Red Deer deserves to win Cultureville 2011 because of its varied and inclusive cultural amenities, said The Hub co-ordinator Bev Randers.
The city is one of six communities vying for the title in the province-wide CBC competition and was selected as a finalists specifically for The Hub on Ross.
“We have culture every single day,” Randers said. “It’s a great variety. There’s something that fits every person’s cultural interests.”
The Hub began as an activity centre for adults with developmental disabilities, and staff at the facility strive to create a connected community through arts, dance, music, food and nature.
“The Hub is the quintessential venue that celebrates abilities and diversities,” said staff member Twyla Joy Lapointe.
The Hub offers a number of activities throughout the week, including knitting, bell choir, Polynesian dance lessons, a community drum circle, theatre, drawing, live music and the weekly Local First Market. It recently added weekly outings to Fort Normandeau to help participants foster a deeper connection with nature.
The Hub also participates in First Fridays every month.
Volunteer and participant Kylie Morrison, 22, helped put together The Hub’s application to have Red Deer considered as Cultureville 2011.
“Some people just come to The Hub to hang out and then find themselves totally engaged with an activity,” she said.
Morrison praised the centre for creating a welcoming environment for all, especially people with disabilities who may otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in cultural activities due to accessibility and financial challenges.
A CBC camera crew will be at The Hub from 11 a.m. until about 4 p.m. on Friday to film a segment featuring Red Deer that will air on a special broadcast on Sept. 29.
Everyone is welcome to attend this event.
Musicians Justine Vandergrift, Joal Kamps, Pete Christian, Don Swift, Bruce Jacobson and Scott Barnabe will all perform. There will also be a community circle — which includes drums, guitars and singing — and the Local First Market opens at noon.
Cultureville 2011 is a province-wide competition celebrating cultural diversity across Alberta. It is being held as part of CBC’s 75th anniversary celebrations and Alberta Arts Days.
Red Deer is competing against Jasper, Camrose, Peace River, Rosebud and the Tsuu T’ina Nation for the top prize.
Voting begins online at www.cbc.ca/calgary or www.cbc.ca/edmonton on Sept. 6. The winner will be announced Sept. 29.
For more information about The Hub, please visit www.hubpdd.com.
ptrotter@www.reddeeradvocate.com