INNISFAIL – The cold winter-like weather didn’t stop local families from marking Alberta Culture Days.
The Innisfail Public Library welcomed families for a story walk and activities as part of the Alberta Culture Days weekend that was held across the province from this fall.
In Innisfail, the library’s one-day event on Sept. 28 included a variety of arts, crafts and a story walk.
“We didn’t have a grant for this event but we wanted to put it on anyway,” said Tara Downs, library manager.
“The theme for Alberta Culture Days this year is creativity, art and well-being, and the story (we chose) is about that creation aspect,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. Well-being comes from creativity and perfection is not really a part of that.
“These are fun, playful things that anyone can do at any age,” she added, noting 14 story pages and seven different arts and craft stations were stationed throughout the library.
“Arts really do contribute to well-being and that’s one of our mandates,” said Downs, noting several volunteers helped out for Saturday’s event.
“The activities are mostly self directed. We set it up so that people could do things on their own and we have volunteers at certain stations (to help),” she said. “Lindsey and I are here to help people wherever they need a hand as well.”
Alberta Culture Days is part of National Culture Days and is celebrated in communities from coast to coast to increase Canadians' awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement in the arts and cultural life of their communities.
Events are held every year during the last weekend of September.
The Chappell family was one of several families out to enjoy Alberta Culture Days at the local library.
“I saw a post on Facebook (for Alberta Culture Days) and thought we’d pop in and have some fun,” said Laurie Chappell, who was there with her husband and two young children.
“I think it’s a really good thing for us to do together to expose the kids to different activities,” she added. “We’re going to have a look around, see what there is and try as much as we can.
“We love the library; we come here a lot,” added Chappell. “It’s nice for a young family like us.”
Kayla Snidr, 14, is a regular volunteer at the library and was one of several volunteers helping with the Alberta Culture Days event.
“It’s very important (to celebrate arts and culture),” said Snidr. “Diversity in our community is very important too and it’s just nice to celebrate all of this.”
