From its fruition in 1967, the Canada Games is more than a sporting event, it is a display of Canadian arts and culture. The 52° North Music + Cultural Festival, presented by ATB and ATCO, continues that tradition with Canadian talent hitting the mainstage and community stage over 10 days.
Starting Saturday, February 16, the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza in downtown Red Deer comes alive with music, dance and art through this indoor/outdoor festival. After the 2019 Canada Winter Games are done, the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza continues to be a hub for culture and local festivities.
The mainstage of 52° North is located under a dome that fills with music and excitement over the 10 days of the festival. Located on the grounds of the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza, the community stage features local arts and cultural performers singing, dancing and sharing their culture with the crowds.
Confirmed performers inside the mainstage dome include:
Alan Doyle, Ashley MacIsaac, Bif Naked, Brett Kissel, Busty & the Bass, Frannie Klein, Gord Bamford, Headstones, Kim Mitchell, K-OS, Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, The Reklaws, Scott Helman, The Strumbellas, Trooper, Walk Off The Earth and Wide Mouth Mason.
Artisan Avenue is a market that features handcrafted pieces that are created by local artisans. Each week features a different group of artists and the market is open each day of the festival. Artisan Avenue is located on 48 Avenue, in front of the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza.
Being an indoor/outdoor festival, the interactive activities at the 52° North Music + Cultural Festival highlights the best elements of a central Albertan winter. There are snow sculptures and ice slides, a photo mosaic wall, a skating rink and coffee and hot chocolate available.
Tail Creek Camp is full of activities, set up and hosted by the Indigenous and Métis community. A trapper tent and teepees create an immersive environment for festival goers. Details on additional cultural events are to be shared in early February.
There is plenty of great food available to keep the spectators fuelled as they check out all the different activities and jam out to great Canadian music. Food trucks are lining the streets every night of the festival offering savoury bites and sweet confections.
Family Day is full of activities geared for children and their families. Bobs and Lolo, children’s performers, are there to entertain crowd. After Bobs and LoLo, a family friendly movie, Smallfoot, is on display in the mainstage dome for everyone to watch. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy the film!
To top off every night of the 52° North Music + Cultural Festival fireworks, light up the Red Deer sky.
There is something for everyone to experience over the 10 days of the 52° North Music + Cultural Festival; music with genres from classical to hip hop, enough food to fill a street and culture from across Canada.
For more details on the 52° North Music + Cultural Festival, please visit canadagames.ca/2019/52north.
Kaitlynn Rice
2019 Canada Winter Games