Travelling road show hits small southern Alberta communities

A travelling road show meant to educate, entertain and inspire is visiting various towns across southern Alberta this week.

It’s called a Chautauqua and this one is visiting Stirling, Magrath, Raymond and Cardston until Aug. 13.

“We are just looking for something to be significant in this area that people would be able to come as a family and enjoy walking the streets in a small-town atmosphere,” said Sandra Nelson, one of the organizers.

The theme is Footprints in the West, celebrating the people who walked and arrived by train from the U.S. to build those communities.

When you’re related to four founding families in Magrath, like Laurel Bennett, it’s a time to recognize your heritage.

“They were called here to settle the area and most of them were called by the church to come up and fulfill the contract, to build the irrigation lines and the canals,” Bennett said. “And they came and they stayed… That’s wonderful.”

The first annual event is funded by Alberta Tourism. During the day there are speakers, art and a quilt display. By night, people can enjoy an original play in Cardston, examining the history of the community.

The hope is the Chautauqua will grow and become a main attraction every summer.

For Bennett, it’s an opportunity to show off her small-town pride.

“My roots run deep,” she said.