performance (Bop to the Top).

When Taylor’s laptop shuts down the electricity, Troy and Gabriella rush to the theater, but are too late. However, when the East High students arrive to rally behind them, Ms. Darbus relents, and they sing their way into the lead roles (Breaking Free).

Back at the gym, the Wildcats win the game and the whole school comes together as winners (We’re All in This Together – Reprise).

Show Times:
October - November: 8:00 pm

Ticket Prices:
Adults: $35.00
Students: $25.00 (Only for matinee shows)

Tickets are on sale (Since September 4th) and are available by phone or in person with all major credit cards accepted at the Crystal Centre Box Office 780-538-0387.

Tickets may be purchased online at cityofgp.com or at crystalcentre.com

MSP Films presents, “IN DEEP: The Skiing Experience”

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

MSP Films’ new release, “IN DEEP: The Skiing Experience,” will be making its debut in Grande Prairie on Saturday November 21st at Rock City Night Club, with an ALL AGES event. Tickets will be available for purchase for $20.00 each by calling Nitehawk at 780-532-6637 or emailingjohnathanclarkson@gonitehawk.com after October 4th. The evening will include all you can eat wings from 6:30 - 9:30pm, door prizes and hopefully even a rail-jam in the parking lot (details to be announced).

MSP Films is the leader in action sport filmmaking. The team at MSP works with the best athletes in the world in the most exotic locations in order to capture compelling images in action sports. Their ultra progressive camera techniques, editing, and production value have earned them many prestigious awards, including 2007 and 2008 Emmy nominations for outstanding cinematography. For more information about MSP Films, please visit WWW.SKIMOVIE.COM

The 2009 season gave MSP the opportunity to take an original look at the sport of skiing. “The format of the film is going to be a fresh approach for MSP this year,” said Executive Producer, Murray Wais. “We captured so much epic footage this winter, we could have put out five teasers like this.” “Haines, AK was the ultimate trip because everything came together,” added skier Eric Hjorliefson. “We had great weather, great snow, and we were able to ski everything we wanted to, which usually never happens.”

CHECK THE NEW TEASER FOR “IN DEEP” AT WWW.SKIMOVIE.COM/MSPtv

Information for this blog was supplied by www.gonitehawk.com

Festival of Trees Schedule of Events Update

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

2009 Festival of Trees is in a NEW Location!!!

TEC Centre at Evergreen Park
November 24th - 29th, 2009

Schedule of Events

The Festival of Trees lends the first breath of magic to the Spirit of Christmas in the Peace Region; and initiates the official beginning to the Holiday Season for all!

This 5 day mega event boasted all the sights, sounds, aromas, and traditions of the Holidays. Guests enjoy an elite Gala Evening and Auction, over 30 entertainers, 20 special events, 2 gift shops, raffles, dozens of children’s events and of course, more gingerbread cookies then could ever fit in Santa’s Sleigh!

It is with great appreciation that the QEII Hospital Foundation would like to thank the many volunteers and businesses who donate their time & resources to bring this amazing event to life! Your efforts will touch the lives of tens of thousands of patients over the next few years in our region ~ Maybe a friend, a family member, or maybe even you?

We begin coordinating the Festival of Trees early in April, so if you would like to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer or chair person, please call LaRae at 538-7583.

Tuesday, November 24th

Designer's Take-A-Bough Evening.............7:00pm - 8:30pm

Wednesday, November 25^th

GALA Evening & Auction…………..6:30pm – 11:00pm

Thursday, November 26^th

In the Spirit of Giving Day……………10:00am – 8:30pm

Winter Fashion Show…………….7:00pm

Friday, November 27^th

Media Breakfast………………..8:00am – 10:00am

Senior’s Day………………10:00am – 7:00pm

Silver Bells Tea……………….1:00pm – 4:00pm

Festive Friday ~ Family Fun Nite…..7:00pm – 10:00pm

Saturday, November 28^th

Santa’s Saturday…………........10:00 am – 8:30pm

Emergency Medical Services Luncheon…………….11:30 am – 2:00pm

Sunday, November 29^th

Teddy Bear Breakfast……......9:30 am – 11:30am
Family Fun at the Festival….......Noon to 5:00pm

Stanford - Host Hotel of FSX Fire & Ice World Tour featuring Social Code!!!!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Annual Lantern Tours

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM


	October 23, 2009
	Grande Prairie Museum’s 12th Annual Lantern Tours
	Grande Prairie Museum, 10329 - 101 Avenue
	(780) 830-7090

	Grande Prairie Museum’s 12th Annual Lantern Tours Enjoy an evening of historically based improvisational theatre, set in the Grande Prairie Museum's Heritage Village presented by the Grande Prairie Regional College Drama Students. The audience will be guided to each play by lantern light. Two lantern tour dates available: Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Meet and mingle reception with musical entertainment to follow in the museum community room. Ticket Prices: Adult: $15.00 Youth: (7 - 17) $8.00 Visitors are encouraged to purchase advance tickets as space is limited for this event. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Grande Prairie Museum, 10329 - 101 Avenue or charge by phone: (780) 830-7090

Watch your community grow LIVE!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Watch your community grow LIVE!

You can now see the Grande Prairie Aquatic Centre turn into reality by checking out the website: http://www.cityofgp.com/citygov/initiatives/aqua/default.htm?fromNav=&item=
There are two cameras on location one to look north and one placed to look east. The construction of this building is still in its infancy but it is still great to see the structure change into a fun new facility for our growing community.

Two Virtual Tours are also offered at the website to show what you can expect to see when the multiplex opens its doors in July 2011. This multiplex will be a great addition to our thriving city and enjoyed by Grande Prairie residents as well as residents from throughout the region. The Multiplex will join the already existing Coca-Cola Centre, St. Joseph's High School and the Gymniks Gymnastic Club to become one of Canada's largest recreational and education facilities; providing over 450,000 sq feet of entertainment!

Wapiti Whitewater Kayakers Club

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM


The Wapiti Whitewater Kayakers Club is hosting the Radical Reels Film Tour - September 27, 2009. For the uninitiated, The Radical Reels Film Tour is the cream of the crop in films too extreme for the Best of the Banff Mountain Film Tour. This year’s radical reels films will features such sports as: · Mountain Biking · Base Jumping (and gliding) · Climbing · Extreme Skiing · Extreme Ski Sailing (yes) As a bonus, there is also a film with great highlights of three of our members trip to the Grand Canyon last year entitled “A Grande Adventure” Tickets are $15 advance/$18 door and include all the films, plus door prizes including a chance to win a kayak courtesy of Valhalla Pure! Doors at 6:30 with films at 7:00 at The Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre. (GPRC) Tickets are available after September 1st at Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Grande Prairie, The Crystal Centre, and Culligan. For a preview of Radical Reels, follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwFbcy6gosw&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eyoutube%2Ecom%2Fuser%2FTheBanffCentre&feature=player_profilepage This promises to be a super fun evening with a one night raffle for the grand prize of a snowboard package courtesy of Dark Flavour, and a second prize of a seasons pass courtesy of Nitehawk Recreation Area. We will also be unveiling our new club T-shirt designs (tres chic). Also listen to Rock97.7 http://www.rock977.ca about winning tickets to the event
Hotline 402 8977 • www.gonitehawk.com • Phone 532 6637

13th Annual Commedy Fun Night

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

NiteHawk would like to invite you to our 13th Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser. Saturday October 3 at the Five Mile Hall (5 miles east of the Crystal Centre on 100ave).

Evening will include: Comedy Presented by “The Laugh shop”, Full Buffet Dining, Bidding on our Great Silent Auction Items, Canadian Comedians : Tim Koslo & Lars Callieou

Table for 10…$500 or $50/person

Comedy Night is the largest Fundraiser for Nitehawk Recreation Area, with all proceeds going towards hill improvements and prepartion for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. Your Company can be part of the evening by donating a silent auction item or purchasing tickets.

Book your table now by calling 780-532-6637 or for more info

Hotline 402 8977 • www.gonitehawk.com • Phone 532 6637

Oktoberfest

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Oktoberfest Dinner & Dance will be held in Clairmont. Traditional food, music & fun. For tickets or information call Harry at 780-532-8621 or Anka at 780-538-1123.

Take Off and Fly 2009 Youth Conference

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

What?

A free conference for youth aged 14-18 to come together and discuss ideas that matter to them.

Where?

The Evergreen Park Tec Centre, Grand Prairie, Alberta.

When?

October 2 and 3, 2009.

The City of Grande Prairie and Northwest Alberta Child and Family Services Authority are pleased to present the “Take Off & Fly” 2009 Youth Conference. This event is being held at the Evergreen Park Tec Centre on October 2 & 3, 2009. It is open to youth 14-18 years of age and is completely free!

There will be some really amazing performances courtesy of the Bluebird Dancers and Red Power Squad. We are also very excited to welcome special guest and world renown wild-life expert Brian Keating as our Keynote Speaker. There will be prizes as well as breakout sessions that centre around life skill development for teens. We also will be having a youth dance on October 2 following the opening ceremonies and Mr. Keating.

The conference is limited to 150 registrants so please get your registrations in as soon as possible, as space is limited. The forms can be printed from the website and once completed can be faxed, mailed or delivered in person to Christy Spracklin; Community Youth Facilitator FCSS.

For more information contact:

Christy Spracklin

Email: cspracklin@cityofgp.com

Phone: 780-830-5028

Corn Maze in Grande Prairie

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Yesterday, we finally took advantage of the warm weather and headed out to the Corn Maze. It was fantastic!! They have some great upcoming events for families and to get in the spirit of Halloween:

2nd Flashlight night weather permitting is

Friday September 18

Bring your own flashlight, Children 16 and under will not be permitted to enter the maze without a parent or Adult equivalent to chaperone, no exceptions.

MOVIE AND HAUNTED MAZE SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

THE GRANDE PRAIRIE TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND THE GP CORN MAZE PRESENT:

MOVIE IN THE MAZE

Get lost in the Haunted Corn Maze Then

"The Haunted Mansion"

outdoor movie to follow ALL FOR

$20.00 / PERSON

Family of 4 is $50.00 extra family member beyond 4 is $10.00

- 7:00 PM Access to the grounds watch for parking personnel

- Bring your own lawn chair and blankets

- Spaces will be on a first come first serve

- Concessions & Washrooms will be on site

Passes can be picked up at Center 2000 and Country Roads RV Park / GP Corn Maze

September hours

Monday & Tuesday Closed

Wed, Thurs, Friday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Saturday 12:00 - 8:00 pm

Sunday 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Cash and Debit accepted

General Admission: $8.00

5 - 11 Years: $7.00

4 & under: FREE

Family of 4: $27.00

Per extra family member: $3.00
http://www.gpcornmaze.com/information.htm

Arctic Winter Games Kick-off!!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

This Week more than EVER - Gameswear Friday is a celebration!

Please join us this Friday for the official kick-off of to the Games Store Grand Opening Celebration.

Media Conference & Ribbon Cutting

To be held at the Games Store in Ernie’s Sports Plaza
Friday, September 4^th at 10:30am

THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES WITH ACTIVITIES ALL WEEKEND:

Friday: Gameswear Friday (9:00am-9:00pm)

Saturday: Carnival Day (10:00am-6:00pm)

Sunday: Family Day (12:00pm-5:00pm)

Monday: Volunteer Discount Day (12:00pm-5:00pm)

Fundraising BBQ starts at 12:00 Noon!

Bring the Whole Family, or call the Games Office to Volunteer!

Rotary Food Bank Drive

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Just a reminder the Rotary Food Bank Drive will be held September 15, 2009. More than 500 volunteers will be canvassing Grande Prairie and Sexsmith door to door collecting items for the local food bank. Please expect a knock on your door.

The Grande Prairie Storm Season has Begun!!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Time to grab a jacket, put on your scarf and head to the Crystal Centre for the start of the Storm Hockey Season.

2009-2010 Storm Schedule

EXHIBITION
Tuesday, Sept. 1: Crusaders at Storm 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Storm at Crusaders 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4: Quesnel Millionaires at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 5: Quesnel Millionaires at Storm 7:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER
Friday, 11 Storm at Bobcats 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 12 Storm at Bobcats 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 18 Steel at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 19 Steel at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 22 Storm at Oil Barons 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 23 Storm at Pontiacs 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 25 Crusaders at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 26 Dragons at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 29 Kodiaks at Storm 7 p.m.

OCTOBER
Friday, 2 Storm at Eagles (Showcase) 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, 3 Bandits at Storm (Showcase) 3:30 p.m.
Friday, 9 Saints at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10 Saints at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 13 Pontiacs at Storm 7 p.m.
Wednesday, 14 Pontiacs at Storm 7 p.m.
Friday, 16 Storm at Crusaders 7 p.m.
Saturday, 17 Storm at Thunder 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 23 Bandits at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 24 Grizzlys at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, 29 Storm at Pontiacs 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 30 Storm at Pontiacs 7:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER
Sunday, 1 Storm at Crusaders 2:15 p.m.
Saturday, 7 Crusaders at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8 Crusaders at Storm 2 p.m.
Tuesday, 10 Oil Barons at Storm 7 p.m.
Friday, 13 Storm at Thunder 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 14 Storm at Steel 7 p.m.
Friday, 20 Oilers at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 22 Royals at Storm 2 p.m.
Tuesday, 24 Storm at Eagles 7 p.m.
Wednesday, 25 Storm at Bandits 7 p.m.
Friday, 27 Storm at Oilers 7 p.m.
Saturday, 28 Storm at Dragons 7:30 p.m.

DECEMBER
Wednesday, 2 Storm at Thunder 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 4 Oil Barons at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 5 Oil Barons at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 11 Eagles at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 12 Canucks at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, 17 Storm at Royals 7 p.m.
Friday, 18 Storm at Grizzlys 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 20 Storm at Canucks 2:30 p.m.

JANUARY
Saturday, 2 Storm at Kodiaks 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 3 Storm at Saints 2 p.m.
Friday, 8 Bobcats at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 9 Bobcats at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 13 Pontiacs at Storm 7 p.m.
Friday, 15 Storm at Steel 7 p.m.
Saturday, 16 Storm at Saints 7 p.m.
Tuesday, 19 Thunder at Storm 7 p.m.
Friday, 22 Storm at Saints 7 p.m.
Saturday, 23 Storm at Bobcats 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, 28 Steel at Storm 7 p.m.
Saturday, 30 All Star Game in Fort McMurray

FEBRUARY
Friday, 5 Storm at Oil Barons 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 6 Storm at Oil Barons 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 10 Bobcats at Storm 7 p.m.
Friday, 12 Saints at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 14 Storm at Steel 2:30 p.m.
Monday, 15 Storm at Crusaders 2:15 p.m.
Friday, 19 Thunder at Storm 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 20 Thunder at Storm 7:30 p.m.

The Grande Prairie Woman's Show

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

October 16-18th Crystal Centre

The Grande Prairie Woman’s Show is a vibrant, multi-dimensional event that attendees from all over the region look forward to each fall. It is an excellent, targeted opportunity to promote and sell your product or service. A company that sells any product or service that women purchase or use can benefit from participating in this show - that is a very broad range! From fashion, health, children’s products, financial management, home improvement to fitness, travel, recreation, career and gift-giving. The Grande Prairie Woman show is a place where attendees can find what they are looking for all in one place!!

Register as soon as possible to ensure your participation - for the past few years the event has sold out in August.

Please contact with any questions or comments you may have at 780.487.5422 or toll free at 1.888.282.2524.

2nd Annual Scarecrow Festival

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Sunrise Rotary Club 2^nd Annual Scarecrow Festival

It is time once again for the Scarecrow decorating contest! Last year was a huge success Stanford Inn created “Scaryl Crow” (Sheryl Crow look-a-like) for the festival and celebrated Halloween with “Sunny & Cher” at Sipps Lounge. Watch for scarecrow creations at Grande Prairie businesses the first two weeks of October. All scarecrows will be auctioned off at the Dinner/Barn Dance at Five Mile Hall on October 16^th with music by the Lazy Boy Rockers! There are only a limited amount of tickets for this event so call ahead. Sandra 780-831-8863

Bra's on the bridge for Breast Cancer Awareness

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Victoria’s Attic: Bra’s Across the Bridge

Victoria’s Attic and Q99 radio are joining forces for Breast Cancer Awareness. Show your support by dropping off your old bra at Victoria’s Attic or Q99 Radio Station between September 16 and September 30. Bra’s will be supported across the bridge on 100^th avenue on October 1^st. All who show their support by donating will be entered to win a bra and professional bra fitting at Victoria’s Attic! The first 100 to bring in an old bra will receive a complimentary ticket to the World of Women Show. Help support and celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness!

Ovations Dinner Theatre

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Dinner Theatre shows start in October!

Grande Prairie’s Ovations Dinner Theatre is back for another exciting season of dinner and drama! Take in one of the great new plays scheduled for this year. If you are coming to town for a performance stay Stanford!

HOCKEY MOM, HOCKEY DAD
Adult Situation Comedy by Michael Melski
October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, November 6, 7

Two lonely, single hockey parents meet and fall in love while watching their kids play a season of pee wee hockey. Teddy and Donna discover the best and worst in themselves, as romance and real life collide in this tender, uproarious, and sometimes disturbing story about our national obsession with "keeping your stick on the ice".

LOOKING
Romantic Comedy by Norm Foster
November 27, 28, December 4, 5, 11, 18, 19

Andy as a, struggling businessman, puts a personal ad in the newspaper. It's answered by Val, a single nurse. They set a date and bring along their reluctant friends Matt and Nina for support. The foursome go on a series of double dates that end with unexpected and entertaining results.

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.

THE MAN WITH THE PLASTIC SANDWICH
Adult Comedy by Roger Karshner
February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20

After 20 years as a clinical engineer, Walter Price is "phased out". Walter's pity party is crashed by three strangers who try to reverse his downward spiral of anger, fear and self-doubt; Ellie, a free spirited young woman who instructs him on the joys of healthy living and a cheerful outlook. Haley, a hobo who turns out to be a former high-profile advertising executive. The rat race escapee shows Walter how success can't be measured by income figures and social status. Third is Lenore, a prostitute who challenges Walter's defeatist attitude. Walter eventually discovers there's no future in being miserable, and chewing on an empty life is as pointless as eating a plastic sandwich.

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.

THE NEARLYWEDS

Adult comedy by Lloyd J. Schwartz
March 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Tomorrow, Marcy is supposed to be marrying an Admiral. Tonight though her focus is on Doug, her Ex. While Marcy is preparing for the wedding Doug swings in from the balcony to abduct her before she can marry the Admiral. Ah but there is no Admiral. Marcy's mother set up the ruse to force Doug into action. But - mother goes for a walk and forgets to cancel the actor she hired to play the Admiral ... who does appear. Confusion and hilarity reigns.

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.

MUSICAL

April 23, 24, 30, May 1, 7, 8, 14, 15

For more details please visit www.ovationsdinnertheatre.com

All information included in this blog are excerpts from www.ovationsdinnertheatre.com

Customer Appreciation Week

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

CONGRATULATIONS TO JEFF GARLDEN OUR CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK BBQ WINNER!!

Delmonica’s Restaurant and SIPPS Lounge recently had a giveaway draw for a Coleman BBQ! The draw was made on August 24^th bringing our Customer Appreciation Week to a close. All of the staff at Delmonica’s Restaurant and SIPPS Lounge would like to send out a big thanks to everyone that came in to enter the BBQ draw and to all it’s patrons for their loyalty over the years. We look forward to seeing everyone again in the future.

United Way Kick-Off Ceremony

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

United Way Kick-off ceremony will be held at the Grande Prairie Inn from 11:30 am to 1:30pm on September 17th. Guest speaker Julie Mulligan will be discussing her experience and perspective on social justice issues as a business-woman. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 780-532-5340 for more information

County Fair

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

We are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the original survey of the county of Grande Prairie. Event runs at Evergreen Park from 8:30 am to 4:30pm on August 29th. Pancake breakfast, parade, lumberjack show, antique cars and tractors, exhibits, trade show and live entertainment. For more info visit www.countyofgp.ab.ca or call the county office at 780-532-9722.

BOOK YOUR ROOM FOR DRAG WARS NOW AND SAVE!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Drag Wars is only a week and a half away! With this spectacular bi-annual event approaching quickly book your room today!

GRANDE PRAIRIE STANFORD INN IS NOW OFFERING A SPECIAL REDUCED RATE FOR THE WEEKEND OF $89.00 + TAXES/NIGHT.

We are proud to be the host hotel of the 2009 Drag Wars and would love to be your host for the weekend. Book online or call today.

TOLL FREE RESERVATIONS

1-800-661-8160

Welcome to the Block!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

We would like to welcome Rona to the block.

RONA is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. RONA operates a network of more than 680 franchised, affiliated and corporate stores of various sizes and formats. With more than 27,000 employees working under its family of banners across Canada and more than 15 million square feet of retail space, the RONA store network generates close to $6,3 billion in annual retail sales.Since its founding in 1939, the RONA organization has enjoyed an interesting history, one that is memorable for its audacious and courageous decision-making. This brief document highlights that history.

In order to get around a monopoly that was threatening their ability to access supplies, a group of hardware store operators formed Les Marchands en Quincaillerie Ltée in 1939. A few years later, Rolland Dansereau and Napoléon Piotte took charge of the company, which eventually became Le Groupe RONA Inc. In 1962, member-merchants acquired all shares in the company and adopted the cooperative system which is still favoured by the organization today.

Gotta Run to Rona
http://rona.ca/content/home

Grande Prairie is still growing!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Even with hearing all the doom and gloom of recession, job losses and unemployment rising; Grande Prairie still is one of the best places to be. We recently saw the Grande Opening of Wholesale Sports http://www.wholesalesports.com. What an amazing store!! Aisles and aisles of supplies for the outdoor nut.
Wholesale Sports is a proudly Canadian owned and operated chain of stores. Started over 30 years ago we have grown to 6 locations. In addition to our flagship store in Calgary, we have stores in Edmonton, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Grande Prairie, Winnipeg and Kamloops.

We carry thousands of brand name outdoor products at everyday low prices. You can find our extensive selection of hunting, archery, fishing, camping and hiking equipment at any of our six stores, online or through our mail order catalogue.

In August we will be seeing another chain opening in town: Petsmart. Here’s a treat: the facts and the fun stuff about PetSmart^®.

PetSmart, Inc. (PETM) is the largest specialty retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets.

The company operates more than 1,137 pet stores in the United States and Canada, more than 152 in-store PetsHotels cat and dog boarding facilities and Doggie Day Camps, and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information. PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet supplies; offers complete pet training, pet grooming and pet adoption services.

Since 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization, funded more than $70 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations and, through its in-store pet adoption programs, has saved the lives of more than 3 million pets.

I know this will make many of our pet lover guests happy, as the petstore is in a convenient location to the hotel.

Festival of Trees

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Festival of Trees lends the first breath of magic to the Spirit of Christmas in the Peace Region; and initiates the official beginning to the Holiday Season for all!

Festival of Trees will be changing locations this year. It will be taking place at the Evergreen Park T.E.C Centre.
The gala event is the evening of November 25.
The festival will be open to the public from November 26 to November 29.

Hockey Season is Around the Corner!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Start:	September 1, 2009
End:	September 1, 2009
Title:	Grande Prairie Storm vs Sherwood Park Crusaders Exhibition Game
Location:	Crystal Centre/Canada Games Arena
Inquiry Phone #:	(780) 538-0387
Note:	Game time 7:00 pm

CFL Nights

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Street Performers so Talented!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

When you meet the street performers, you are always so amazed by the talent that each of them possesses; a fine crafted skill of magic, illusion, dare devil stunts and comedy. Each one has spent years crafting their talent to truly become an artist in their field.

I cannot help feel like a kid when they are here, as I watch the shows in awe, trying to figure out how they did their trick, and trying to see what I missed. You become mesmerized by their talent and revert to the inner child in each of us; giddy, awe struck with an overwhelming sense of excitement.

Last year’s event brought about 25000 people to our downtown core over the span of three days and with the weather cooperating again this year, I am sure they will meet as many spectators if not more.

Thank you for entertaining the inner child in each of us.

UFC 101

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Ultimate Fighting Championship makes its Philadelphia debut on Saturday, August 8th for UFC 101: Declaration. In the main event, the two best 155-pound fighters in the world finally meet when UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn looks to defend his crown against number one contender Kenny Florian. Penn has never lost at 155-pounds, and Florian is looking to change that stat this summer.

In the co-feature, the pound-for-pound king of mixed martial arts, middleweight champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva, tests the waters at 205 pounds once again when he battles former light heavyweight champ and Ultimate Fighter season one winner Forrest Griffin.

UFC 101: Declaration - Saturday, August 8th, live on Pay-Per-View from the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Join us at SIPPS Lounge at the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel for $3.00 Highballs, $.30 Wings and an evening of the Ultimate Fighter.
UFC regulates that there is a $10.00 per person for all pay per view events.

Street Performers Festival

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

2009 International Street Performers Festival

The 2009 Grande Prairie Street Performers Festival is taking place on July 17 - 19, 2009. Spend the weekend with some real characters, be part of the fun as entertainment from around the world takes over downtown Grande Prairie. Festival times are Friday 5:00 to 9:00 pm, Saturday 12:00 to 9:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 to 5:00 pm. Have even more fun, volunteer for the event. Contact the Volunteer Services Bureau for more information at 780-538-2727 or programs@gpvsb.com.

Starts: Friday, July 17, 2009 5:00 PM
Contact: Volunteer Services Bureau 780-538-2727

Bill Cosby

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

An Evening with Bill Cosby
Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ Crystal Centre
Show times: 6:00 pm & 9:30 pm
Tickets: $77.50

Purchase: Online, telephone or in person

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:00 am. Random number line up will be in effect

http://www.cityofgp.com/citygov/dept/crystal/currentlyonsale.htm

The Tragically Hip

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Tragically Hip
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 @ South Bear Creek
Gates open @ 6:00 pm; Show @ 7:00 pm
Tickets: $58.00

Tickets available through the Crystal Centre.
http://www.cityofgp.com/citygov/dept/crystal/currentlyonsale.htm

http://www.thehip.com/index.html

Georges St. Pierre

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

UFC 100 Results Georges St Pierre Dominates Thiago Alves in Unanimous Decision: The co-main event bout between UFC welterweight champion Georges "Rush" St. Pierre and Thiago “Pitbull” Alves was in my opinion the fight of the night.

In what was publicized as St. Pierre’s toughest challenge of his career, the French-Canadian rose to the occasion with a dominating unanimous decision victory over Alves in UFC 100 Results. Not only did St. Pierre prove that he is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world by successfully defending his title for a third time, but he also reinstated that his genius far supersedes the UFC 100 Results welterweight division.

As the fight got underway, the Mandalay Bay echoed with chants of “GSP!” In the opening round, both fighters briefly exchanged, but it didn’t take long for the UFC champion to score a takedown and take the fight to the ground; this would be a recurring theme in this fight.

Alves’ strength enabled him to almost get back on his feet, before the champ quickly slammed him down on his back. Alves pulled half-guard as GSP worked the Ground-and-Pound.

After getting back up on their feet, GSP scored another takedown from the Brazilian’s back. Georges attempted a rear-naked-choke, but to no avail. With a good transitional move by Alves, the fight was again back up and on their feet.

A fake-superman-punch and a couple of jabs enabled GSP to connect with a solid inside kick. Next, Alves stuffed a takedown attempt. After a brief exchange where Alves threw a high kick, GSP scored another takedown with 38 seconds left in the round. Alves was bledding all over himself as a cut just over his right eyelid opened up. First round went to the champion GSP, 10-9.

“Every time you take him down he gets more tired… it doesn’t matter if he gets up” Greg Jackson instructed the champ. “When you take him down, keep his shoulders on the mat,” he instructed him.

Seemingly every round was the same, as GSP controlled Alves at will, finishing with a total of 10 takedowns in the fight. In the fourth round, the French-Canadian found himself in the uncharacteristic position of having to fight from his back.

Despite being a relatively new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, GSP displayed a crafty butterfly-guard and avoided any major damage on his back. He did however injure his groin (abductor) while keeping Alves off. “It’s pretty bad. I’m in real bad pain,” St. Pierre said in his UFC 100 Results press conference. “I heard my abductor snap, and it was pretty bad."

In a funny moment, GSP explained his corner’s reaction to him injuring his groin. “Some people are going to see that on TV and they’re are gonna laugh because I came back in my corner and I said, ‘I pulled my abductor’ and my trainer (Greg Jackson) said, ‘I don’t care! Hit him with it!’” as the room laughed hysterically. “I guess that’s the gameplan,” St. Pierre said laughing.

Info courtesy of: http://sports-odds.com/fight/071309-ufc-100-results-georges-st-pierre-dominates-thiago-alves-in-unanimous-decision.html

Join us at SIPPS Lounge for the next UFC Match on August 8, 2009

Horsing Around

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Don't forget the Horse Racing out at Evergreen Park; Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

July Race Dates	Post time
June 12, 2009	6:00 PM	July 1, 2009	6:00 PM
June 13, 2009	1:00 PM	July 4, 2009	1:00 PM
June 14, 2009	1:00 PM	July 5, 2009	1:00 PM
June 19, 2009	6:00 PM	July 8, 2009	6:00 PM
June 20, 2009	1:00 PM	July 11, 2009	1:00 PM
June 21, 2009	1:00 PM	July 12, 2009	1:00 PM
June 26, 2009	6:00 PM	July 15, 2009	6:00 PM
June 27, 2009	1:00 PM	July 18, 2009	1:00 PM
June 28, 2009	1:00 PM	July 19, 2009	1:00 PM
		July 22, 2009	6:00 PM
		July 25, 2009	1:00 PM
		July 26, 2009	1:00 PM
		July 29, 2009	6:00 PM

August Race Dates	Post Time	September Race Dates	Post time
August 1, 2009	1:00 PM	Sept. 7, 2009	5:00PM
August 2, 2009	1:00 PM	Sept. 9, 2009	5:00 PM
August 5, 2009	6:00 PM	Sept. 12, 2009	1:00 PM
August 8, 2009	1:00 PM	Sept. 13, 2009	1:00 PM
August 9, 2009	1:00 PM	Sept. 16, 2009	5:00 PM
August 12, 2009	6:00 PM	Sept. 19, 2009	1:00 PM
August 15, 2009	1:00 PM	Sept. 20, 2009	1:00 PM
August 16, 2009	1:00 PM	Sept. 23, 2009	5:00 PM
August 19,2009	6:00 PM	Sept. 26, 2009	1:00 PM
August 22, 2009	1:00 PM	Sept. 27, 2009	1:00 PM
August 23, 2009	1:00 PM
August 26, 2009	6:00 PM
August 29, 2009	1:00 PM
August 30, 2009	1:00 PM

Thoroughbred Racing Dates

July Race Dates	Post Time	August Race Dates	Post time
July 3, 2009	6:00 PM	August 1, 2009	6:00 PM
July 4, 2009	6:00 PM	August 2, 2009	6:00 PM
July 5, 2009	6:00 PM	August 3, 2009	6:00 PM
July 10, 2009	6:00 PM	August 7, 2009	6:00 PM
July 11, 2009	6:00 PM	August 8, 2009	6:00 PM
July 12, 2009	6:00 PM	August 9, 2009	6:00 PM
July 17, 2009	6:00 PM	August 14, 2009	6:00 PM
July 18, 2009	6:00 PM	August 15, 2009	6:00 PM
July 19, 2009	6:00 PM	August 16, 2009	6:00 PM
July 24, 2009	6:00 PM	August 20, 2009	6:00 PM
July 25, 2009	6:00 PM	August 21, 2009	6:00 PM
July 26, 2009	6:00 PM	August 22, 2009	6:00 PM
July 31, 2009	6:00 PM

Blue Man Group

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Start:	October 8, 2009
End:	October 8, 2009
Title:	Blue Man Group Megastar Tour
Location:	Crystal Centre/Canada Games Arena
Inquiry Phone #:	(780) 538-0387
Note:	The Blue Man Group makes its triumphant return to Grande Prairie...if you missed it last time, you don't want to this time!!
Details:	Tickets: $88.00 Blue Man Group is a creative organization dedicated to creating exciting and innovative work in a wide variety of media. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience. Currently, their live stage shows can be seen in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin, and Tokyo. Blue Man Group also frequently tours and is on its Megastar World Tour this year. The company applies its unique creative process to a wide variety of projects, including the recording of several albums: The Grammy-nominated Audio The Complex, which became the musical basis for The Complex Rock Tour How To Be a Megastar LIVE!, a two-disk DVD/CD of Blue Man Group’s popular rock concert tour Live At The Venetian ® - Las Vegas, which is available exclusively on iTunes. Blue Man Group has also ventured into toy development (with their Keyboard Experience and Percussion Tubes, produced by ToyQuest), film and TV scoring, commercial campaigns, television program appearances (like Scrubs and Arrested Development), and a children’s museum exhibit, Making Waves, which is currently touring the country.

Job Find is Coming!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Start:	October 7, 2009
End:	October 7, 2009
Title:	Northern Alberta Job Find
Location:	Crystal Centre/Bowes Family Crystal Gardens
Inquiry Phone #:	(780) 539-0623
Note:	Contact Kevin for more information
Looking for a room while in town - Stay Stanford

Jordan World Circus

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Start:	July 25, 2009
End:	July 26, 2009
Title:	Jordan World Circus
Location:	Crystal Centre/Canada Games Arena
Inquiry Phone #:	(780) 538-0387
Note:	Tickets are on sale now!
Details:	Shows: Saturday July 25 - 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm Sunday, July 26 - 1:00 pm & 6:30 pm Tickets: P1 Adult $22/Child $16 (Child is 2 - 12 years) P2 Adult $17/Child $11
Event Type:	Families/Children

Lipizzaner Stallions

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Lipizzaner Stallions are on their 40th Anniversary Tour. In 1970, Producer Gary Lashinsky created a new family arena attraction, starring The "World Famous" LIPIZZANER STALLIONS. Many horses and riders were brought from Europe to perform in this unique family oriented arena attraction. Over the years, twenty-three million people throughout North and South America, Great Britain, Europe, Australia and Hawaii have seen this internationally acclaimed spectacle. We are currently in our 40th Anniversary Start:	July 17, 2009
End:	July 17, 2009
Title:	The World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions
Location:	Crystal Centre/Canada Games Arena
Inquiry Phone #:	(780) 538-0387
Note:	Show time is 7:30 pm
Details:	Gold Circle: $31.50 Adults: $26.50 Seniors/Children: $24.50 Seniors are ages 60 and up and children are ages 2 - 12
http://www.lipizzaner.com/home.asp	Families/Children

2009 Grande Prairie Rat 200 a Huge Success!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Stanford Inn Grande Prairie was proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the 2009 Rat 200! The Wapiti River was full of jet boat action June 20^th and 21^st. This year was a huge success and next year promises to be even better.
The race had a different set up that allowed for more spectators to take in the races. Race organizers reported a great turn out. Next year’s races may see additions such as an announcer, additional boats, and laps included in the race. Congratulations to the winners of each heat in the 2009 Grande Prairie Rat 200! The standings for this years Rat 200 are posted below for anyone who may have missed the races this year.

Rat 200 Divisions

FX Class – 350 cubic inch crate motor class, speed up to 130-145 km/h

LS Class – 376 cubic inch crate motor class, up to 170 km/h

B Class – maximum 366 cubic inch, 155-170 km/h

A Class – maximum 470 cubic inch, 170-185 km/h

Unlimited class – usually around 1000 horsepower, speeds of over 200 km/h

Rat 200 Jet Boat Race Standings

Class UL
Race Times          No.          Boat Name           Boat Captain        Leg 1      Leg 2     Leg 3     Leg 4
1:26:44                  388         Sunset Shaker     Spencer King       0:38:05 0:10:28 0:19:34 0:18:37
1:28:18                 339         Bad Habit              Chad Burns          0:38:50 0:10:22 0:20:13 0:18:53
1:50:53                  93           Special FX             Stephen Ford       0:50:29 0:13:36 0:22:14 0:24:33

Class A
Race Times          No.          Boat Name           Boat Captain        Leg 1      Leg 2      Leg 3      Leg 4
2:06:25                  204         Miss Ede               Darren Weaver     0:50:33 0:16:11 0:30:58 0:28:44

Class B
Race Times          No.         Boat Name          Boat Captain        Leg 1      Leg 2      Leg 3     Leg 4
1:33:11                  189         Miss B Haven      Jesse Foster        0:40:42 0:11:24 0:21:02 0:20:03
1:44:19                  176         Disturbed              Colby Davis          0:45:57 0:12:27 0:23:49 0:22:06
1:47:34                 146         Aquaholic              Tim Greber           0:50:33 0:11:56 0:23:25 0:21:40

Class C
Race Times          No.         Boat Name          Boat Captain       Leg 1     Leg 2      Leg 3     Leg 4
2:06:25                  399         Eagle Light          Dale Whiteside   0:50:33                 0:16:11 0:30:58 0:28:44

Class FX – Tunnel-bottom
Race Times          No.         Boat Name           Boat Captain       Leg 1     Leg 2     Leg 3      Leg 4
1:59:44                  66           Hellsapoppin      Scott Leitch          0:52:00 0:14:45 0:27:41                 0:25:18
2:03:00                  140         Air Time Racing Dale Ford             0:53:44                 0:14:19                 0:28:48 0:26:09
2:03:11                  88           Unforgiven           Dwayne Thomas 0:53:59 0:14:29 0:28:47 0:25:56
2:03:21                  83          Radical 1              Tim Wilmot          0:53:39 0:14:46 0:28:54                 0:26:02
2:03:43                  87          Risky Business    Travis Hodges    0:54:58                 0:14:23 0:28:23                 0:25:59
2:05:36                  04           Ridin’ Dry             Brent Thors          0:53:58                 0:15:21                 0:29:08                 0:27:09
2:07:00                  86           “RX Star” Racing   Jay Grahn            0:54:21 0:16:52 0:29:41 0:26:06
2:08:47                  77           Family Affair          Alex Figel               0:52:14 0:23:22 0:27:39 0:25:32
2:10:38                  01           Swagger                Grant Shrafnagle                 1:00:11 0:14:39 0:29:19 0:26:29
2:20:39                  007         Shaken Not Stirred    Hal Bamping 1:06:12 0:15:40 0:30:43 0:28:04
2:22:04                  185         Overdraft                Darrin Cage         1:06:12                 0:20:22 0:29:00 0:26:30
2:55:01                  181        Miss Magoo          Mike McGregor     1:18:14 0:20:22 0:39:56 0:36:29

Class FX – V-bottom
Race Times          No.          Boat Name           Boat Captain        Leg 1      Leg 2     Leg 3     Leg 4
2:08:00                  96          Stealth Racing     Danny Moskalyk   0:55:52                 0:14:49 0:30:12 0:27:07
2:18:45                  69           Still Strugglin        Tyson Allen           1:0

Hythe Motor Speedway

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The races have started!!!
July 4th       Saturday            5pm
July 5th       Sunday              1pm
July 26th     Saturday            5pm
July 27th     Sunday              1pm
Aug 15th     Saturday            5pm        Baby Grands
Aug 16th     Sunday              1pm        Baby Grands
Sept 5         Saturday             3pm        IMCA Super Nationals
Sept 6         Sunday               1pm        IMCA Super Nationals
Sept 19       Saturday             3pm        Rain Date
Sept 20       Sunday               1pm        Rain Date

Adults $12.00
Seniors $6.00
Youth $6.00
Child (8-12) $3.00
Child (1-7) Free

http://www.hythemotorspeedway.com/

UFC 100 at SIPPS Lounge

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Jul-11-2009 7pm PT/10pm ET
	PPV Live at SIPPS Lounge at the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel
	Mandalay Bay Events Center, Nevada

Description:	EVENT SITE \| FIGHT CARD\| HOW TO WATCH UFC 100 is SOLD OUT - It's the biggest event in mixed martial arts history, and for UFC 100, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is bringing out the big guns. Two championships will be on the line when UFC heavyweight title holder Brock Lesnar defends his crown against rival Frank Mir in their long-awaited grudge match, and UFC welterweight champion Georges "Rush" St-Pierre puts his belt up for grabs against Brazilian knockout artist Thiago "Pitbull" Alves. Also, The Ultimate Fighter coaches collide as Dan Henderson takes on Michael "The Count" Bisping in a pivotal middleweight showdown. Join us for $3.00 house highballs and $.30 wings.

Public Relations

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Stanford Inn Grande Prairie is proud to announce that this year we have partnered with two golf courses to offer four extremely affordable Golf Packages. With The Dunes Golf & Winter Club back on board with us this year and our new comer Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club joining us we have been able to put together our new “Ultimate Golf Package’s”. Along with the Ultimate Package’s we also have our Standard Golf Package both are available for 1 or 2 people. Let the Stanford Inn Grande Prairie take care of you during your golf getaway this season. Book today!

Ultimate Golf Package for 1

- 2 nights accommodation for 1

- 1 round of 18 holes at The Dunes

- 1 round of 18 holes at the Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club

- Power cart rental included

- Complimentary breakfast for each day

$279.00 + taxes A savings of $70.00

Ultimate Golf Package for 2

- 2 nights accommodations for 2

- 1 round of 18 holes for 2 at The Dunes

- 1 round of 18 holes for 2 at the Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club

- Power cart rental included

- Complimentary breakfast for 2 each day

$399.00 + taxes A savings of $100.00

Golf for 1 person

-1 night accommodation for one person

-1 18 hole round at your choice of The Dunes or Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club

-Power cart rental included

$138.00 + Taxes

Golf for 2 people

-1 night accommodation for two people

- 1 18 hole round for 2 at your choice of The Dunes or Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club

-power cart rental included

$199.00 + taxes

Sundays in the Park

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Women in the Park: July 12th

Come on down to Muskoseepi Park on July 12^th for an afternoon showcase of local talent with a feminine flair! Featured artists will include: Susan Picard, Rene Golemba (Peace Country Idol Winner), and many more!

Canada Day Celebration

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Muskoseepi Park’s Canada Day Celebration: July 1^st, 9:00am-7:00pm

After our rousing day of Canada Day kick off events, please join us on July 1^st at Muskoseepi Park as well as to other off-site venues offering Canada Day fair. We will begin our festivities with our Canada Day Parade. We will have additional fun and entertainment at the park including carnival rides and more musical acts. Please stick around after 6:00pm for the evening performance of ‘Mobadass, ‘Hey Ocean!’ and ‘Corb Lund’ at the Amphitheatre, presented by the non-profit society Peace Starts at Home. Tickets for this evening performance are $42.50 at the Crystal Center or $40 at Better Than Freds and/or Muskoseepi Park Pavilion during the Peace Starts events. It is sure to be a fabulous evening! For more information please contact Mirrah MacIntyre at (780) 538-0458 and/or visit the Peace Starts at Home website www.peacestartsathome.ca. for 'Peace Starts at Home' entertainment.

Canada Day Celebration Itinerary, July 1^st, 2009:

Canada Day Out of Park Activities

Golden Age Pancake Breakfast

Golden Age Centre; 10222 101 Ave

Time: 9:00am-11:00am

Cost: $3.00

CANADA DAY PARADE

The parade will begin at 1pm at Hillside School. It will run along the downtown area and finish at the GPRC parking lot A.

Route:
Starts at 94^th Street and 108^th Ave;

Turns left off 108^th Ave onto 96^th Street;

Turn right off 96^th Street onto 100^th Ave;

Stay’s on 100^th Ave and ends at the GPRC Parking lot A.

Daytime Activities in and around the Park

Highlights:

· Clown Tent- face painting, balloon twisting, juggling;

· Skate and BMX Show sponsored by Fourword;

· Annual cake decorating by the Co-op;

· Bouncers and laser tag;

· Rainbow society playhouse

· Mini train rides

· Spray and temporary tattoos.

And more..............................

Canada Day Entertainment in the Park

When: July 1^st, 2009

Time: 2:30-6:00pm

Where: Main Stage Amphitheatre

Performers:

· Grande Prairie Marching Band

· Kokoma, African Dancers

· Crystal Plamondon

· Belly Dancers

When: July 1^st, 2009

Time: 2:30pm-6:00pm

Where: 2^nd Stage

Performers:

· Bud Edgar, the Comedy Cowboy

· Rob Szabo

· Belly Dancers- Moon Dance Shimmy

· Bud Edgar, the Comedy Cowboy.

When: July 1^st, 2009

Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm

Where: 3^rd Stage, North Field.

Peace Starts at Home Performers:

· Fire Fall

· Renee Golemba and the Reproducers

· Pamela Pachal

· Dams Plastards

· The Falls

· The Populars

When: July 1^st, 2009

Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm

Where: Amphitheatre

Performers:

· Mobadass

· Hey Ocean!

· CORB LUND

Canada's 142nd Birthday

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Muskoseepi Park Celebrates Canada’s 142^nd Birthday: June 30, 2009

Looking for a fun and exciting way to kick off Canada’s 142nd Birthday? Then come on down to Muskoseepi Park on June 30^th!!! Celebrations will start at 6:00pm and run until midnight with entertainment in the north field provided by local non-profit organization Peace Starts at Home. At the Amphitheatre, entertainment will jumpstart at 8:00pm and run until midnight. Fantastic Fireworks over the reservoir caps off the night for both stages, heralding in more fun and entertainment at the park the following day, July 1^st!

Canada Day Kick Off Celebrations Itinerary: June 30, 2009

Main Stage- Amphitheatre

Time: 8pm- Midnight

Entertainment:

ANYWHERE BUT HERE

ROB SZABO

Activities for the Kids

Inflatable Bouncers

Food Vendor

Temptations

FIREWORKS AT MIDNIGHT!

Peace Starts at Home Stage (3^rd Stage)- North Field

Time: 6pm-Midnight

Entertainment:

6pm- “O Canada”

6:05pm- Astronotes

6:30pm- Wax Mannequinn

7pm- Calculating Collapse

8pm- Reject

9pm- Spectrum

10pm- Book of Names

11pm- Rocksmyth

Food Vendor

Boston Pizza

FIREWORKS AT MIDNIGHT!

National Aboriginal Day

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

National Aboriginal Day: June 21^st, 2009, 1:00pm-8:00pm

Opening Ceremony and recognitions, traditional Metis and contemporary dancers, aboriginal comedian, aboriginal fashion show, traditional clothing dress competition, talent show, friendship dance, honouring our elders, games and activities for children, feast, crafters, artisans and agency displays.

Hosted by Native Counselling Services

For more information please contact, artsawards@cityofgp.com

Annual Municipal Government Day

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The City of Grande Prairie’s 8^th Annual Municipal Government Day: June 16, 2009, 4:00pm-7:00pm

Please come down to Muskoseepi Park to enjoy your community and learn about your city and what it has to offer. There will be a free community barbeque in which everyone is invited to join. We’ll have hotdogs and hamburgers, ice cream and entertainment for the whole family! Including a magician, face painters, air brush tattoos, balloon animals, and inflatable bouncers! Be sure to come and check out our City vehicles, equipment and numerous displays by City and Community groups. There will also be a Municipal Olympics at 4:30pm in which our Mayor and Council members will compete against delegates from other Municipalities. What could be more fun than watching our own Mayor compete for the gold in an event planned by the 2010 Arctic Winter Games Committee?

See you there!!!

Transit is Free!!!
Noon to 8:00pm
Take the bus on us...
parking is limited.

Library Opened!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Public Library

Opens New Facility

The Grande Prairie Public Library opened its doors at the Montrose Cultural Centre on Thursday, June 11.

The new Library is over 37,000 square feet, which is double the space of the old building. Public seating has increased three-fold and public Internet has tripled. Other features include a training lab, tutoring room, two story rooms, a parents’ lounge, play areas and a young adult lounge.

The Library will be open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Montrose Cultural Centre is rated Silver in the LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System and features triple glazed windows, a heat recovery system, high efficiency mechanical systems, automated lighting and water efficient use plumbing . Recycled materials have been used throughout the facility. Carpets in the building are manufactured using pig hair.

The grand opening of the Grande Prairie Public Library is scheduled for Saturday, August 22.

The Montrose Cultural Centre is a joint project of the City of Grande Prairie, the Grande Prairie Public Library and the Prairie Art Gallery.

For further information please contact:

Laurie Harrison Michelle Rempel

Library Director Communications & Fund Development Coordinator

Grande Prairie Public Library Grande Prairie Public Library

Phone: (780) 357-7463 Phone: (780) 357-7461

Email: lharrison@gppl.ab.ca Email: mrempel@gppl.ab.ca

Grande Prairie Drag Wars

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

What’s Happening?

Friday August 21st:

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
KING OF THE STREET

Saturday August 22nd:

Gates Open at 8:00 am
Time Trials
Old School Heads Up
Headliners
A&W Classic Cruise Night

Sunday August 23rd:

Gates Open at 8:00 am
Track Set-up and Testing
Bracker Racing Eliminations Begin at 11:00am click here for details
Bracket Racing Classes
Headliners

** Times are dependent on weather and other variables and will be subject to change**

Want more Details? Click Here

Full food and beverage service will be available on site.

Trade Show area will feature vendors from all automotive sectors. There will be great deals on models, merchandise and more!

Bleacher seating is available along the track

Handicapped access is available

NO SMOKING OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON THE GROUNDS AS THIS IS A FAMILY EVENT!

Grande Prairie Highland Games

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel is proud to announce that we are the official lodging choice for the 23^rd annual Highland Games. This year they are being held on Sunday June 14^th at the Macklin Field.

There will be dance, heavy events and sheep dog competitors participating in the event. In addition to the competitions, there will be vendors, an area for children, Celtic entertainment and much more to keep you entertained. Last year’s Grande Prairie Highland Games was a huge success and we look forward to this year being even better!

Join the many volunteers, sponsors, spectators and competitors and support the 2009 Highland Games. Book you room today at the Stanford Hotel for this exciting annual event.

Nitehawk Gravity Park

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Well the snow has finished falling (fingers crossed) and I think it’s safe to say that we’re on our way to Summer. This weekend May 30 & 31 Nitehawk is excited to announce the opening of our Gravity Downhill Mountain Bike Park, now in its third season, open both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am - 6:00pm and Wednesdays from 5:30pm - 9:30pm.

Come out to Nitehawk this weekend and give lift assisted Downhill Mountain Biking a try. We have terrain to accomodate all levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced), as well as a skill development area and are excited to announce the plans for continued expansion and building of new trails to add to your experience at Nitehawks Gravity Bike Park. Also, new this year we are happy to be able to offer both Rentals (for those that want to try this new sport and those that want to ride a high end bike) and Lesson Programs (for beginners and those wanting to improve their skills). We recently hosted a Level 1 Mountain Bike Instructor Course and would like to offer a big Welcome to our 8 newly certified instructors. For information on the bike park please call our office and don’t forget to call our HOTLINE at 780-402-8977 for trail conditions and opening/! closing announcements.

To show our appreciation to our members and new customers we are extending the opportunity to purchase “Bike Park Season Passes” at Early Bird rates until Monday June 8. Passes are available on-line at gonitehawk.com, Ernies Sports and Nitehawk during reqular office hours.

Don’t forget our Wilderness Campground and RV Park. Bring your family out to enjoy a scenic, private camping exprience just 10 minutes from Grande Prairie. We have Full Service and Power sites, as well as Tenting sites and our newly opened Group Campsite (great for family reunions and staff parties), all with access to our Shower, Washroom & Laundry facilities. This weekend we are offering a “Stay and Ride” special. Book a night in the “Wilderness RV Park” and receive “2 for 1″ lift tickets to the Bike Park.

Earyly morning views of the wapiti river valley from Nitehawk

To reserve your site in our “Wilderness RV Park” call our office at 780-532-6637. Hope to see you soon.

Hotline 402 8977 • www.gonitehawk.com • Phone 532 6637

Drag Wars are Coming!!!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The North Peace Bracket Racing Association has joined forces with the four Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie to make the 2009 Drag Wars the biggest and best yet.
The weekend-long event, slated for August 21-23, 2009 is expected to draw in an excess of 10,000 fans.

The Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel is excited to be the Host Hotel of Drag Wars. Packages will be posted online for racers and those interested in taking in the event in the near future.

www.dragwars.ca

Across the Floor Dance Studio

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Stanford Hotel & Resort are thrilled to sponsor the Across the Floor Dance Studio in Grande Prairie for their recital May 22nd and 23rd. This year, they have a special guest, Andrew Merrigan. Andrew with Tap Into A Cure is working with Pastor Daniel Kibarita of Compassion Works International to raise funds for "The African Project." This project will work to build the Dr. Jeni LeGon Library and Music Room in Mukeu, Kenya. Jeni LeGon is a famous dancer, actress and dance instructor who's roots have been traced back to General Henry Beauchamp LeGon, the 4th Earl of Beauchamp.
LeGon has danced with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in Hooray for Love, participated in Broadway Melody of 1936, This Was Paris 1937, Arabian Nights and many more.

Bravo to the students of the AFDS to work on a project to aid another communtiy.

The Grande Prairie Public Library

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Grande Prairie Public Library is now on the move to their new location. The Library will now call the Montrose Cultural Centre home. The Montrose Cultural Centre offers double the current space the Grande Prairie Public Library had in their former location. At just over 37,000 square feet and spread out over two floors the Library will definitely have the space it so desperately needs. Grande Prairie has greatly increased in size since the library moved into its downtown location in 1989.

The new Library will be a dynamic, inviting destination offering full services and modern amenities. The building will house the most up-to-date technology while offering a quiet, welcoming atmosphere for book lovers.

The Grande Prairie Public Library will be:

o a learning centre for children, teens and adults,

o a community resource for information and recreation,

o an entry point to the virtual world of computers and the Internet

o a gathering place to enhance the life of the community.

The Grande Prairie Public Library will ensure that everyone in the community will have the opportunity to learn, explore ideas and grow as individuals through access to books, technology and training facilities.

The new Library building will provide all this and more:

o bright, spacious children’s department,

o inviting haven for teen patrons,

o fully equipped computer training area,

o expanded computer stations,

o comfortable seating, adequate study space,

o program, meeting and tutoring rooms for public use,

o audio and video listening/viewing stations,

o large windows for daylight and exterior views

o ample, convenient parking and easy transit access.

The Grande Prairie Public Library will have updates available on its website www.gppl.ab.ca for the public’s information. The library is scheduled to reopen on June 11, 2009 in its new location. There is a grand opening celebration scheduled for August 22^nd 2009.

This blog was created using excerpts from www.makeitgrand.ca and the Grande Prairie Public Library Media Release for May 21, 2009

Cactus Flower in Grande Prairie

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Cactus Flower

Tickets & Dinners selling fast!

Show Dates: May 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23

Dinner Available May 15, 16 & 23

Dinners catered by Jeffrey’s

Call GPLT at 780-538-1616 to book your tickets today and enjoy a fabulous evening out!

CACTUS FLOWER

A comedy by Abe Burrows

Bachelor dentist Julian Winston wants an excuse to keep from marrying flighty younger girl friend Toni. When Toni asks to be introduced to his wife, he recruits the services of his stoic receptionist Stephanie to masquerade as his wife. Much to his surprise Stephanie emerges from her shell during the process and complicates matters.

www.gplt.ab.ca

The Centaurs Season is Upon Us!!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Centaurs Rugby team’s season will be starting with their first official home game on May 24^th against Fort McMurray.

This year the team will be coached by Gus Fai as Joe Faalii-Alaimoana will be coaching the women’s team, the Sirens.

Make sure you check out the action at the Rugby Fields!!!

May-24 vs. Fort McMurray - Home - 2:00
May-31 vs. Clansmen ---- Away - 4:00
Jun -7 vs. Leduc ---- Away - 2:00
Jun -7ASAA (High School) Finals
Jun -14 vs. .Lep-Tigers---- Home - 2:00
Jun -21 vs. Druids ---- Home - 2:00
July 5 vs. Nor'westers ---- Away - 2:00
Jul-19 vs. Fort McMurray ---- Away - 3:00
Jul-26 vs. Clansmen ---- Home - 2:00
Aug-9 vs. Leduc ---- Home - 2:00
Aug-16 vs. Lep/Tigers ---- Away - 2:00
Aug-23 vs. Druids ---- Away - 2:00
Sept. 6 vs. Nor'westers--- Home - 2:00
Sept. 13 City Playoffs 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3
Sept. 20 City Finals
Sept. 27 Provincial Finals

www.centaursrugby.com

Record Setting Auction

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

    Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers set new site records at an unreserved auction at its Grande Prairie location last week.
    More than 5400 people from 17 countries registered to bid on approximately $32 million of equipment available at the auction, held on April 15-16.
    A quarter of the bidders registered to bid online in real time, and they accounted for more than one third ($11 million) of the sales.
More than 2,300 items - were sold.

Remo Zaccagna
Daily Herald Tribune,
April 21, 2009

Grande Prairie Museum Fiddler's Jamboree

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Grande Prairie Museum Fiddler's Jamboree will be held at the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are available at the museum 10329 101 Ave or by calling 780-830-7090.

Whispering Pines Rodeo

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Join us at the Whispering Pines Rodeo April 25th & 26th, 2009! The Whispering Pines Rodeo will be located in the Lewis Hawkes Pavilion at Evergreen Park for 2 days of amazing events you wont want to miss!

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

Local Jr Rodeo Saturday - Start time @ 1:00pm
Saturday gates open at 6:00pm
Rodeo starts at 7:00pm, Wildrose Sanctioned Rodeo
Tough Enough to Wear Pink in Support of Breast Cancer, Supported by BP Canada

Sunday, April 26th, 2009

Slack Sunday - Start Time @ 8:00am
Sunday gates open at 1:00pm
Rodeo starts at 2:00pm, Wildrose Sanctioned Rodeo

Admission: $10.00

Junior Wild Pony Race On Both Days!!

Seven Main Events

Celebrate Summer in Grande Prairie

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Celebrate Summer Solstice in an artistic way this summer.

The Iskoteo Arts Festival held June 17^th- 21^st 2009 in Grande Prairie will be four days full of arts and culture of the north; music, drama, visual art and literary activities will all be key components of this unique festival.

Iskoteo was the cultural component of the 1995 Canada Winter Games which were held in Grande Prairie. The word Iskoteo is a Cree word meaning “fire”. The revitalization of the Iskoteo theme seemed fitting for this summer festival, to give this word more meaning a short poem was created.

ISKOTEO

….fire in the sky

….spirit of the people

….power of the land

Events of the 2009 Iskoteo Arts Festival include:

- Art of the Peace Juried Art Show and Opening Reception

- The Local Connection @ Your Library – Features Peace Country Writers

- Iskoteo Puppet and Play Story time for families

- Clem and Muriel Collins Writing Contest Awards

- Grande Opening of the Montrose Cultural Centre

- Summer Solstice Super Market

- Writing workshops

- Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Gala

- National Aboriginal Day Celebration

The arts festival is kicked off Tuesday June 16^th with the Juried Art Show and Open reception. Saturday evening we welcome Norman L. Kwong the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta to our city for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Gala. This is an annual event that will be held in our city this year. There will be a Fire & Ice theme. Tickets for this event must be purchased. All other events taking place during the festival are free of charge and a bus service will be offered by the City of Grande Prairie. Please see the Iskoteo website for more details.

Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie is pleased to offer a special room rate of $89.00 + applicable taxes. The Iskoteo Arts Festival should be a fun and exciting event for all who attend. Should you be coming to Grande Prairie for the Iskoteo arts festival book today and save with Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel.

Grande Prairie Mother's Day Celebration!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Join us on Mother’s Day for your chance to win!

On Sunday May 10th from 9:30am to 1:30pm, the Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel will be having a Mother's Day Brunch Buffet and we would love for you to join us!

The buffet will include an omelet station, meats, seafood and a large assortment of breakfast items.

For this event we will be taking some reservations as well as offering a walk in service. Please call or email us today for more information.

There will also be a draw for a chance to win a Jacuzzi suite & spa package from Merle Norman for all our mothers who are in attendance.

$18.95 Adults
$16.95 Seniors
$8.95 Children

We look forward to seeing you on May 10th to celebrate all our beautiful Mothers!

Second Stree Theatre Concert

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Hello Music Fans!

The last show of this concert season is coming up quick. The evening will feature Grammy-nominee ELIZA GILKYSON, a singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. Eliza will be joined on stage by NINA GERBER, a highly acclaimed instrumentalist. Eliza's newest albums, Your Town Tonight (2007) and Beautiful World (2008) demonstrate that her songwriting has a "Dylanesque" quality as her tunes burst with edgy and poetic imagination.
It's going be a great concert, make sure not to miss this opportunity. The show is on Wednesday, April 15th , 7:30 pm at the Second Street Theatre. Tickets: $25.00 Advance, $27.00 at Door.
For Tickets and Information please call The Second Street Theatre Box Office at 780-538-1616, or visit: www.gplt.ab.ca

Grande Prairie Easter Brunch

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel invites you to join us on Sunday April 12th for our Easter Brunch from 9:30am-1:30pm.

We will be serving a wide assortment of food including eggs, bacon, ham & sausage, hashbrowns, french toast, pancakes, waffles, crepes, and baked goods.

We will also be featuring a complimentary arts center for the kids in the banquet room. There will be Easter egg decorating, coloring, Easter basket making and cookie decorating!

No reservations necessary - just come in for great food and lots of fun!

$13.95 Adult
$7.95 Children
$11.95 Seniors

10th Annual Spirit Seekers Youth Conference Grande Prairie

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Friendship Centre presented its 10^th Annual Spirit Seekers Youth Conference March 20-21 2009. The Spirit Seekers Youth Conference is for Aboriginal youths aged 12 to 29. This two day event was held at the Grande Prairie Regional College. This was the first year the College hosted the conference and is committed to hosting it every year from now on. This was also a first for Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie and we plan to take part in this event in the future.

Special guests of this event included, Travis Dugas, Shannon and Shauna Baker, Aaron Paquette, and Rocky Morin. The weekend also included opening ceremonies, speeches, Traditional Round Dance and Feast.

Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie donated rooms to the Conference so youth who could not otherwise attend the Conference were able to take part.

Below is a Thank You from Delaine Lambert Coordinator of the Spirit Seekers Youth Conference.

“Thank you to the Stanford Hotel for partnering with us this year. You made it possible for many youth to attend. The conference was a great success, with approximately 230 youth in attendance and more at the Feast & Round Dance. We hope to work with you next year, thanks for your commitment to the youth.”

Stanford Hotel is proud to take part in events such as this one. The youth are the future.

It’s Full speed ahead for Bruce Power Ltd. expansion plans despite economic uncertainty

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

JIM MACDONALD

The Canadian Press

EDMONTON – The recession appears to be having little impact on a multibillion-dollar bid by the Ontario-based Bruce Power Ltd. to bring the first nuclear reactors to Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Bruce Power chief executive Duncan Hawthorne says long-term atomic power projects may be able to sidestep the current global economic turmoil because they wouldn’t actually be built for several years.

“The economic climate is a cause for concern for all of us,” Hawthorne said in an interview.

“But it doesn’t necessarily mean that those conditions will still be there when it comes time to make a big investment decision.”

Albert Energy Minister Mel Knight said nuclear energy is becoming a more attractive option for Alberta and other provinces that rely heavily on coal and natural gas to generate power.

“The nuclear renaissance is here,” Knight said in an interview. “I’m not saying I’m for it or against here.”

Now is the time to be building massive power projects because labour and construction costs have fallen dramatically due to the recession compared to just a few months ago, he said.

Knight also expressed optimism that nuclear projects will survive at a time when nervous lenders are becoming more wary of which projects to back.

“These things require huge up-front capital,” said Knight.

“And any time you can pare away 10 or 15 per cent of that cost, on a long-term basis their power becomes that much more reasonable.

“They’re probably not impaired by this capital crunch.”

But nuclear power has yet to win policy approval from the Alberta government, a key requirement for any reactor project.

Bruce Power has started ramping up a public relations campaign in four Alberta cities as the government prepares to gauge how people feel. Billboards were recently erected in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Peace River trumpeting Bruce Power Alberta as a green energy provider.

“Exploring opportunities for growth in Alberta,” say the billboards. “Next-generation nuclear, hydrogen, wind, solar.”

But Bruce Power is obviously wrapping themselves up in warm fuzzy products that they think people are going to want,” said Kevin Taft, energy critic for Alberta’s Liberal Opposition.

The company has been lobbying for months in northern Alberta communities, where it hopes to build at least two reactors if all political, environmental and financial hurdles can be cleared.

However, Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach has assured Albertans they’ll be consulted before any decision is made.

Comments are welcome on this controversial topic. What is your opinion on the developments? Do you think Bruce Power is a "green energy provider"?

Ritchie Bros. Auction April 15 & 16!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel will be offering a courtesy shuttle service to and from the next Ritchie Bros Auction in Grande Prairie on April 15 & 16, 2009. The shuttle will run to and from the Auction at various times throughout both days. See the Shuttle Schedule below.

Ritchie Bros. Auction Shuttle Service Schedule

Shuttle leaves Stanford Inn at:
7:30am, 9am and 1pm

Shuttle leaves Auction at:
11:30 am, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm

STANFORD SPECIAL SPRING OFFER

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

STANFORD GRANDE PRAIRIE HOTEL
SPECIAL SPRING OFFER
MARCH 15 - APRIL 30, 2009
Standard Rooms starting at $79.00 + applicable taxes

"JUST BOOK IT"

Grande Prairie is the host of various Spring & Summer Events and the Stanford Inn would like to be your "host".

Upcoming Events such as The Home Show March 6-8, The Peace Country Classic, March 12-14 and The Sports Expo, April 3-5 attract people from all regions of Alberta and British Columbia. Get a jump start, spring into action and book your accommodations with us now. Booking your accommodations for events listed before March 15th will automatically guarantee you our "Special Spring Rate" of *Standard Rooms from $79.00 + applicable taxes*. You can't afford not to.

Another large attraction is our Northern Alberta Forestry Show scheduled for May 7-8, and the Petroleum Show May 13-14. If you are planning on attending either of these shows as a participant/exhibitor, or just an attendee book your room with us and we will extend our *SPECIAL SPRING OFFER - Standard Rooms starting from $79.00 + applicable taxes*.

Contact Us today @ 1.800.661.8160 or
reservations@stanfordhospitality.com

ACAC Men's Volleyball Championship

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

ACAC Provincial Men's Volleyball Championship to be held at GPRC (Women's to be held at Mount Royal College). For more information see the ACAC website at http://www.acac.ab.ca/pages/volleyball-mens.php

Need a place to stay to take in the action. Room rates starting at $89.00 per night.

Sipps Sensual Seduction

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

SIPPS Friday the 13th party turned out to be a lot of fun. We saw a lot of new faces and in no time at all the DJ had everyone up and dancing. Great prizes were given away and the customers couldn't have been happier. SIPPS would like to thank all of our customers for making our Friday the 13th party such a huge success and we look forward to seeing you in the near future.

Sensual Seduction at SIPPS!!!???

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Friday the 13th of February,SIPPS Lounge in the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel, hosts “Sensual Seduction” a Twisted Valentine’s Day Party presented by Prairie Mobile Music and DJ GQ Indian!

Forget the regular mushy gushy Valentine’s and bring your date down to SIPPS Lounge for the biggest, weirdest Valentine’s/ Friday the 13^th Party ever to disturb Grande Prairie! The party gets under way at 9pm and cover charge is $7! There are plenty of prizes, specials and giveaways! You don’t want to miss it!

Best Hotel in Grande Prairie!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel has been voted by our guests as the favourite place to stay in Grande Prairie, AB! TripAdvisor ranks the Stanford Hotel as the #1 Hotel in Grande Prairie out of the 14 hotels in town. Comments on TripAdvisor from past guests include: “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” and “Great place to stay – Great Staff!” With such affordable rates, friendly service, delicious food, and full service amenities, it is no wonder why everyone is enjoying their stay at the Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel! Congratulations! This is the second Stanford property to reach number #1 on Trip Advisor! If you would like to experience world class skiing and small town charm, we welcome you to also stay at the Fernie Stanford Resort in Fernie.

Super Bowl XLIII at SIPPS Lounge!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The newly renovated SIPPS Lounge in the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel is hosting its first Super Bowl Party on Sunday February 1^st! SIPPS Lounge is usually closed Sundays but they are opening up at noon for Super Bowl XLIII. Come down and kick off the day with great specials, great prizes, great friends and fun.

Enter to win the grand door prize: A PS3 with Guitar Hero! Among the specials will also be a $2 Taco Bar! Get your tickets at the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel’s front desk, in Del Monica’s Restaurant or at SIPPS Lounge. Grab a bunch of buddies and head on down to SIPPS Lounge, Sunday February 1^st, for Super Bowl XLIII!

Bedside Manners at Ovations

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Ovations Dinner Theatre’s production of Bedside Matters kicked off this Friday. This adult comedy follows the wiles of Ferris as he tries to capitalize on preventing the inevitable meetings of husbands, wives and lovers after he reluctantly agrees to tend his sister’s seedy country inn while she takes a holiday. Come on out and be engulfed in the lies, confusions and bewilderments that await Ferris on this spring evening. Bedside Manners runs Friday and Saturday evenings from now until the 21^st of February. Visit our packages page and book your accommodations for a Romantic Dinner Theatre Weekend in Grande Prairie.

The Jungle Book

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Don't miss out....Only one more weekend

The Jungle Book is running on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights at the Second Street Theatre at 7:30 pm and at 1:00 pm on Sunday Afternoons.

Check out their website at www.gplt.ab.ca or call 780-538-1616 for tickets or more information.

Colin James to Rock Grande Prairie in March!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie is a buzz with preparations to host the 2010 Arctic Winter Games being held in our city March 6-13, 2010! The Arctic Winter Games is an international sport and cultural event, held every two years, in which young athletes from Circumpolar regions gather to participate in a variety of sports and showcase their talents. Grande Prairie is the southern most city to ever host the games that bring together an estimated 2,000 arctic athletes from Northern Alberta to Russia.

Colin James will be in Grande Prairie on March 28^th at the Evergreen TEK Centre to help raise funds and awareness for the event! Music lovers are invited to dine and dance to the music of this Canadian icon. The evening will also include a silent auction featuring a variety of unique aboriginal art pieces from artists around the region. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to meet and greet with Colin James before the event.

Tickets to the event can be purchased at the Crystal Centre Box Office or by calling the games office at 780-538-4777. Visit the Arctic Winter Games website at www.awg2010.org.

THE HOTTEST PHENOMENON ON ICE IN GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Let's go, Wildcats! It's time for Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour, featuring a cast of world class skaters in the one and only live celebration of the smash hit movies "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2!" Plus, rock the house at the exclusive High School Musical 3 Special Bonus Experience Pre-Show, with the coolest songs and hottest dance moves from the blockbuster movie and so much more! It's a fabulous party on ice - High School Musical: The Ice Tour!

February 19-22 in Grande Prairie the Crystal Centre hosts Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour! The event that has Grande Prairie and area’s preteens and teenyboppers alike counting down the days! Book your seats today at http://www.crystalcentre.com/and don’t forget to reserve your family accommodations at the Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel. Give your kids a Valentine’s gift they will never forget!

Tommy Hunter Coming to Town

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

"Canada's Country Gentlman", entertaining audiences young and old.....who else but "Tommy Hunter" of course.

Some of you may say "who?"----well, maybe this will give you a little insight into what Tommy Hunter means to me, (and I believe to many people).

Let's take a step back in time............it is a sunny Sunday afternoon. All the kids on the block are "outside playing". Hopscotch, riding bikes, and building forts seem to be the entertainment of choice. (Of course, there was always a good game of Knock Knock runaway until you were caught!!!!)

If one of our friends was not there, we ran over to his or her house to find out why.......and yes, I did say run........no cel phones. And, we knew all of our neighbours by name.

Eventually, after an exhausting day of outdoor activities we were all called in by our mothers for "Sunday NIght Supper". The whole family was home, Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters, and we all sat together at the dining room table and enjoyed a meal together. Except for Sunday............Sunday was a very special night in our home. We (if we were very careful) got to eat supper in the living room. As usual, we had our favourite programs on T.V. starting with "Walt Disney" "Ed Sullivan", and of course, The Tommy Hunter Show, and "the whole family was together". In these times when we very rarely get to eat a meal with our entire family, and don't know our neighbours names, it is very comforting to know that just by closing your eyes, you can take yourself back in time and "remember" how it used to be.

And that my friends is what Tommy Hunter means.............family, comfort, and very special times.

Tommy Hunter will be in Grande Prairie performing at the Grande Prairie College in the "Douglas J Cardinal" theatre on Friday, January 16th at 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, January 17th at 2 p.m.

Call the Crystal Box Office at "780-538-0387" for your tickets and enjoy the show.

Crystal Centre

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The Crystal Centre hosts world class entertainers and is one of the prime locations for conventions, trade shows, and public skating. Located in the City's downtown, the newly expanded Crystal Centre is the home of the Grande Prairie Storm Hocley Club, a member of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Upcoming events:

GP Storm vs Lloydminster Bobcats
Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Wedding Show
Sunday, January 25, 2009

GP Storm vs Spruce Grove Saints
Tuesday, January 20, 2009

GP Storm vs Fort McMurray Oil Barons
Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24, 2009

Malanka
Saturday, January 31, 2009

Disney on Ice, High School Musical
February 19 - 22, 2009 @ Crystal Centre

www.crystalcentre.com

Grande Prairie, Shopping Capital of the North!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Grande Prairie, Alberta Shopping Capital of the North

By Claudia Cattaneo

To many, isolation can be a downer, but in Grande Prairie, it’s good for business.

Indeed, this Alberta city of 55,000, 700 kilometers northwest of Calgary and 450 kilometers northwest of Edmonton near the British Columbia border, ranked third in the country in the FP/Canadian Federation of independent Business survey of top entrepreneurial centers.

“People will support the local businesses, as opposed to driving to Edmonton and Calgary, so we kind of have our own market,” said Tab Pollock, owner of Signco Inc., a commercial billboard company, and chairman of the District Chamber of Commerce. “They want to keep us.”

Its northern location also means local businesses like to work together, non-profits are vibrant, and entrepreneurship is encouraged, he said.

The culture has built Grande Prairie into the commercial hub for northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia- it calls itself the shopping capital of the North. Hotels restaurants, shops draw customers from a region with a population of 250,000, many of them B.C. residents crossing into Alberta to save on provincial sales taxes.

It helps that Grande Prairie is in the Peace Country Region, close to some of the country’s hottest gas discoveries- the most recent being the Montney and Horn River shale plays, which are expected to maintain high levels of activity even in a downturn in spending due to weaker energy prices. Encana Corp., Talisman Energy Inc. and Devon Energy Corp. also operate regional offices in the centre.

Mr. Pollack, who’s three-employee firm has been providing billboards for clients such as real estate agents and grocery stores for 10 years, sail it add up to an environment where entrepreneurs who work hard can do well. If there’s a challenge it’s shortage of labor. “We need people,” he said. “And that is the one thing we struggle with up in the North. It’s getting people up here and keeping them here.”

Financial Post

In My Opinion

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Has anyone sat and read the local paper lately? Headlines topping the news, and my interest, in Grande Prairie this week; SnowRemoval-City officials have been issuing notices to homeowners who do not appear to be adhering to the 24 hour snow removal bylaw which states that snow must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours of a snow fall. So far 100 warnings have been issued and residents have been complying. My question is this: How do they monitor this fairly? I had my snow removed last night only to have to shovel my way out of the garage this morning! Thank goodness I have a 12 year old boy desperately trying to earn the new DS Game I have strategically placed, within his sight, atop the refrigerator. Now if I could just figure out a way to bribe the city into practicing what they preach…I truly hope to return home from work tonight and find my street cleared of the mountain of snow I spun my way through this morning…Wish me luck!

Upon further digging into the current gossip I was interested to read an article about a woman being charged the recycle levy on her property tax bill that she has refused to pay for the past 13 years. You see, she provided a certain community very close by, a free recycling service for 4 years simply because of her love for the environment. The community went onto hire a contractor to provide this service at a cost to the community and it residents. She has refused to pay that portion of her utility bill, claiming that she provided this service to the community at no charge for a lengthy period of time and that if in turn she should have to pay this bill, they should have to pay her for her services at a rate of $25,000 per year, which is less than they are paying the hired contractor. The amount she owes the community: $1300. The town has had a meeting and concluded that the amount they have applied to her property taxes will stand and they will seek legal council about her claim to the $100,000 worth of services she provided them. I honestly cannot help but hope (being a little “green” around the collar myself) that they have to pay her every cent!

Vandals have apparently caused $20,000 in damages to a radio tower near Debolt, while trying to shoot out the lights. Hmmm, where have your 12 year olds been? Any of them happen to get a new BB gun for Christmas? If I lived in Debolt I would certainly be questioning my kids. Fortunately for them we are city dwellers and there is not time for target practice, what with all the snow to be shoveled…

On another note it appears that the economy in Grande Prairie continues to hold its own. The real estate board is predicting that the housing market remains steady and strong this year…Very good news…I am not the only one thinking Grande Prairie will weather this economic storm with the grace we all weather the weather in Grande Prairie. (Sorry for all the weathers!)

And speaking of the weather…Have you heard? Just a few more days of this bitter cold and we will be treated to a down right balmy weekend! We couldn’t ask for better news as there are 3 teenagers in my house DYING to spend the weekend at Nitehawk! The bitter cold has seen the ski hill closed a lot this season so it will be great for them as well. www.gonitehawk.com

So here’s wishing all of you an incredible weekend! Get out and enjoy some of the recreation and events around this awesome city. Say hi to Krystine and Jasenta at Nitehawk for me, as I will be working away…I know…its unfortunate, but trust me I will hear all about it from my kids. And if I close my eyes and dream as they tell me their stories, I may just feel the breeze across my cheeks and the cool drops of fresh powder speckle my brow…

Please be advised that the views in this publication are the personal opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Stanford Hospitality Group.

Learning Something New

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

In keeping with point number eight in my previous blog: to learn something new; here is a brief history lesson on

The History of New Year's Resolutions

The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar.

With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.

The New Year has not always begun on January 1, and it doesn't begin on that date everywhere today. It begins on that date only for cultures that use a 365-day solar calendar. January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had.

The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. He was always depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back. Thus he could look backward and forward at the same time. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. The Romans began a tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year's Eve by giving one another branches from sacred trees for good fortune. Later, nuts or coins imprinted with the god Janus became more common New Year's gifts.

In the Middle Ages, Christians changed New Year's Day to December 25, the birth of Jesus. Then they changed it to March 25, a holiday called the Annunciation. In the sixteenth century, Pope Gregory XIII revised the Julian calendar, and the celebration of the New Year was returned to January 1.

The Julian and Gregorian calendars are solar calendars. Some cultures have lunar calendars, however. A year in a lunar calendar is less than 365 days because the months are based on the phases of the moon. The Chinese use a lunar calendar. Their new year begins at the time of the first full moon (over the Far East) after the sun enters Aquarius- sometime between January 19 and February 21.

Although the date for New Year's Day is not the same in every culture, it is always a time for celebration and for customs to ensure good luck in the coming year.

Gary Ryan Blair is the inspiration behind New Year's Resolution Week. This annual event was founded on the premise, that a single resolution can positively and profoundly create lasting change in your life and help to make the world a better place. To become part of the world's largest personal change initiative, visit www.GoalsGuy.com.

Happy New Year

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Have you made yours?

The Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

1. Spend more Time with Family and Friends - that's a given.

2. Fit in Fitness - (so I guess walking to the front building and back doesn't count?)

3. Tame the bulge - (as we are in a recession we all need the extra pounds as groceries are getting more expensive - I'm sure it will just come off)

4. Quit Smoking - Bravo if you can do this and not go back to the habit.

5. Enjoy Life More - Life is hectic - slow it down and smell the roses today, as tomorrow may not come. Each day is a gift!

6. Quit Drinking - WHAT!!!!!! *#$%# I don't like this one. I enjoy my casual glass of wine - how am I suppose to enjoy life without it?

7. Get out of Debt - It's a wonderful thing to not have a mortgage payment etc. Aim for it - a house is just a box you live in and it really doesn't matter what you have for possessions; you can't take them with you.

8. Learn Something New - I call this my Bucketlist.....I have a list of items to do before I go. On it is items such as Tap Dancing, Travelling, finishing college....I'm working on them. I can tap though.......

9. Help Others.....one day you may need that helping hand!

10. Get Organized - I like to think I am, but Martha Stewart always has some good ideas. It's a good thing!

I'm assuming if you made your resolution it fell in one of these top 10, so for this year I decided not to make a resolution but to aim at being a better person; now where is my wine glass?

Why Grande Prairie?

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

“What is it about Grande Prairie?” I was faced with the question that many of my family ask from time to time once again the other day. You see, they have all been here, and most of them have lived here. They all eventually migrated back to the Okanogan, and I have remained here, loyal to my “Home”. They can’t understand it and they make it sound like I live in some remote hell, far north of where anyone with any ounce of sanity would consider living.

Let me paint you the picture of their “jaded” opinions. Spring…1994…Or what was supposed to be spring…It was April after all. My dad got up to go to work and was once again faced with snow drifts up to his waist and the wind howling at about -50! He snapped! He packed up the family and headed home, vowing to never live here again. My sister and I remained, having found roots of our own. Eventually those “roots” rotted away and my sister returned to her home. I must admit that I did try at one time to leave, but the economy in southern BC didn’t suite my mentality at the time, and I found myself heading back to my northern home with the prospect of making a decent living, owning property and raising a family.

Grande Prairie was a city booming with prosperity and growing like crazy. I guess you could say I was caught up in the hustle and bustle. With people working hard, unemployment almost non existent, good friends, and contrary to the beliefs of my family, not bad weather, Grande Prairie offers me almost everything I could want in a home. That spring that everyone turned tail and took off was the last year in a long time that we suffered the bitter, endless grasps of winter’s fury. I have seen the 10^th of December come and go many times with barley a skiff of snow and people about their Christmas shopping with out the bulk of a jacket. Sure the temperature still drops on occasion, like this past Wednesday for instance. At six am the radio declared that it was a cold minus sixteen outside and two short hours later the mercury was hovering at plus three! Where else but Grande Prairie does the weather change every few minutes? Where else but Grande Prairie can you shovel your drive way before work and pull weeds from your flower beds that afternoon?

So to my sister in law who said to me the other day (she has never been here and my brother won’t bring her) “What is so terrible about Grande Prairie? It can’t be near as bad as they make it sound!” I would say “It’s not!” It is a wonderful place to live, to work, and to play! I can shop in some of the best stores in the afternoon and hit the slopes for some night time fun. I can take in a live theatre production one evening and head out for some target practice the next! I can dine in the finest restaurants and sweat in the best gyms. Swimming, hiking, river racing, skating, skiing, sledding, Motocross, theatre, movies, shopping, baseball, football, hockey, and soccer. Highland games, Maple Sugar Festival, Street Performers, bike rallies. Parades, drive-in movies, drag wars and mud bogs. Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, rock climbing, camping. I could go on, and I probably will the next time someone asks, “What is it about Grande Prairie?” I think I can honestly reply “What isn’t it?”

Our Tourism Queen

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Congrats Priscilla!!!!! Priscilla was just nominated and voted in to be a representative on the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Board. Priscilla will be an excellent addition to their team and we are looking forward to seeing what ideas and endless possibilites come up from their creativity.

Awesome job - we're are so proud of you!!!!!

Festival Winner

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

To my dismay...I left one one very important detail in my last blog. Thank you Janine!!! Janine organized the concept and headed up the decorating team for our entry into the Festival of Trees. Janine's concept won first place in the Bronze Tree entry.

We are so proud of her:)

November the Beginning of the "Busy Season"

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

This month has been flying by and it seems each year we strive to accomplish more. Does this really work for us? You notice people scurring each place and I wonder if they are truly enjoying themselves?

I am......this month has been exciting in more ways than before. My daughter celebrated her 13th birthday at the Ten Pin Bowling in the black lights. Her cake was a beautiful ice cream cake from the fantastic Marble Slab to which we fed everyone possible and still have some left. We went to the Back Street Boys Concert in Grande Prairie. Shocking GP has grown so much to see concerts here is amazing! We sang along and bebopped with the rest of the kids and people my age who enjoyed their music when they were younger.

The next week took us out to the Ducks Unlimited Annual Event. This year the TEC Centre at Evergreen Park fulfilled the evening with amazing food and atmosphere. It's always great to see so many people support this great cause.

Next was the Festival of Trees organized and supported by the QEII Foundation. The committee did an amazing job and the room always lights up your heart to move forward to the season of Christmas. It always engages me to strive and have my tree put up at home and the hotel stylishly decorated.

Coming up in Grande Prairie besides the endless concerts of Kenny Rogers, James Blunt and the Second Stree Theatre Productions is our local hockey team: The Storm. I encourage everyone to take in a game or two to whoop and holler and release some pent up energy. The team can use more fan support.

Just a reminder: Tis the Season - and you'll see me out "Shaking my Bells" for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles. We will be located at the Prairie Mall, Wal-Mart and many other locations throughout the city. As mentioned in a recent column in the Daily Herald Tribune, Grande Prairie has received an increase of usage at the Foodbank. The over 55000 pieces of food that was previously picked up through our Rotary Foodbank Drive may only make it till end of January. I hope if you are able to help out please make a contribution at your local grocery store. You never know when your kindness can make a huge impact on others.

With all the season flowing through my veins.....I will end this here but not until I remind everyone that the Santa Claus Parade is this Sunday. A good opportunity to send Santa your letter, freeze your tush and then head to your local Tim Horton's or Starbucks for one of their tantizing steamy hot chocolates.

Till next time, be good, stay safe and appreciate all that we have in life.

Na

Lest We Forget…To Help Them Remember

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

I stood outside yesterday, the cold wind biting at my ears. Before me the scene unfolds as I imagine it has for the last 90 years. The soldiers standing at attention with statue like stillness. The crowd dotted with poppies watch almost silently. I wriggle in my boots. My toes are cold and my ears are freezing. I think about complaining…And then I am ashamed.

My griping attitude suddenly catches sight of the red ears of those statue soldiers with nothing more than a brush cut between them and their felt berets. The scene flashes through my mind and makes me repent of my complaints. I see the cold trenches. The mud, stained with the blood of fallen comrades. I hear the blasts and the yelling, I do not hear complaints…

My daughter’s voice rings in my head. “I don’t want to go, mom. Those men are so old; I can’t understand what they are saying”. I am more than horrified. It is one of those moments when you wish the good Lord would rapture you out of there…Or the ground would swallow you up. I am speechless. I cringe under the glances of her grandparents…And then I am ashamed.

I should have dragged her there. In her pajama pants, no makeup, hair awry. It would have served her right. It would have humored me to see her face when we walked through the Legion doors and those old men she expected to see were actually young men dressed in their uniforms, clean cut, clean shaven, a 16 year old girls dream…but I had left with her grandparents hoping that they would deliver the finger waving/tongue lashing she deserved.

Truth be told the fault was mine. This is my first Remembrance Day service. Sure I have attended the school assemblies, sang proudly to Oh Canada, and listened to the “old” men deliver their speeches. I have been proud of the recited verse of Flanders Fields delivered by the small voice of my child. What I hadn’t considered was the fact that it may be nothing more to them than words that rhymed. I took for granted that they would understand…I am ashamed.

As I study the weathered faces and teary eyes of the veterans that have proudly put on their uniforms and braved the cold wind to pay their respects and remember, I repent of ever classifying this day as an “old persons holiday”. These men and women were not old. They were teenagers when they went to serve their country. They were not much more than children when they sacrificed their futures, for what? For ours. For my teenagers, at home, enjoying a day off school, warm and…free.

So next year I can assure you that I will be joined at service by three teenagers. They will be well dressed, adorned with poppies and they will remember. They will honor the soldiers that gave them their freedom when they were not much older than they are. They will say a prayer for our troops today, and they will proudly sing Oh Canada. They will remember…As I will not forget.

Sonny & Cher's Guest Appearance

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Sipps Pub pulled out all the stops for their Grand Opening. The room was cloaked in darkness with just a flicker of light on each table. While we enjoyed our Halloween Treats.......out of the corner of my eye I could not believe what I saw......Sonny and Cher making a guest appearance. Back from the dead (Sorry Cher) and travelling together, and singing duets such as Have I Stayed to Long...they graced each table to mingle, chat and sign autographs.

Sonny and Cher enjoyed their treats with fellow celebrities such as Kat Von D, Captain Morgan, Mrs. Claus, The Joker and Tinkerbell.

Throughout the evening Kat Von D continued to entertain her table and won numerous prizes. A lonely Old Man seen wandering the bar aimlessly, enjoyed the vast array of cocktails and mocktails flowing freely.

The costume challenged folks endured many requests from those that celebrated the evening in style. All told the evening catered to approximately 100 plus people.

In the end, a Happy Halloween was had by all. The ghosts and goblins that braved the eeriness of a cold All Saints Night ...............

Goodbye October…Miss you? I will not!

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

Bidding good riddance to October could seem like I am welcoming the thought of blowing snow and icy wind creeping through my layers of winter wear. I can assure you this is not the case! Winter is just not my favorite game! I am however welcoming the thought of the last Halloween candy disappearing from the spot from which it calls my name. Rescued from my relentless noshing, by a twelve year old boy who’s diet has consisted of nothing but sugar for the last 5 days, only to be consumed without even the courtesy of being tasted and perhaps savored.

As I sit here writing this I feel a strange sense of calm, contradicting the last month of rushing, planning, attending, decorating, creating...I like it! Friday night’s “Ghoulish Gala” was a great time! SIPPS Lounge rocked into the night with great food, amazing prizes, interesting and somewhat eyebrow raising costumes! A big thanks to our staff, or should I say our “Bar Maidens” and “Drink Fairies”, for all of their hard work in making the night a huge success. We would also like to thank Darryl and his crew from Music Centre Canada for the incredible job they did as our DJ’s for the night!

(Pictures would be here if I could figure out how to add them!)

November promises indeed to be sweet. Occupancy is up, the oilfield is abuzz and I actually don’t have any evenings out planned until the 26^th Annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet on the 13^th! November also brings the magic of the Festival of Trees Gala. I am looking forward to an evening of black ties, wine glasses, Christmas greetings, and of course, my boss trying to discreetly bid on her favorite tree after entirely too much Christmas cheer! The 2008 Festival of Trees Gala Evening takes place November the 19^th at the Bowes Family Chrystal Centre.

So for the next week I plan to savor every moment I can. I plan to entertain my dear friend and her husband for a sip of wine, and I may even make some snacks, rather than run into Costco for a last minute tray of goodies on my way home from work! I plan to work on one of the few “projects” taking up precious space in my garage. My poor car will be wanting back in when the snow flies (I promise Ethel, I will make it happen!) And some how I will entice my husband up onto the roof to hang those lights! After all we do only have 52 days until Christmas and playing on the roof is rather dangerous after it snows.

Festivals, Fundraisers & Things That Go "Bump" in the Night

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

As the week draws to a close I find myself waiting for that magic moment when you can sit back, look around, twiddle your thumbs, sigh and think about how you possibly managed to find five minutes with absolutely nothing to do! (That moment does exist...right?)

Last Friday evening we took part in the Grande Prairie Sunrise Rotary's 1st Annual Scare Crow Festival! The evening was filled with great food, humor, flowing beverages, entertainment and fun. The live auction was as entertaining as the band, and the hillbilly with the banjo! We had a great time and the evening appeared to be a huge success, with over 200 people out to show their support. Our own scarecrow entry was awarded first prize in the Celebrity category! Way to go "Scaryl Crow"! We also made a couple new "friends" who are on display in SIPPS Lounge and will be joining the festivities on Halloween night. Make sure you come out and meet "Sonny & Cher Crow"!

Saturday night found us at the 12th Annual Nitehawk Comedy Night Fundraiser! What a great event! A big thank you to the staff at Nitehawk for the amazing work they put into the evening and for the tickets! My guess is that approximately 400 people enjoyed the night! The food was incredible, the silent auction items were awesome, and the entertainment, featuring Canadian Comedian Howie Miller as the headliner, was perfect! The comedians were so thrilled with their rooms (provided by us) that they raved about them during their show! We are looking forward to next year!

Tomorrow night brings the "Weekend to End Breast Cancer" fundraiser. We are looking forward to joining our friends once again to enjoy a great meal and silent auction to lend our support to another great cause. (Next week I will be looking for diet and financial advice, as I will be fat and broke from all of these events!)

Tickets are going fast for the "Ghoulish Gala" being held Halloween night in SIPPS Lounge! Make sure you don't miss out! The evening is promising to be the classiest party in town! Prizes include a ski weekend for 2 for the "Best Couple" costume, a beer fridge, and much more! Doors are open early but the DJ starts at 8pm! Hope to see you all there! (I will be the "invisible" girl)

So as your week draws to a close...I wish you at least one "Magic Moment" this weekend. And when you do finally sink into a chair with that sigh, I hope you recall that it is only 62 days till Christmas! Have you started your shopping yet? Are your lights up? Have you bought your cards yet...?

Winter's Chill

5/18/2013 3:59:45 PM

The tell tail ice crystals on my windshield this morning and the eerie darkness that enveloped the city was a chilling reminder that winter is creeping up on us sooner than we would like.

With the onset of the colder season we are embarking on some new adventures here at the Grande Prairie Stanford Hotel. With the month of October half way through we are pleased with the results so far with our Pink for October Breast Cancer Fund raiser! The staff is having a great time dressing down on Fridays in their pink shirts and so far they have risen over $500! Way to go girls!

Excitement is arising over the upcoming "Ghoulish Gala" being held Halloween night in our newly renovated SIPPS Lounge! Everyone is invited to come out and help us celebrate our Grand Opening with a new look and new name. There will be food, prizes and entertainment!

One more thing I simply must mention about the transition into fall is that...Christmas is only 69 days away! Time to think about hanging the lights (trust me you don't want to wait until it snows)! We picked up our tree yesterday that we will be entering the Festival of Trees! Grande Prairie's Festival of trees always marks the official kick off to the Christmas season for me personally! Held November 19-23rd at the Bowes Family Chrystal Gardens, the Festival of Trees attracts over 30,000 visitors of all ages. If you have never attended, make a plan this year to come out and experience the enchantment and wonder of over 250,000 lights dancing among the displays of Christmas Trees, Gingerbread Houses, Decorations and anything else you can imagine to do with Christmas!

So for today...bask in what is left of the sunshine, warm your red nose over a steaming cup of cocoa, and smile when you walk past the first of the Christmas displays crowding the Costco isles and spilling over into the Halloween treats! If you get started right now, you are sure to avoid the rush! And once you all start speaking to me again...You will thank me!

Stanford Grande Prairie Hotel Hotel Blog

Welcome To Evergreen Park And The Stompede

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

NITEHAWK WINTER GETAWAY

Weather Delays Our First Frost Moon Winter Festival

Harlem Globetrotters come to Grande Prairie!

Taste of Winter comes to Grande Prairie

Ashley MacIssac Comes to Grande Prairie!

Elton John's "Greatest Hits Live" Concert in Grande Prairie April 26th!

Winter Arrives Grande Prairie

Wintertime in Grande Prairie, AB

Summer Fun in Grande Prairie!

The Grand Prairie Stompede is Right Around the Corner!

Reel Shorts Film Festival in Grand Prairie

Spring is in the Air

Congrats to our winner!!

Congrats to our "Beat the Winter Blues" Contest!!

Stanford Christmas Pet Draw

Demolition of the Husky House Restaurant!!

Passport Changes Coming!!!

New Canadian passport rules coming

Congratulations to our Edmonton Oiler tickets winner!!!

Crystal Lake Cemetary Haunted House

PARDS - "Our Shining Stars" Dine and Dance

Ovations Dinner Theatre Presents…

The Great Pumpkin Carving Contest

Grande Prairie's New Mayor

Peace Country Idol Begins!

Grande Prairie Museum Lantern Tours

Oktoberfest Dinner & Dance

Sipps Lounge - UFC 121

Play & Stay – Grande Prairie Live Theatre

Ovations Fundraiser with Kevin McGrath & Ken Valgardson

Grande Prairie Library’s In Touch Newsletter

Pet Friendly - Stanford Hotel

Nitehawk - Season Pass Sale

‘Community ambassador’ Celebrates Long Service

Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers

Rankin Sisters, A Maritime Christmas

Corb Lund & The Hurtin' Albertans

Toys for Tots Run - Santa Claus Came to Town!

Tracy Lawrence - Grande Prairie Tour Date

Ron James LIVE! GPRC

United Way geared up for fall campaign

Local News / Regional

REMO ZACCAGNA, Herald-Tribune staff

Posted 22 hours ago

Nomination Day Round Up: Five Mayoral Candidates For Grande Prairie, Acclamations In Other Communiti

Nitehawk Back to School Pass!

Roadwork’s For Access To Pipestone Bone Bed Should Start Soon

YOM KIPPUR Downhill Race

Food Bank Drive

2010 GPRC Presidents Ball October 23rd

2010 President's Ball

Saturday, October 23rd Bowes Family Crystal Gardens

Click Here to view the President's Ball 2009 Photo Gallery!

2010 Titanium Sponsor

2010 President's Ball Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver

Bronze

Friends of the Ball

For more information, contact:

Coats for Kids Program starts Wednesday

Palm Leaf honour for Hegland

Ovations Dinner Theatre 2010-2011 Schedule

Rotary Food Bank Drive Coming Up Soon!!

Great Job Walmart Grande Prairie!

The Oilpatch is Making a Comeback According to Local Sources

Oilpatch hiring again

Oilers in Grande Prairie This Weekend

Gearing up for Grande Prairie

Oilers join Grande Prairie Storm for kick-off weekend camps & celebrations

GP Inn won’t convert to retirement complex

Viterra Officially Open in Sexsmith

Building Stories

Sunrise Rotary Club is gearing up for its 3rd annual Scarecrow Festival

Two More Pachyrhinos for the Wapiti Bonebed

New Bypass Opening this weekend!

Saturday, October 23^rd
Bowes Family Crystal Gardens

So I was pretty excited to hear that ZZ top is coming to Grande Prairie. Love the music!!!!!

Thursday, June 10th, 2010
8:00 pm
Canada Games Arena

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