Fort Normandeau Days previous event (Fort Normandeau Facebook page)

By Alessia Proietti and Josh Hall

1880s - present

Red Deerians can have a blast in the past at Fort Normadeau Days this weekend

Aug 18, 2023 | 5:13 PM

Red Deerians can have a blast in the past at the Fort Normandeau Days event this weekend.

On August 19-20 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., families can celebrate the city’s founding cultures at the historic site (28054 45 Ave.) with a myriad of activities, hosted by the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society.

Lev Corenblum, Public and Youth Program Coordinator for the Society, says the event has been ongoing for the past few decades.

According to the Society, the Red Deer River Crossing was the gateway between northern and southern Alberta before the railway system was established. Indigenous peoples knew it was the safest crossing point and a stopping house was later built on the land in 1884 by Robert McClellan.

During the Riel Rebellion the following year, Lt. J.E.Bedard Normandeau commanded the 65th Mount Royal Rifles to build a fort around the hotel to protect it.

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The current fort was rebuilt nearby in 1974, with some of the original logs of over a century old, and the site now operates as an interpretive centre and memorial to the Blackfoot, Cree, Metis and European cultures.

“Because Fort Normadeau was the start of our community, we like to celebrate that with Fort Normandeau Days and all the peoples and cultures that came together in that time,” said Corenblum.

At the event, attendees can find activities that will transport them back to the 1880’s like traditional Bannock and ice-cream making, rope making and games like marbles, jacks and Jika Kwanak.

Red Deer’s Firestick Living History Society, organized by local indigenous elder Lyle Keeweatin Richards, will be demonstrating black powder weapons, like canons and riffles, and perform a battle reenactment with re-enactors of the 65th Mount Royal Rifles.

Located near Red Deer’s Indian Industrial School, two teepees are also on site alongside a medicine wheel.

The Red Deer Food Bank will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers from their food truck.

On Sunday, attendees will also have a chance to hear live music from local musician Ryan Carnduff at 12:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 per person and $20 for a carload of five people. All proceeds go back to the non-profit Society. Attendees can bring their own lawn chairs for extra seating.