Celebrate 100 years of the Alberta Legislature Building

The countdown to one of the biggest parties of the summer has begun! On September 2 celebrate the 100th birthday of Alberta’s Legislature Building at the Party Under the Dome. They event will feature a 1912 Family Fair, Centennial Concert and fireworks spectacular to closeout the evening.

PHOTO CREDIT - TheCanadianEncyclopedia.com

Edmonton - August 8, 2012 - The countdown to one of the biggest parties of the summer has begun! On September 2 celebrate the 100th birthday of Alberta’s Legislature Building with a 1912 Family Fair in the daytime and a Centennial Concert and fireworks spectacular in the evening.

“Alberta’s Legislature represents a century of history, democracy and tradition,” said Speaker Gene Zwozdesky. “The Party under the Dome on September 2 is the perfect way to celebrate the best of this historic building and the legacy it represents to all Albertans.”

Family Fair 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The day will begin with a re-enactment of the building’s 1912 opening ceremony, performed by costumed actors on the Legislature’s front steps. The long-awaited time capsule reveal will follow, along with architectural tours of the beloved landmark. And no party would be complete without birthday cake! The 1912-inspired fair features a penny carnival, magicians, stilt walkers and antique cars! Local artists, including the Running Thunder Dancers, Gateway Quartet, Kayla Patrick, the Keister Family Fiddlers, the NEK Trio, Marie-Josée Ouimet Jazz Quartet and ATCO Gas’s “He’s Got the Pipes” centennial variety show, will keep everyone entertained throughout the afternoon.

Centennial Concert 7 p.m. Live on the ATCO Centennial Stage three of Alberta’s best homegrown talents join the celebration: Paul Brandt, Big Sugar and Brett Kissel! Brett Kissel, a St. Paul native, is a country singer-songwriter who recently toured with George Canyon. Brett remains the youngest ever nominee for a Canadian country music award, having been nominated for a rising star award in 2006.

Big Sugar brings their explosive show to the Alberta Legislature Grounds with their larger-than-life rock and reggae sound! Frontman and fellow Albertan Gordie Johnson returns to Edmonton following their 40-city nationwide tour in support of the latest CD, Revolution Per Minute.

Calgary-born, internationally acclaimed country star and local favourite Paul Brandt will be the final act! Paul recently headlined the Calgary Stampede and is the most awarded male Canadian country music artist in history. A spectacular fireworks display launched from the Legislature grounds will be the evening’s grand finale! This family-friendly, unlicensed concert will take place on the south lawn of the Legislature Grounds. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating.

The official centennial celebrations were launched June 18 with the unearthing of the 100-year-old time capsule from the cornerstone of the Alberta Legislature. To mark the official countdown to the Party Under the Dome, the dome of the Legislature Building will be illuminated beginning this evening until the September 2 event.