Dark Sky Festival receives funding
Jasper鈥檚 Dark Sky Festival received $30,000 in funding from the Alberta government last week.
The festival is one of five organizations to receive a grant from the province鈥檚 Festivals and Events Tourism Growth Program.
鈥淭he intent of [the funding] is to bring on some consultants that will help us grow the festival in the future,鈥� said Sarah Culley, corporate communications specialist for Tourism Jasper.
The third annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival will take place from Oct. 25鈥�27. The event was created after the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada named Jasper the largest dark sky preserve in the world.
Off leash area near completion
The new off-leash dog park on Sleepy Hollow Road should be open to the public and their canine pals on Saturday.
All that was left to do on Monday was complete a vehicle gate and fill in some holes, said Ross Derksen, manager of utilities for the municipality.
It will be a soft opening on Saturday, he said, as the municipality will be working with the Jasper Dog Owners Group to organize a grand opening in the near future.
The fencing for the park was constructed by volunteers, with help from municipal staff.
Of the volunteers, Derksen said, 鈥淭hey were wonderful with their enthusiasm. There was a good core group of people who worked really hard.鈥�
Judges put an eye on Jasper
The Communities in Bloom judges will be in town July 29 to rate Jasper against its international competitors.
CiB is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement. The program focuses on promoting the value of green spaces in urban settings.
This is Jasper鈥檚 first year competing on the international level, after winning on the national stage for its population category last year and winning provincially in 2010.
The program judges communities on eight criteria: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, turf and ground-covers, floral displays and community involvement.
Halloween in July
Dive into your tickle truck and dig out some ghoulish garb for the Halloween in July party at the Atha-B July 31.
The annual costume party is a fundraiser for HIV West Yellowhead. The event starts at 10 p.m. and those in costume get a deal at the door.
