This weekend is the kickoff of Travel Alberta’s campaign the Alberta Sweet 16, which features 16 events in Central Alberta on each of 16 weekends between May long weekend and Thanksgiving. The campaign’s first event, Movie Bear Weekend, runs Saturday to Monday at Discovery Wildlife Park (4200 53rd St. Close in Innisfail). Bears that have been featured in movies such as Anchorman, Dr. Doolittle 2 and Brokeback Mountain will be at the park demonstrating their acting talents for guests.
Discovery Wildlife Park near Innisfail is home to Ruth LaBarge and her many famous bears – Barney, Whopper, Betty, Bonkers and Ursula. LaBarge and her bears present the Bear Awareness show twice daily at the park. They educate visitors on bears and how to act safely in bear country.
Other animals at the park have also been movie stars. Cleaver, the Bactrian camel, starred in Deck the Halls; Nika, the Siberian tigress, was featured in Air Buddies; and Porky, the porcupine, was filmed in Jennifer’s Body.
For more details, go to www.discoverywildlifepark.com. For details about other Central Alberta events, go to www.centralalbertaevents.com.