Fernie & Elk Valley

Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide Fall 2019

ELKVALLEYCULTURE.COM | TOURISMFERNIE.COM fall 2019 | ISSUE #12

A GUIDE TO ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE IN FERNIE & THE ELK VALLEY

Featured Fall Events 5-6 Culinary Notes on Fernie 7 Fernie Art Walk 9-11 Ghost Stories of Fernie, Tales from the Past 12-14 Fernie Museum 16-17 Fernie Cultural Attractions 18-19 Sparwood Walking Tour 20-21 Ktunaxa Story 22 Fernie Library 23 Fall Events Calendar 24-26 Featured Business - Soco Soaps 27 Arts Station 28-29 Featured Artist – Shannon Parnall 31 Industrial Heritage – Mine Rescue Competition 32-33 Fernie Walking Tour 34 Featured Winter Events 35

View the Cultural Guide content and past issues online at ElkValleyCulture.com

While in Fernie be sure to pick up a copy of the latest Fernie FIX Magazine for more details on what’s happening in Fernie and local stories.

Cover Image Painting: Growing Strong by Mimi Sahlstrom Mimi Sahlstrom is based in the Elk Valley, but is originally from Stockholm, Sweden, where she completed a BA with a Major in the History of Art in 2000. She is a visual storyteller, crafting romantic landscapes and portraits with magical realism. facebook.com/MimiSahlstrom/

tourismfernie.com #ferniestoke The Communities of the Elk Valley In the heart of the majestic Canadian SPARWOOD lies in the middle of Rocky Mountains, the Elk Valley is a the valley and is the first community hidden oasis of verdant landscapes, reached on entering from Alberta. The charming towns and abundant town’s name is derived from the local recreation. For over 100 years, trees that were used for manufacturing pioneers have travelled to the region, spars for ocean vessels. The town first in search of valuable minerals, and was founded as a new home for the now seeking a sanctuary focused on residents of the temporary communities family, community and the beautiful of Michel and Natal. Several art murals outdoors. Mining still forms the base can be seen here, depicting the strong of a thriving economy that has now connection to coal mining, with some diversified and welcomes a variety of by Michelle Loughery who was born artisans, small businesses, and an active in the area and went on to become a year-round recreational and cultural world-renowned muralist. tourism industry. Pop: 3,784 | Founded 1966 FERNIE is the largest and oldest of the 3 main communities in the Elk At the head of the valley is ELKFORD, Valley. A town rich in heritage, award- a small town with a passionate arts winning architecture, and spectacular community. Writing, painting, scenery, Fernie charms and delights photography, and pottery are among all ages. Whether strolling century- the popular endeavours, and well- old Historic Downtown, exploring known glass artist Katherine Russell the unique geography, visiting artists has a working studio here. Elkford is and artisans or revelling in the packed the gateway to the Elk Lakes Provincial cultural calendar, there’s something for Park, a remote protected area bordering everyone to enjoy. Alberta’s Kananaskis Country. Pop: 5,249 | Founded 1898 Pop: 1,752 | Founded 1971 Incorporated 1904

Credits: Writing by Rebecca Hall. Writing, editing and layout by Jikke Gyorki. Design by Claris Media. Images by Vince Mo, Raven Eye Photography, Jikke Gyorki, Sparwood Chamber, Sparwood Museum, Fernie Museum, , Matt Kuhn, Kyle Hamilton, Disrict of Elkford, Joni Laberge, Cryptic Hive, Fernie Alpine Resort, Nancy Stevenson. Photo Credit: Vince Mo Vince Credit: Photo Stop by the Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie Visitor Centres to learn more about these areas!

Elkford, Fernie, and Sparwood Visitor Elkford

Information Centres A L

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Visitor Counsellors are Sparwood TO CALGAR Y > ready to tell you about the 3 local must-sees, where to Cranbrook stay, where to eat, where Fernie 3 L

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CANUSA by any one of the three Elk 93 Valley Visitor Centres for U.S.A personalized assistance.

ELKFORD VIC PH: 250-865-4015 750 Fording Drive HOURS: Sept–June: Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm

SPARWOOD VIC PH: 250-425-2423 141 Aspen Drive HOURS: Sept 2-Oct 14: Mon-Sun, 9am-4pm Holidays: 10am-3pm Oct 15-Dec 22: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm, Closed Holidays

FERNIE VIC PH: 778-519-0748 102 Commerce Road HOURS: Sept 4-Dec 2: Mon-Fri, 9:30am–5pm featured Fall events For more details visit ElkValleyCulture.com/Events

FEST IS BEST! The Elk Valley pulls out all the stops with a month (and more!) of festivals celebrating the arts, music, cuisine, heritage, culture, diversity, harvest, community and friendship. From the vibrant jewel-tones of the fall foliage in mid-September through to snowfall at the end of October, these festivals show our corner of BC at its very best. Schedules and locations may vary – see individual websites for full details and updates. For full calendar of events, please see P24.

FERNIE CHAUTAUQUA & FALL FAIR THURSDAY 19TH – SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER An annual celebration in the heart of Historic Downtown Fernie including interactive events, exceptional live music, children’s activities, heritage connections and culinary highlights. SPARWOOD FALL FOOD FAIR Explore Fernie with historical guided FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH walking tours, Community Picnic BBQ & Dance, Heritage and Art on Taste the season! Some of the best food the Lawn, Heritage Doors Open, Art trucks from around the region will be After Dark Gallery & Culinary tour, the serving up a variety of cuisine from 11am Sunday Fall Fair and the annual Cultural until 8pm, with refreshment garden and Dinner. live music. ferniechautauqua.com | wildsight.ca/ Sparwood Chamber of Commerce events/ferniefallfair. Tickets available 141A Aspen Drive Sparwood online – many events are free! 250-425-2423 ferniechautauqua | #ferniechautauqua sparwoodchamber 5 painting at the Royal. Events kick off with the Flag Raising & Reception at City Hall with plenty for all ages to enjoy throughout the week. ferniepride.ca/elk-valley-pride-festival /ferniepride | /fernie_pride_society | @fernie_pride_society #ferniepride

SPOOKWOOD! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31ST Sparwood’s spookiest night of the year! GILLBILLY Put on your scariest outfit and scare up FRIDAY 27TH – SUNDAY 29TH a scream or two at the haunted house SEPTEMBER (kid-friendly version also available). A weekend of old-time music, feasting, There will be activity stations, caramel jamming and fly fishing hosted by the apples & treats, headless horseman The Old Type Music Society. Not & stilt-walker and a scarecrow interested in fishing? Bike, hike or competition. enjoy historic downtown Fernie for this Sparwood Chamber of Commerce weekend of fun in the fall. Headline 141A Aspen Drive Sparwood Performance from Del Barber. 250-425-2423 | /sparwoodchamber oldtypemusic.com/gillbilly /Oldtypemusicsociety. New Pricing! Weekend Passes: $50 earlybird, $60 regular.

ELKFORD HOME ROUTES/ CHEMIN CHEZ NOUS Enjoy a series of intimate performances ELK VALLEY PRIDE FESTIVAL featuring French and English-speaking TUESDAY 9TH – SUNDAY 14TH musicians from around North America OCTOBER right here in the heart of the Canadian A unique mountain experience Rockies. The season kicks off with embracing our diversity! 6 days and Charlie A’Court from Nova Scotia on nights of friendship and connections October 25th and Quote the Raven hosted by the Fernie Pride Society. A from Newfoundland on November festival for, about, and with the local 20th. Dates continue in 2020. and visiting LGBTQ2 community and Homeroutes.ca | Mountain Meadows their allies. Meet and party with Drag Golf Club | 815 Hwy #43 Royalty and LGBTQ author Nancy Jo /homeroutes Cullen, spend a day enjoying biking, hiking, yoga and crafts at Pride Central For tickets and further information, and take in the glitter party and body please contact Cindy Hesje 250-425-5989 6 CULINARY NOTES ON FERNIE

A TASTE OF THE ELEMENTS Warm, dry fall evenings are perfect for enjoying patio time as the sinking sun paints the sky in stripes of mandarin, rose and lavender. Taste the sunset when you sample the cocktails at Cirque, Island Lake or Fernie Distillers, where handcrafted spirits are carefully concocted with fruits dried in-house and fresh foraged herbs. For Fernie’s only rooftop patio experience head to The Curry Bowl for delicately spiced satay and Pad Thai, or after a day on the river, the Bridge Bistro is the place to be for fish and chips and a pint of FBC beer. In Historic Downtown Fernie, streetside patios remain on 2nd until Mid-October, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy them before winter arrives, or settle in beneath infra-red heaters at the garden patio at Nevados and be transported to Latin America with a house specialty Uno Mas Margarita. If you just can’t wait for winter, meet Fernie’s newest locals at Kodiak Lounge and soak up the excitement for snow!

POSTPONED TILL SPRING 2020 The creative minds at Cryptic Hive mark the change in the seasons with an evening of hyper-sensory dinner theatre. From the moment you arrive at the Annex Park location you’ll be immersed in an experience designed to stimulate the senses based on the 5 elements of Fire, Air, Water, Earth and Spirit. Costumed oracles will guide guests through the forest to the 20-metre geodesic dome, fully video mapped by Beama Visuals. Within the tastes will include curated cocktails dome, every aspect will contribute to from master mixologists and tapas- the elemental story including aerial style dining from some of Fernie’s best acrobatics from Circus Acts Insomniacs current and former culinary wizards. and visual theatrics from Made in Full details including tiered pricing to Alchemy, sound from Melo.nade and be announced, visit fb/cryptichive. costumes from BellaV. Sensational 77 Park Place Lodge proudly supports arts and culture in Fernie. Stay with us and enjoy Fernie’s Historic Downtown with its unique dining, shops, cafes and attractions.

Chautauqua & Pride Festival Specials! Stay from $128/night

250-423-6871 | www.parkplacelodge.com |

TAPAS AND TEQUILA LOUNGE

531 2nd Ave, Downtown Fernie 250-423-5566 [email protected] FernieWest to Fernie Alpine Art Resort & Cranbrook Walk East to Visitor Centre & Alberta Hwy 3

Rotary Park FERNIE BANNERS To Hwy 3 5th Avenue To Hwy 3 & OUT OF THE BOX Fernie is scattered with charming Court House pieces of unique local art – watch for 9 new banners every year on lightposts 4th Avenue 4th St 6th St 5th St 7th St in the downtown area and on the highway; hand-painted dumpsters reet reet reet reet City Hall can be found all over town. 10 3rd Avenue HISTORIC 11 12 DOWNTOWN FERNIE 1 8 7 2 2nd Avenue: Shopping, Dining & Attractions 13 14 15 16 3 6 N 5 4 1st Avenue CPR Train Tracks

Discover the galleries, artisans and public art of Fernie on this self-guided tour. Stop along the way for more artwork and locally-inspired products at: Polar Peek Books & Treasures, Big Bang Bagels, Infinitea, The Green Petal, Lunchbox, Mugshots Café, Coal Town Goods, Freshies and Giv’Er Shirtworks. Accessible, paved sidewalks | Approx 60-90 minutes

The Arts Station The Royal Hotel

1 H2 STUDIO & GALLERY gallery and workshop for artist 762 3rd Ave – entrance is in laneway Kate Moran. At this location through directly behind Barkside. September, then as weather allows. Featuring original paintings by Tara Higgins & pottery by Kerri Holmes. 4 THE ARTS STATION & A HARDY TOWN SCULPTURE 2 FERNIE MURAL (coming this fall) 601 1st Ave 691 2nd Ave, on side of Beanpod A new artist is featured each month A new art mural depicting Fernie’s in the foyer gallery of the former heritage, culture, hopes, dreams Canadian Pacific Railway Station. and aspirations will be installed in Outside, the permanent sculpture September. by Michael Hepher and Paul Reimer evokes the legacy of the Great Fire 3 ACE FERGUSON STUDIO of 1908. 6th St, between 1st & 2nd Ave A vintage restored bus is now an airy 9 Fernie Art Walk

Fernie Arts Co-op

5 THE ROYAL HOTEL HardyAiden LindsayTown Sculpture Murals 501 1st Ave On the back deck is a graffiti wall mural by Liam Monaghan, and a vintage truck in surrealist style by Milarkey.

6 AIDEN LINDSAY MURALS By the Castle on 1st Ave Spot the bright and colourful mountain scene in the alley and take a selfie with your own angel wings. The Miners Walk

7 FERNIE MUSEUM GALLERY 491 2nd Ave 2nd Floor gallery featuring thought provoking temporary exhibitions.

8 TD BANK 391 2nd Ave 40ft 50th Anniversary Mural inside the branch shows Fernie as it was prior to the 1908 fire, from an original photograph. Element 7 Nine

9 FERNIE CENOTAPH 401 4th Ave A classical tribute to the lost souls of WWI by Emmanuel Hahn.

10 THE MINERS WALK 501 3rd Ave Featuring Ironwork sculpture by Fernie Forge, The Face of the Miner by Jeff De Boer, and interpretive panels. 10 11 ELEMENT 7 NINE Dumpster 'Out Of The Box' Art 592 3rd Ave Handcrafted gold & silver jewellery by Matt Martin.

12 EYE OF THE NEEDLE STUDIO & GALLERY AND BLUE FERN SCULPTURE | 260 5th St A working craft studio and gallery in a heritage building, featuring the work of over a dozen artists including resident blacksmith and textile artist Sandra Stephanie's Glass Barrett.

13 STEPHANIE’S GLASS & ART STUDIO | 532 2nd Ave Working stained glass and sandblasting studio with additional work by guest artists.

14 BRIAN POLLOCK GALLERY 532 2nd Ave Fine art landscape photography featuring local and Canadian subjects. 15 STUDIO 562 | 562 2nd Ave Chainsaw Carver Original landscapes and portraits by Leanne Stothert.

16 FERNIE ARTS CO-OP 572 2nd Ave 2D & 3D art, crafts and homewares by over 60 local artists featuring the region and lifestyles of the Elk Valley.

After your walking tour, visit these additional locations: CHAINSAW CARVER KATHY STEAD 1439 McDonald Ave/HWY #3 86 Ridgemont Dr Michael A. Penny’s working studio (by appt. only 250-423-4979) & gallery featuring large-scale wood Fine art painter and mixed media artist. sculpture. Also at this location through September on Thursday, Friday and SARAH PIKE POTTERY Saturday afternoons: Clawhammer 1480 McDonald Ave ExPress Barn. (by appt. only, 250-430-7937) Slab-built pots with personality, beauty and a little attitude. 11 TALES FROM THE PAST... GHOST STORIES OF FERNIE

Benson’s life ended near these tracks. Would you walk here, late at night?

Fall comes fast in Fernie. Darkness seeps up out of the ground and the trees rustle in the chill wind as though they are trying to share secrets of the past. Listen closely, and you will learn of the ghosts that haunt this hidden corner of the Kootenays…

A frontier atmosphere pervaded in As it happened, the superintendent the early days of Fernie’s existence. had ordered Joyce to reinstate High tempers often got the better of Benson, and Joyce had only sustained the hardworking people who struggled a minor wound in the attack. Had against the odds. In the nearby town Benson waited just a moment, his life of Coal Creek, a miner named Benson would have been saved. For decades went to his superintendent to complain afterward, the inhabitants of Coal that his fireboss had moved him from Creek swore that Benson haunted that his place in the mine out of spite. The section of the track. A young couple superintendent said that he would reported feeling cold hands pulling speak to the fireboss, named Joyce, but them backward and an elderly Mr. didn’t think there was much he could Carmichael, on attempting to greet do. In a sullen rage Benson collected his a young man at the side of the tracks revolver and set out for the mine offices found the dark figure to have only where he found and shot wildly at shadows below his cap. Coal Creek is Joyce. In terror at his actions, Benson now little more than a few crumbling fled to the railway tracks and took his walls but it appears that Benson’s ghost own life with the revolver. has chosen to make it home.

12 Roy Whitehouse nearly met his end here and may have returned later to haunt the halls and stairways.

Back in Fernie, the 500 block Many years later, an artist had a studio between 1st and 2nd Avenue has the on the top floor of the Ingram building, highest concentration of supernatural and installed a convex mirror at the activity. At the Ingram Block (look up top of the stairs so that he could see on the south side the middle of 2nd anyone coming up. One afternoon Avenue and find the plaque that reads he came in, locked the door, and ‘Ingram, 1910’), William Ingram met settled in to paint. He clearly heard his unfortunate end. A pillar of the the faint sound of a key in the lock of community, Ingram was a well-known the bottom door, followed by slow, and active businessman. On the night heavy footsteps advancing towards of November 21, 1939, someone was him up the stairs. He looked toward watching as Ingram made his regular the convex mirror but there was no walk home, stepping from the shadows one there. Others who worked in the to hit Ingram on the back of the head building reported ghostly shapes and with an iron pipe, fracturing his skull. the pungent smell of cigar smoke. The attackers fled and Ingram died in Meanwhile at the Courthouse, it seems hospital five days later. Two young men Roy Whitehouse – the man acquitted were later acquitted of murder charges, for Ingram’s murder, may have returned but a third was held for trial and later to the place where he tried to take attempted suicide in the cells beneath his own life. For years, workers have the Fernie Courthouse. He was reported stories of pattering feet, saved by a blood transfusion and later ghostly voices and shadowy apparitions. acquitted of Ingram’s murder following It seems Ingram and Whitehouse an appeal. may have some unfinished business in Fernie. Tales from the Past continued on next page...

13 The undead haunt Fernie’s back alleys on November 2nd. Join them if you dare!

Around the corner from the Ingram Building on the corner of 1st Avenue, the Royal Hotel may be the most haunted building in Fernie. A crowd of ghosts were reported partying in the dining room one Christmas Day as the proprietor prepared for a busy day, seemingly alone, early in the morning. When she went to investigate the source of the ruckus, there was nobody there. A little fair-haired girl has The Royal (centre of image) is home to a appeared to many staff in the building motley assortment of ghosts. and seems to have a mischievous streak. She likes to reach out a cold hand or rooms. He must not have been friends tug on people’s hair. A little boy, dining with the Royal’s final ghost, who is said with his family one day, appeared to be to occupy the basement and does not having a conversation with someone like loud noises. He harasses servers as that nobody else at the table could see. they go about their work, and it is said, Many more reports have been made of that if you stay very, very, quiet, he will the little girl, but so far, she seems to be speak to you. friendly. Soak up the atmosphere this October A man named Julius Beach died of a with Fernie Ghost Tours, hosted by The stroke in one of the rooms upstairs in Arts Station. Call to book a private tour 1984 at the age of 85. Julius might or to inquire about dates. After the not have left quite yet, and he seems Halloween parties, The Royal rounds to have a sense of humour. He likes to out the Hallowtide festivities with the rock in a rocking chair and has been annual Zombie walk on November 2nd. known to turn on music in unoccupied

14 A FERNIE MUSEUM SHOP

Named after the grand department store once located next door, the Fernie Museum’s shop features a curated collection of jewellery, clothing and accessories, home décor, books, and stationery representing Fernie’s geography, culture, and heritage.

491 2nd Avenue, Fernie BC | OPEN DAILY from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm HISTORY & CULTURE fernie Museum

130 YEARS OF FERNIE HISTORY The Fernie Museum has welcomed over 97,000 visitors since it opened to the public in 2013. The Museum is housed in the former Home Bank Building, beautifully restored with many of the original features still visible. The former manager’s office is now the gift shop, and the bank vault houses the guest elevator. Stop by and chat with one of the knowledgeable information desk staff for events, activity, heritage and interpretive information and pick up local maps and guides.

and Fernie-inspired items including Murchie’s Fernie blend tea, Rooftop Roasters Coffee, Fernie Ladies Apothecary Soaps, Elk River Apiaries Honey and more!

MAIN FLOOR EXHIBIT

This Is Our Fernie explores the legends and mythology, fires and mining disasters, and stories of the commercial, TRITES AND WOOD MUSEUM sporting, and community life over GIFT SHOP the past 100+ years. Information is presented through a series of engaging The museum gift shop features a displays including a timeline, artifact curated collection of items inspired collections, and digital kiosks. Kids directly by the museum’s collection and love exploring the ‘see and feel’ life in Fernie. Products include books, identification boxes and underground fine giftware, jewellery, children’s toys mining tunnel.

16 IN THE GALLERY DIVERSITY: THROUGH THESE ARTISTS EYES BY FERNIE VISUAL ARTS GUILD NOVEMBER 1ST – 24TH, 2019

In this special pop-up show and sale, the artists of the Fernie Visual Arts Guild have attempted to show diversity through their work, examining ‘unlikeness’ and difference in the way they see and experience the outside world. Through a collaborative process, Marla deBoon, Visual Arts Guild the artist of the guild support and encourage each other in developing reference each artists’ interpretation of their own unique styles and diverse the outdoors. viewpoints. In a range of mediums including oil, pastel, pencil, acrylic, Artists will be in the gallery regularly encaustic wax, alcohol ink and mixed throughout the show to interpret the media, the works utilize the basic exhibit and demonstrate their work. See principles of shape, form, and colour to online calendars for dates and times.

HOT AND COLD: STUDIO GLASS IN 3 PARTS BY KATHERINE RUSSELL DECEMBER 6TH, 2019 – APRIL 19TH, 2020.

Katherine Russell is one of Canada’s leading glass artists, based in Elkford. She splits her time between making blown glasswork and kiln-formed glasswork, utilizing both methods to explore new concepts, techniques and creative objectives. Katherine Russell In the early 20th century, most decorative glass production happened breadth and diversity of work which in factories. The design and affordability represents this relatively new genre of of smaller furnaces permitted artists to decorative art. work with smaller production runs from their own studio, giving rise to what is An opening reception will be held known as the studio glass movement. at 7pm on Friday, December 6th. See calendars for supporting events This newly curated exhibit features including opportunities to meet the large blown works for which Russell artist and explore the world of glass is most known, alongside a kiln-fired making. experimental series titled ‘Memories are Malleable,’ and cold fused work. 691 2nd Ave | 250-423-7016 The exhibit demonstrates an incredible ferniemuseum.com 17 cultural ATTRACTIONs BEANPOD CHOCOLATE FERNIE HERITAGE LIBRARY Artisan producers of chocolate, coffee, gelato and macarons 3 floors of literature and reference materials plus using traditional methods and equipment. regular events & programming. See feature, P23. 691 2nd Ave, Fernie | beanpod.ca | 778-519-5008 492 3rd Ave, Fernie | fernie.bclibrary.ca | 250-423-4458 Open: Tues-Sat 10–5pm, hours may vary. Open: Tue, Wed & Fri & 11am–6pm | Thu 11am–8pm Sat 1–5pm. ELKFORD VISITOR CENTRE Local information and maps, Elkford Living History MICHEL-NATAL HERITAGE KIOSK interpretive displays and art glass installation by Katherine 6 panels interpreting the towns that used to be situated here, Russell. along with heritage, mining, and Ktunaxa Nation content. Located in the Elkford Community Conference Centre Kiosk is in two locations, one next to the Titan Truck in Sparwood, 750 Fording Drive, Elkford | 250-865-4015 | www.elkford.ca and second on Hwy #3 east of Sparwood at the site of former For hours, see P4. Michel Hotel.

FERNIE BREWING COMPANY SPARWOOD MUSEUM Expanded tasting room with 11 core brands & seasonal Discover the community and mining history of Michel, Natal, products. Branded merchandise, gifts & growlers. Middletown and Sparwood. 26 Manitou Road, Fernie | ferniebrewing.com | 250-423-7797 141-B Aspen Drive, next to Sparwood Visitor Centre Open Daily 12-7pm. Extended hours or early closing may apply on sparwoodmuseum.ca | 250-425-0560 holidays and weekends. Fall hours vary, call for information or see FB for details.

FERNIE CITY HALL & MINER’S WALK SPARWOOD VISITOR CENTRE & TEREX TITAN Interactive interpretive panels, local Fernie Forge sculpture, Traveler information, interpretive displays and the 1974 Terex and The Face of the Miner sculpture. Titan measuring 350 tonnes and 66ft long! 501 3rd Ave, Fernie | fernie.ca 141 Aspen Drive, Sparwood | 250-425-2423 City Hall open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Miner’s Walk always open. For hours, see P4.

FERNIE COURT HOUSE & CENOTAPH THE ARTS STATION Award-winning 1909 chateau-style building. Visitors An active and engaging space for creators and creatives with welcome in grounds and grand entrance. gallery, theatre, studio and meeting spaces. See feature, P28. 401 4th Ave, Fernie 601 1st Ave, Fernie | theartsstation.com | 250-423-4842 tourismfernie.com/activities/attractions/court-house Open: Mon–Fri 10am–3pm. Open: Mon–Fri 8:30am–12pm & 1–4:30pm. FERNIE VISITOR CENTRE & OIL DERRICK FERNIE DISTILLERS Traveller information and displays, picnic area and Fairy Handcrafted artisan spirits and liqueurs featuring local Creek Falls trailhead. Last Standing wooden oil derrick in BC. produce. Small batch distillery, tasting room and cocktails. 102 Commerce Road/Hwy 3, east side of Fernie 531 1st Ave, Fernie | www.ferniedistillers.com tourismfernie.com/activities/attractions/oil-derrick Open Wed-Fri 4-10pm. Sat & Sun 2-10pm. For hours, see P4.

FERNIE MUSEUM THE VOGUE THEATRE Permanent & temporary displays, gift shop, special events, Classical-style independent theatre featuring the latest 2D & interpretive walks and local information. See feature, P16. 3D screenings, festival and special events. 321 2nd Ave, Fernie | ferniemovies.com | 250-423-7111 491 2nd Ave, Fernie | ferniemuseum.com Daily 7pm screenings plus weekend matinees & some late shows. 250-423-7016 | Open: Daily, 10am–5:30pm.

1818 tourismfernie.com BEANPOD CHOCOLATE FERNIE HERITAGE LIBRARY Artisan producers of chocolate, coffee, gelato and macarons 3 floors of literature and reference materials plus using traditional methods and equipment. regular events & programming. See feature, P23. 691 2nd Ave, Fernie | beanpod.ca | 778-519-5008 492 3rd Ave, Fernie | fernie.bclibrary.ca | 250-423-4458 Open: Tues-Sat 10–5pm, hours may vary. Open: Tue, Wed & Fri & 11am–6pm | Thu 11am–8pm Sat 1–5pm. ELKFORD VISITOR CENTRE Local information and maps, Elkford Living History MICHEL-NATAL HERITAGE KIOSK interpretive displays and art glass installation by Katherine 6 panels interpreting the towns that used to be situated here, Russell. along with heritage, mining, and Ktunaxa Nation content. Located in the Elkford Community Conference Centre Kiosk is in two locations, one next to the Titan Truck in Sparwood, 750 Fording Drive, Elkford | 250-865-4015 | www.elkford.ca and second on Hwy #3 east of Sparwood at the site of former For hours, see P4. Michel Hotel.

19 HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE SPARWOOD MURAL AND MINE ARTIFACTS WALKING TOUR

The story of coal mining in Sparwood spans over a century, from the first underground mines at nearby Michel in 1899 to some of the most productive open pit mines in the world. In the 1960’s, the original town sites of Michel and Natal were relocated to Sparwood. The Sparwood walking tour reproduces scenes of the old town sites and their people, and the mining equipment that was used to mine the coal. Over the years, coal extraction methods have evolved from picks and ponies to the massive electric shovels and 240-ton haul trucks of modern surface mining. The objects along the walking tour bear witness to the evolution of Elk Valley coal mining, from the early 1940s through to the 1980s. Start this easy self-guided walking tour from the Sparwood Visitor Centre. Tour walking time approximately 60 minutes.

1 1973 TEREX TITAN TRUCK 10 MURAL: SEATED MINERS, This vehicle held title of world’s 1989, DAN SAWATSKY largest, highest capacity haul truck A simple yet evocative depiction for 25 yrs. of the miner’s lunch break.

2 BALMER NORTH STATUE 11 MURAL: TRACK TEAM, 1995 A memorial to the lives lost in Hometown boys pose after winning the mines around Sparwood the East Kootenay Championship and Elkford. on May 24, 1942. By Michelle Loughery, Amy Sharma, Jessie 3 MINING ARTIFACTS Johnsen, Laura Patriquin & Alayna Follow the marked trail to Berdusco. examine a variety of mining 9 artifacts including coal cutting 12 MURAL: THE WAR equipment, the Joy Loader MEMORIAL, 1997 and Shuttle, innovations in A tribute to local men and women technology allowing mining in the Army, Navy, and Air Force production to be continuous in World War I and World War and safer. II. By Michelle Loughery, Amy Sharma, Laura Patriquin, Liz 20 Allardice, & Andrea Nunes. HWY 43

El kfor d

Pine Avenue

venue Library 3rd A 7 Spruce Avenue 6 8 9 HWY 11 Fernie 3 10 5 12 rive 4 13&14 15 Aspen D 3 eenwood Mall R Gr ed Cedar D 2 16 rive 1 DOWNTOWN SPARWOOD 17 18&19 20

13 MINING ARTIFACTS 17 SPARWOOD COMMUNITY & Cutting and production tools ARCH AND TRAIN 14 show early ingenuity. Constructed from recycled bricks from the historical 15 MURAL: STEAM Michel Powerhouse. ENGINE, 1995 One of the first steam engines 18 SPARWOOD MUSEUM to pass through Michel-Natal. Drop by to learn more about By Monica Beranek, Amy Sharma, the rich history of Sparwood. Alayna Berdusco, Laura Patriquin, and Jennifer Zolis. 19 GOODMAN ARTIFACT Despite its small size, this 16 COKE OVENS, 1989, machinery did heavy work, BY DAN SAWATSKY including pulling up to four A train transports coal from the ten-ton coal cars. coke oven of the Michel-Natal coal mines. 20 NATAL HERITAGE SIGNS Interpretive panels explain the history of the former mining community.

20 3 16

21 THE KTUNAXA Ȼaqahak – THICK FOREST

The Ktunaxa people have been in The Ktunaxa occupied the area now this area since Naⱡmuqȼin fulfilled recognized as Ȼaqahak (Fernie) for his prophecy and placed the Ktunaxa thousands of years before the arrival people in this area to be the keepers of of the settlers. The area was known the land. At that time there was some to be a winter hunting area where the disturbance caused by a huge water Ktunaxa would hunt mountain sheep, monster known as Yawuʔnik̓, who killed mountain goat, moose, elk deer and many of the animals. It was decided other animals. They would trap and that Yawuʔnik̓ had to be destroyed. fish, and harvest natural vegetation. The A war party was formed. Yawuʔnik̓ Elk Valley is within Qukin ʔamakʔis plied the Kootenay (wu·u ʔaqsⱡmaknik (Land of the Raven) and was known ʔakinmituk) and Columbia (Miȼ̓qaqas) for its mineral coal. The Ktunaxa would River System. When Yawuʔnik̓ was carry the coal with them to start their killed, and butchered and distributed fires as they travelled to the different among the animals, Yawuʔnik̓’s ribs encampments as they followed the were scattered throughout the region seasons in their homelands. that now form the Hoodoos seen throughout the region. The Ktunaxa used a flint quarry near Ȼaqahak (Fernie) to make their When the prophecy was fulfilled the weapons and tools. The Ktunaxa would spirit animals ascended above and are also trade with other tribes from over now the guiding spirits of the Ktunaxa. the east mountain range now known as In all the excitement Naⱡmuqȼin rose Alberta, the tribes being the Blackfoot to his feet and stood upright hitting and later the Stoney. The route used his head on the ceiling of the sky. He to join the tribes was the route the knocked himself dead. His feet went Ktunaxa used to hunt buffalo. northward and is today known as Ya·kⱡiki, in the Yellowhead Pass vicinity. ktunaxa.org/who-we-are/creation- Naⱡmuqȼin’s head is near Yellowstone story/ Park in the State of Montana. His body forms the Rocky Mountains.

22 LITERATURE & COMMUNITY FERNIE HERITAGE LIBRARY

The Fernie Heritage Library is a place to ENGAGING PROGRAMMING discover and nurture a love of literature FOR ALL and language. Fun and friendly, warm A range of engaging programming and welcoming; a sanctuary for all ages suitable for all ages from toddlers to filled with every variety of media. Drop seniors is offered throughout the year in to pick up a book or movie to take both inside the library and out in the home, stay a while and enjoy storytime, community. Programs include reading a ukulele class, or a special social event. groups, book launches, and children’s Curl up in a huge leather armchair by activities inspired by literature. All the sunny upstairs windows to enjoy the programs are free, and everyone is view of the Lizard Range and folklore of welcome to attend. old Fernie. More than you imagine, the Fernie Heritage Library brings words Regular programming includes stories to life. and activities for under 5’s on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, BUILDING FERNIE’S LITERARY monthly Tea & Talk Book club and HERITAGE Cyber Seniors every Wednesday. Housed in the beautiful historic former Additional afternoon programming for Customs & Post Office building in the kids, teens and tweens is scheduled heart of Fernie, the Fernie Heritage throughout the season. Join Lorraine Library has provided library services and Kneier on October 3rd for a fascinating programs for over one hundred years. examination of Beethoven’s 5th The Library has been recognized for its Symphony, a chance to explore the excellence in community programming work prior to the Symphony of the and engagement and offers three floors Kootenay’s concert in Cranbrook on of literature, media and reference October 6th. The Library brings the materials plus office services and community together at special family- computer terminals. The popular friendly events including the Halloween Library garden is a sunny space to relax Howler on October 31st and the with a book or a family picnic during Christmas Celebration on December warmer months. 21st.

492 3rd Ave | 250-423-4458 fernie.bclibrary.ca 23 fall CULTURAL Events

Heritage Walking Tour AUGUST 28 Wednesday Outdoor Concert Series: Scenic Route to Alaska, Station Square 29 Gallery Opening: Abstracts & Other Thoughts by Peggy Black, The Arts Station 30-Sep 2 Out of the Box Dumpster Live Painting Event, Station Square 30-Sep 2 Heritage Walking Tours, Fernie Museum 30 Live Music: Tiffanie & Chanel, Loaf 30 Fri-yay Yard Games, Fernie Legion 31 Live Music: 2-band Wam Bam Dirt Jump Jam After Fall Fair Party, The Royal SEPTEMBER 1 Lions Demolition Derby, Railway Ave Demo Grounds 1 Guided Hike: Forestry, Fernie Alpine Resort 1 Fernie Mountain Market, Rotary Park 1 Live Music: Derby Day After Party with The Runs, The Royal 5-7 14th Biennial Mine Western Region Mine Rescue Competition, Fernie Memorial Arena 5, 12, 19, Baila Baby Latin Dance for under 5’s, GillBilly Festival & 26 The Arts Station 6 Fall Food Fest, Sparwood Chamber 6 Live Music: Rick Miller, Loaf 6 Opera Screening: Rigoletto by Verdi, The Arts Station 7-8 Bonus Weekend, Fernie Alpine Resort 7 & 21 Drawing workshop with Liza Gareau Tosh, The Arts Station 7 Live Music: Tigers of Youth, The Brickhouse 8 Guided Hike: Heiko’s Trail, Island Lake Lodge 8 Pop-up Mountain Market, Fernie Alpine Resort Oktoberfest 8 Indie Films Fernie, Vogue Theatre 12 Poker Tourney, Fernie Legion 13-15 Dynamic Design Painting Weekend Workshop with Mirja Vahala, The Arts Station 13 Live Music: Rick & Kate, Loaf 16 & 23/ Focused Wheel Throwing, The Arts Station 18 & 25 19-22 5th Annual Fernie Chautauqua & Fall Fair, Historic Downtown 20, 25 Club Cre8 Kids Arts Camp, The Arts Station 20 Live Music: Blue Tansy, Loaf Fernie Pride Festival 22 Adult Knitting 101, The Arts Station 24 Kids Knitting Workshop, The Arts Station 25 Beginner Paint Date with Sue Hanlon, The Arts Station 26 Gallery Opening: Burgers & Birds by Beth Gallup & Roni Jurgensen, The Arts Station 27-29 4th Annual GillBilly, ft. Del Barber, The Arts Station 27-30 Mindfulness & Meditation Yoga Teacher Training Workshops, Essential Yoga Studio 24 For more details visit ElkValleyCulture.com/Events

28 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Dance with Peter Pumpkin Hunt & The Wolves, Fernie Senior’s Centre 30 Intro to Handbuilding Pottery Workshop, The Arts Station OCTOBER 3 Classical Music Appreciation with Lorraine Kneier: Mozart’s 5th Symphony, Fernie Heritage Library 3, 10, 17 Latin Dance with Adriana, The Arts Station 4, 11, 25 Club Cre8 Kids Arts Camp, The Arts Station 4 Opera Screening: Maria Stuarda by Donizetti, The Arts Station Griz Kids Halloween 4-5 Mindfulness & Meditation Yoga Teacher Training Workshops, Essential Yoga Studio 5 & 19 Drawing workshop with Liza Gareau Tosh, The Arts Station 5 Fall Craft Fair, Fernie Community Centre 5 Guided Hike: Fungus Among Us, Wild Nature Workshops 5 Couples Latin Dance, The Arts Station 6 Fernie Mountain Market, The Old Barn at Montane 8-13 3rd Annual Elk Valley Pride Festival, Various Locations 10 Poker Tourney, Fernie Legion The Royal’s Zombie Walk 11 Club Cre8 Kids Arts Camp, The Arts Station 12 Oktoberfest , Fernie Alpine Resort 12 Multisensory Dinner Theatre, Annex Park 12 The Art of Mantra & Sound, Essential Yoga Studio 13 Indie Films Fernie, Vogue Theatre 13 Thanksgiving Turkey Leftover Potluck, The Royal 18-20 Yoga & Journalling Weekend Retreat, Essential Yoga Studio 18 Live Music: Linden Anthony, Loaf 19 Annual Pumpkin Hunt, Elk Valley Nordic Centre Holiday Craft Fair 21 Pottery Glazing for Beginners, The Arts Station 23 Intro to Handbuilding Pottery Workshop, The Arts Station 25 Live Music: Blue Tansy, Loaf 25 Live Music: Home Routes - Chemin Chez Nous: Charlie A’Court Mountain Meadows, Elkford 26 Beginner Paint Date with Sue Hanlon, The Arts Station 27 Griz Kidz Halloween Party & Haunted House, Fernie Alpine Resort 31 Spookwood, Titan Park, Sparwood 31 Gallery Opening: But, Do You See In Colour? by CP Holiday Train Jennifer van Popta, The Arts Station 31 Halloween Howler, Fernie Heritage Library 31 Halloween Parties: The Kodiak, The Pub, The Royal NOVEMBER 1-24 Fernie Visual Artists Show & Sale, Fernie Museum 1 Opera Screening: der Rosenkavalier by R. Strauss, The Arts Station 25 fall CULTURAL Events continued... 2 & 16 Drawing workshop with Liza 30 Christmas Ornaments Craft Gareau Tosh, The Arts Station Workshop, Elkford Arts Studio 2 Zombie Walk/Dia de Los Meurtos, 30 Aerial Yin, Restorative & Nidra The Royal Teacher Training, Essential Yoga 8, 22 Club Cre8 Kids Arts Camp, The Studio Arts Station 30 Live Music: The Runs, The Royal 10 Indie Films Fernie, Vogue Theatre TBA Spirits of Winter Party, Park Place 11 Remembrance Day Service, Fernie Lodge Cenotaph/Sparwood Cenotaph/ DECEMBER Elkford Community Centre TBA CP Holiday Train & Live Concert, 13 & 20/ Focused Wheel Throwing Pottery Station Square 18 & 25 Workshop, The Arts Station TBA Santa Claus Pancake Breakfast, 13 Live Music: Blue Tansy, Loaf Park Place Lodge 14 Poker Tourney, Fernie Legion 6-7 Royal Birthday Party Weekend 14 Moonlight Madness Craft Fair, Friday Band Night/Saturday DJ Elkford Community Centre Night, The Royal 14 Live Music: Wannabe, A Spice Girls 6 Gallery Opening: Katherine Tribute, The Northern Russell, Fernie Museum 15 Christmas Craft Fair, Sparwood 6 Club Cre8 Kids Arts Camp, The Rec Centre Arts Station 20 Beginner Paint Date with Sue 6 Opera Screening: Enchanted Hanlon, The Arts Station Island, The Arts Station 20 Live Music: Home Routes - 6 Live Music: Royal Birthday Party Chemin Chez Nous: Quote the Multi-Band Night, The Royal Raven, Mountain Meadows, 7 Artisan Fair, The Arts Station Elkford 7 Winter Ball, Fernie Legion 22-23 Twilight & Holiday Craft Fair, Fernie Community Centre 8 Indie Films Fernie, Vogue Theatre 22 Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sparwood 12 Poker Tourney, Fernie Legion 22 Live Music: Blue Tansy, Loaf 20 Live Music: Blue Tansy, Loaf 28 Gallery Opening: Gallery Opening: 21 Community Christmas Mini Art Show, The Arts Station Celebration, Fernie Heritage Library 29-30 Hearth 9 Show & Sale, Sarah Pike Pottery 21 Christmas Movie Screening, The Arts Station 29 Holiday Kick-off Late Night Shopping, Historic Downtown 21 Stocking Stuffers Craft Fair, Fernie Community Centre fall weekly Events EVERY MONDAY: EVERY THURSDAY: • Jam Night at Kodiak Lounge, 9pm • Team Trivia at The Pub Bar & Grill, 8pm • DJ Super Request Night at The Royal, 9pm • DJ Super Request Night at The Royal, 9pm • Jam Night at the Brickhouse, 10pm EVERY TUESDAY, WED & FRI: • Storytime for under 5’s at the Fernie EVERY FRIDAY: Heritage Library, times vary • Men’s Darts at the Fernie Legion • Live music at Loaf & Infinitea, 6/8pm EVERY TUESDAY: • DJ Night at The Fernie, 8pm • $8 Movie Night, Vogue Theatre, 7pm • Karaoke with Top-O at the Royal, 9pm EVERY SUNDAY: • Meat Draw and live entertainment/quiz EVERY WEDNESDAY: night at the Fernie Legion, from 4pm • Pool League/Women’s Darts at • BBQ & Beats at Infinitea, 6pm (until the Fernie Legion Thanksgiving) • Tarot at Infinitea, 8pm • Zack’s Jam Night at the Royal, 9pm 26 FEATURE BUSINESS Soco Soaps

Work-life balance isn’t just a lofty goal in Fernie, it’s the ultimate ideal. Karey Pion, founder of Soco Soaps, may have found the secret to this elusive dream and she’s poured her heart and soul into it for the past decade. Started as a hobby when Pion moved to the tiny community of Elko, Soco Soaps is now a thriving success story with a micro-production factory in good enough to eat (although she Fernie and product stocked in 40 recommends that you don’t try a bite) locations in 5 provinces across Canada. and then hitting the local markets on Initially, Pion’s soaps were just for the weekends. personal use and gifts for friends, Body creams, chapstick and bath- but their popularity quickly grew. bombs expanded the product line She began to sell them at the weekly around 2 years ago and she recently summer Baynes Lake Market and at introduced shampoo and conditioner Carosella (a former gift shop in Fernie) bars. Pion is passionate about keeping and slowly expanded production, seeing her products as natural as possible, an opportunity to build an income from using ingredients like olive oil, coconut home when she had her first daughter, oil, sustainable palm oil and natural Evyr, in 2011. essential oils, and all products are By the time second daughter Luna free of phthalates and parabens. came along in 2014, the business had Experimenting with fragrance blends grown to a full-time endeavour. Space and adding a touch of whimsy keeps and practicality necessitated formal things fun for Pion and her team of premises, so a storefront and small- helpers. Call to ask about bath bomb scale production facility became a parties for ages 8+. reality at 1561 10th Ave in Fernie. Pion Socosoaps.com | 250-423-1724 is there most days, brewing batches of sweet-smelling treats that look Soco Soaps 27 ARTS & CULTURAL HUB THE ARTS STATION

Live Concerts & Shows

A vibrant and engaging space for the creative community in Fernie featuring all disciplines of the arts for visitors and locals alike. The Arts Station has a varied program of entertainment and activities throughout the year including live concerts, screenings, workshops, theatre, art shows, and creative classes for all ages.

LIVING HISTORY IN A HERITAGE BUILDING From 1898 to 1964, the Canadian Pacific Railway station was the economic and social hub of the community. The current station building was completed in the spring of 1909 after an earlier incarnation burned down in the Great Fire of 1908. The CPR donated the disused building to the City of Fernie and in 1987 the Fernie Arts Council began the four-year process of moving the building onto a new foundation and event space, and even a restaurant. completely renovating the dilapidated The Arts Station opened in 1990 as an structure. The former waiting room indispensable base for artists in the Elk became the foyer gallery and every Valley. other space found new life as studios, 28 The Fernie Mural Project. Over the summer of 2019, a Basin Artist was selected to produce a mural installation on the side wall of Beanpod in the heart of Historic Downtown. The final piece will measure up to 96ft in length and will form part of the well-documented vista that includes the iconic Livery building, 2nd Avenue façade and the Lizard Range. The theme of the artwork is to reflect A HARDY TOWN – PERMANENT Fernie’s heritage, culture, hopes, SCULPTURE dreams and aspirations; taking into consideration the architecture, In the grounds of The Arts Station, A topography, history and social dynamic Hardy Town is a permanent sculpture of Fernie and how that relates to the commemorating the Great Fire of physical location of the piece. The 1908. The work is a collaborative chosen artist will be working on the effort from artist Michael Hepher Mural during the month of September. and metalworker artist Paul Reimer. Drop by the space to see the artist Although the devastating fire of in action and the development of the August 1908 razed the town in just work. Theartsstation.com/publicart/ 90 minutes, no lives were lost. The artwork reflects the impact the fire had on Fernie’s architecture and the City ordinance that followed, directing all future construction to be of fireproof material. This sculpture is a testament to the tenacity of the people of Fernie who rose up through the ashes to Roni Jurgensen’s “Escape” rebuild and endure, and a reflection of the town that fell but was not fallen. THE FOYER GALLERY UPCOMING EVENTS The gallery features a series of temporary exhibitions this fall exploring The Arts Station is a cultural hub for local themes, abstract construction Fernie and features a lively program and whimsical connections. Opening of entertainment and events including receptions are free to attend on the workshops, film screenings, concerts, last Thursday of every month, with dance and theatre shows throughout complimentary appetizers and cash the fall. Tickets can be found on bar available. Shows remain on display Eventbrite.ca or contact the Arts for approximately four weeks. See Station for more information. events calendar for dates, title ‘Gallery In an ongoing effort to bring art to the Opening.’ community, the Fernie and District Arts Council, with funding from 601 1st Ave | 250-423-4842 the Columbia Basin Trust, presents: theartsstation.com 29 JOIN US THIS FALL AT THE BRICKHOUSE

A GREAT PLACE TO CHILL AFTER A DAY ON THE TRAILS

100% • Featuring a 100% BC GMO FREE only wine list and beer MENU on tap • Lunch and dinner menu with homemade burgers • Open 7 days a week, 11:30am to close • Live music • Thursday Jam Night RAVEN EYE PHOTOGRAPHY RAVEN

thebrickhousefernie.com • 401 2nd Ave, Historic Downtown Fernie • 250.423.0009

THEMES: Sep Start From Scratch: explore a variety of arts Oct Pottery: wheel, glazing Nov Fibre Arts: knitting, Elkford Arts Studio crochet, cross-stitch, macrame, sewing, felting The bright and welcoming Elkford Arts Studio offers a range of pot- Dec Wood working: Signs, wood burning tery, painting, drawing, glass mosaic, photography and felting class- Jan Painting: Life drawing, es including workshops by guest instructors and local artists and pastels, watercolor, acrylic artisans. See website for dates, details and ticket links. Discover Feb Glass & Jewellery: Wire how wild surroundings can inspire you to be creative by nature! wrapping, polymer Mar Pottery: Hand building, glazine Apr Mixed Media: Collage May Photography

2nd Floor, Elkford Rec Centre, 816 Michel Road Elkfordarts.ca | [email protected] FEATURE ARTIST Shannon Parnall

The Elkford Arts Studio is a vibrant also provided the inspiration for her space offering a variety of classes and charming faerie homes and bird houses workshops. Shannon Parnall took over which make a sweet addition to any as president in March this year, having garden or a delightful secret home for served as a director on the Elkford Arts treasures indoors. Parnall’s pottery can Council for the past 5 years. Parnall be purchased through Facebook or at brings a wealth of experience to the Craft Fairs and Markets throughout the role including a lifetime practicing Kootenays. in various art mediums, having been introduced to needlework by her At the Arts Studio, Parnall and the mother as an 8-year-old. Arts Council have developed monthly themes to introduce participants As an artist, Parnall favours hand- to new mediums and allow for built pottery, although she doesn’t development of a craft within a short limit herself and loves to try out timeframe. This fall, September will other mediums such as fused glass, offer a series of taster sessions in a which she can fire in her home kiln variety of mediums. October will focus when it’s not full of new pots. She is a on throwing pottery on the wheel, keen gardener and finds much of her and glazing. In November it’s time for inspiration in her garden. She impresses cosy fibre arts and in December, you real leaves and flowers into her work can get crafty with wood. The program and enjoys bold colour - many of her continues in 2020 with Painting, Glass, mugs and dishes feature a ground of Jewellery, Hand-built Pottery, Mixed lavender or vibrant marigold yellow, a Media and Photography. signature colour that she particularly enjoys waking up to. The natural world MySunshineDreamsBC 31 INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE MINE RESCUE COMPETITION

Mine Rescue Team, Elk River Colliery. Crowsnest Archives, Date unknown.

Everywhere you go in the Elk Valley, there is evidence of the mining that has shaped communities and sustained society. Coal dust lines trails and the remnants of the former mine site can still be seen at Coal Creek. In front of City Hall in Fernie is the Miner’s Walk and in Sparwood, the Balmer North Statue is a new memorial to the lives of miners lost in the mines of Sparwood and Elkford.

As long as there has been mining, station was established at Hosmer in there has been a need for mine rescue; 1910 and replaced by a new station demonstrations and competitions form in Fernie in 1913. The team from the a vital link between teams to share early Hosmer station were put to work skills and develop bonds. The biennial almost immediately after formation National Western Region Mine Rescue when the Bellevue Mine, which did not Competition returns to Fernie on have its own rescue team, called for September 5-7th, 2019. The event assistance following an explosion. Fred has been held in Fernie since 1993 and Alderson was one of the first miners to attracts teams from the northwestern rush into action but later succumbed United States and Canada. to the deadly gases. Alderson’s heroic and selfless actions set the standard for For over a century, mine rescue mine rescue that borders do not matter has been synonymous with mining. – where help is needed, it will be given. The British Columbia Mines act was rewritten in 1909 following Rescue apparatus is essential to explosions at mines in Morrissey and on effective rescue and the technology Vancouver Island. New laws mandated has come a long way since those early the establishment of central supply days. The very first breathing apparatus stations for the training of rescue consisted of a leather hood and hose corps be established and maintained by that was strapped to the user’s leg the government. The first Elk Valley to pull fresher air from ground level.

32 National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition in Fernie, September 2017

Hosmer Portal, Mine Rescue, 1910. Winning team from Fernie at the Canadian Mine Fred Alderson on the right. Rescue Competition in Trail, BC, June 1967 By 1910, self-contained breathing Since the inception of the NWRMC, apparatus became widely available and teams from the Elk Valley have won the greatly increased safety standards for Surface Overall title at five of the past both trapped miners and rescuers. six events. In the early years of the 20th century, Competing teams (consisting of winners mine rescue competitions and of provincial competitions of the past demonstrations helped to motivate two years) will compete in Surface and/ rescue teams. The first competitions or Underground Mine Rescue practices. were held during the First World War, The Underground competition is but shortages of manpower and supplies scheduled for Friday, September 6th prevented them becoming a regular and will consist of a series of tasks occurrence until several years later. including fire, donning bench, obstacle Regardless of the challenges, the Fernie & recovery, smoke/search, practical team travelled to Nanaimo for the first skills, first aid and a written component. international event in 1919 and placed On Saturday, September 7th, teams third. will compete in the Surface competition in a series of tasks including fire, rope, Local teams went on to become fierce smoke/search, extrication, practical competitors after those early years. skills, first aid and a written component. The Coal Creek team of the 1920’s Teams from the Elk Valley will compete won the East Kootenay Competition in this portion of the event, and four times and the Vancouver Island spectators will be able to observe parts competition three times. In 1967 Bill of the action at Fernie Memorial Arena. Milburn led the Michel team to win at the regional, provincial and finally at the With thanks to Mike Pennock and and National level at the Dominion Mine John Kinnear for extensive research on the Rescue Championships held in Trail. history of Mine Rescue in BC. 33 HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE FERNIE Heritage Walk

Visit Fernie’s most iconic Historic Downtown buildings on a self-guided walking tour. For full descriptions, visit tourismfernie.com/ blog/heritage-walk, or inquire at the Fernie Museum about interpretive guided tours. Accessible, paved sidewalks. Approx 45-90 minutes.

1 THE ARTS STATION 7 CITY HALL 601 1st Ave 501 3rd Ave Was the CP Rail Station circ. 1908 Was the offices of the Crow’s Nest Pass Coal Company circ. 1907 2 FERNIE ELKS LODGE 491 1st Ave 8 FERNIE HERITAGE LIBRARY Was How Foon’s Laundry 492 3rd Ave circ. 1908 Was the Post & Customs Office circ. 1907 3 FERNIE MUSEUM 491 2nd Ave 9 EYE OF THE NEEDLE STUDIO Was the Home Bank circ. 1910 260 5th St Was the Salvation Army circ. 1909 4 THE BRICKHOUSE BAR & GRILL 10 NEVADOS RESTAURANT 401 2nd Ave 531 2nd Ave Was the Imperial Bank circ. 1909 Was the ISIS Theatre circ. 1911 5 THE COURT HOUSE 11 URBAN SETTLER STORE 401 4th Ave 701 2nd Ave circ. 1911 Was the Fernie Livery, Dray & Transfer Co. circ. 1909 6 HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH 12 FERNIE 901 CONDOS & SPA 521 4th Ave 901 2nd Ave circ. 1912 Was Fernie High School circ. 1909

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FERNIE 5 6 4th St 9th St 6th St 5th St 7th St 8th St reet reet reet reet reet reet 7 3rd Avenue

8 9

4 3 10 2nd Avenue 11 12

1 2 1st Avenue N

34 EVENTS IN THE VALLEY COMING this winter

13th ANNUAL REEL CANADIAN FILM FESTIVAL JANUARY 24-26TH, 2020 VOGUE THEATRE A celebration of the rich diversity and creativity of the Canadian Film Industry, RCFF is a 3-day gala presentation of the year’s top features and shorts with two receptions, FERNIE COMMUNITY CHOIR special guests, and a young film- CHRISTMAS CONCERT makers showcase. Tickets on sale from DECEMBER 2019 December. Reelfilmfest.ca HOLY FAMILY CHURCH WINTERFEST In December (Date TBA) the SPARWOOD GOLF COURSE Fernie Community Choir, under FEBRUARY 2ND, 2020 the continued direction of Mr David Pasivirta, returns to the beautiful A day of snowy fun at the Sparwood Holy Family Church for their annual Golf Course. Live Music, BBQ Christmas concert. Over 30 singers and beverage gardens, games, have been rehearsing to offer a races and snow pitch tournament. performance of festive and seasonal Sparwoodchamber.ca music, including traditional carols, WINTER IN THE WILD world rhythms, and classical choral ELKFORD | FEBRUARY 14-16TH, arrangements. 2020 A weekend celebration of all things winter. Come down and enjoy the fantastic fireworks display on Feb 14th. Elkford.ca

MOUNTAIN MAGIC THROUGHOUT DECEMBER 2019 FERNIE ALPINE RESORT GRIZ DAYS Spend some time at Fernie Alpine FERNIE-WIDE | MARCH 6-8TH, 2020 Resort this December and fall in love Fernie’s biggest festival of the year, with a resort-style holiday season! honoring The Griz, Fernie’s official Events include photos on the snow with winter mascot. Downtown Parade, Santa, magical holiday horse-drawn Street Party & Fireworks, Extreme Griz sleigh rides, festive dinners and lots of Competition & Junior Griz Training entertainment and fun activities for all Grounds, Pub Crawl, Craft Fair and ages. Skifernie.com much, much more. Ferniegrizdays.ca

35 COAL CREEK & THE ELK RIVER WATERSHED Coal Creek flows into the Elk River within Fernie’s city boundaries at Dogwood Park. The Elk River watershed drains a total area of 4450km2. The river starts its voyage at glaciers in Elk Lakes Provincial Park north of Elkford and is joined by over a hundred streams and creeks during its 220km journey to the Koocanusa reservoir. From there, the water flows through the Kootenay River and joins one of the largest rivers in North American, the Columbia River. The Elk River Alliance helps to ensure the river is drinkable, fishable and swimmable for future generations. Visit ElkRiverAlliance.ca for more details.

#ferniestoke tourismfernie.com | ferniestoke.com #ferniestoke