HERITAGE PARK ANNUAL REPORT 2019 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE HERITAGE PARK SOCIETY HERITAGE PARK is a unique place where visitors are immersed in the settlement of the west and learn of the perseverance of the pioneers who arrived here so many years ago. In the years to come, we will look back and celebrate how the Park survived through 2018, 2019, and especially 2020. We will appreciate the persistence and dedication of our staff, leaders, boards, supporters, and loyal donors. 2019 was another challenging year. There was success in relaunching the Moyie. Attendance increased from 2018 levels. However, a weak economy and construction right outside the Park entrance impacted results. The management team worked to maintain tight controls, and to market the Park to attract new guests. In December, we said goodbye to our long-time CEO and celebrated Alida Visbach’s significant contributions. Since Alida’s retirement, the senior management team has managed the affairs of the Park with oversight from the Society Board. The search for a new CEO is well underway; however, it has not concluded because of COVID-19. Due to the pandemic, Heritage Park closed to the public on March 16, 2020. With much uncertainty surrounding how long this crisis will last, the complete impact to the Park is not known at this time. The history of the west is rife with stories of resilience in the face of adversity. I am confident that we will weather this storm in true pioneer fashion and emerge stronger as a result. I extend thanks to our management team for guiding the Park through these difficult and trying times. Thank you to our boards for your knowledge and expertise as the various challenges have been overcome. Most especially, thank you to our many donors and supporters who demonstrate understanding of our struggles, and prove generously loyal to this wonderful institution. Heritage Park is grateful for the support of so many special individuals. We look forward to educating and entertaining visitors from around the world for many years to come. David Rodych Chair HERITAGE PARK SOCIETY 2 HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE HERITAGE PARK FOUNDATION IN 2019, the Park and the City faced continued economic and societal challenges that restricted Park attendance and contributions. The Heritage Park Foundation was forced to confront difficulties in its fundraising efforts along with other community programs and projects that seek our members’ and donors’ scarce charitable dollars. Despite these pressures, the enduring support of our donors continues, and the Foundation gratefully received more than $535K from donations, grants, sponsorships, ticket sales, and event revenues—a 20% increase from the prior year. The annual Shindig is a source of pride for the Foundation, and in 2019 it brought great participation as well as tremendous contributions, resulting in an 86% increase in net results over 2018’s event. The investment saw an increase of 14% of its market value as at the end of 2019 compared to the end of 2018; the value of the portfolio now nearing $8.3 million, a result of The Foundation’s prudent investment strategy and strong 2019 market performance. Unfortunately, 2020 is proving to be the most challenging year in recent history due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in changes in the Foundation’s portfolio. The Foundation relies on a strong board of trustees to ensure that the endowment funds are used to further the objects of Heritage Park and that investments are managed prudently. 2019 witnessed the departure of loyal volunteers who generously donated their time to guide the Foundation. In saying goodbye to them we also welcome new trustees who will advance the Foundation’s success and safeguard its legacy. We remain grateful to Alida Visbach, whose strong hand and excellent leadership over the past 14 years transformed Heritage Park, and guided its success. Park management, staff, and volunteers demonstrate exceptional dedication and resiliency. Thanks to all who serve the Foundation and Heritage Park, for their engagement and dedication. You are part of a community that cares and for that we thank you! We are much obliged for your continued support. Lorne O’Reilly Chair THE HERITAGE PARK FOUNDATION 3 HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT We CELEBRATE IN 2009, HERITAGE PARK DOUBLED IN SIZE and went from a seasonal attraction to a year- round accredited museum, shopping, and dining destination. 2019 marked the 10th anniversary of the completion of the “It’s About Time” capital campaign and grand opening of the expansion including Gasoline Alley, Haskayne Mercantile Block, Selkirk Grille, and Railway Café and Orientation Centre. On April 6, we opened the museum to the public for free, had special entertainment and a celebratory cake. Heritage Town Square was bustling with old- fashioned family games, and Gasoline Alley Museum was packed with more than 2,500 visitors, dignitaries, and supporters of the Park who joined the party. We celebrated car culture, and welcomed the Nifty Fifty’s Ford Club for their annual Spring Show and Shine, taking place at the Park for the first time. Our parking lots have never looked cooler! 2019 was also the 10th anniversary of the Montefiore Institute, or as it is affectionately called, the Little Synagogue on the Prairie. 4 HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT We SAIL AGAIN AFTER HAVING TO dry dock the S.S. Moyie the previous year, we dedicated our summer advertising campaign to its return and held a special re-launch party for lucky annual pass holders. Not only was the ship back in the water, it was in ship-shape! The 54-year-old vessel underwent its first massive overhaul which included re-sheeting the hull and replacing structural members, straightening the rub rails, repairing the forepeak water tank and installing new taffrails, millwork replacements and wiring upgrades. The Moyie also received a facelift which included new flooring, brand new carpeting in the saloon, shiny brass hardware, mahogany handrails, and a fresh coat of bright red paint. SS Moyie Crew all ship shape and ready to sail! 5 HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT We FUNDRAISE THROUGH THE WONDERFUL SUPPORT OF OUR DONORS, Heritage Park creates enriching and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. 2019 saw many highlights in fundraising. Supporters of our annual events helped ensure many programs were successful including: the popular Street Theatre Program; the costume department that coordinates more The design of the than 16,000 pieces each year; youth and education programs that reached Prince House gazebo almost 65,000 children in 2019; Indigenous Day, Canada Day, and Heritage was based on a partial photograph Day celebrations; not to mention our beloved Once Upon A Christmas. These of a gazebo found programs, along with many others, are supported by philanthropy. Without in a Virginia Slims our loyal donors, we would not be Heritage Park. cigarette ad. One of our most visited buildings, the Montefiore Institute, celebrated 10 years in the Park this past summer. Transport and installation of this wonderful original building was made possible by donors, and they continue to support it to this day. 6 HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT GOING BACK GIVES BACK We launched a new charity campaign designed to bring awareness of Heritage Park’s charity status. “Going Back Gives Back” reminds guests that every visit, purchase, and donation to the Park helps keep history alive for generations to come. Upgrading an annual pass to become a member of the Heritage Club or adopting an exhibit turns guests into donors, brings them into the fold of Heritage Park, and helps us even more. THAT’S A WRAP! The Grand Finale of the Hays Breakfast took place on July 7 after an incredible 69 years of Stampede royalty, political hobnobbin’, sausage chompin’, Sillabubin’ and fundraisin’ for Heritage Park. Thank you to one and all who made this event so beloved and memorable. Special thanks to Dan and Kathy Hays, for sharing this tradition with us and almost 3,000 of our closest friends. Hats off to both the Hays family and the Rob Peters family for many years of generous support along with our other great community sponsors. We bid this event, yahoo! Dan and Kathy Hays STANDING L TO R: David Chalack, Don Chalack of Wendon Holsteins, Alida Visbach, Ruth Peters, Rob Peters, Kathy Hays, Dan Hays KNEELING: Brennan Peters 7 HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 31ST ANNUAL SEPTEMBER SHINDIG With the weather blessing us, Shindig was a glorious celebration of cowboy culture and of the pioneer spirit that built the west. The evening started down in the dirt, with a bull-stomping, chuckwagon-racing, clown-jumping rodeo. Our exiting President and CEO, Alida Visbach, was taken by surprise, and into custody! She was wrangled into a gunfight and had to beg for her life on the way to dinner. In addition to our traditional raffles and auctions, we held a cash call for our youth and education programs, and raised an additional $28K. With more than 400 people in attendance, it was a beautiful evening that raised $287K. PHOTO: Phil Barnett Early settlers were dismayed that there weren’t enough large trees to make a log cabin. Undaunted, they turned to the only building material abundant on the bald prairie—sod. Estimates are that 1 million sod houses were sold on the prairies of North America between 1900 and 1910. CHRISTMAS IN ALBERTA BREAKS A RECORD Our final fundraising event of the year is a throw-back to more traditional times—a beautiful, festive Christmas party in partnership with Rosebud Theatre, presented by Dick and Lois Haskayne and other wonderful sponsors.