The Largest, Coolest, Strangest, Christmas Trees in the World

Christmas is almost upon us and everywhere you look there are beautiful Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes. Which got us to thinking, who has the largest Christmas tree in the world? After a google search we found our answer plus so much more. Here are our results: 

If you love Lego then you will love this 10-meter high Christmas tree in London’s St. Pancras station made entirely of LEGO J

Rio Brazil has the world’s largest floating Christmas tree. Standing at 85-meter (278-foot) tall this metal cone weighs 542 tons and is illuminated by 3.3 million Christmas lights. It has been one of Rio's top Christmas attractions since 1996, is surrounded by 105 kilometers (65 miles) of lighted hoses that produce special effects, projecting images in the sky that are visible for miles.

This futuristic looking tree located in Mexico City set the world record in 2009 for being the tallest artificial Christmas tree.

 

In Baia Mare, Romania, at the initiative of Alexandra Muresan an 11th grade student, over 1200 students and teachers of "Vasile Lucaciu" National College dressed in green and red gathered in the Revolution Square to break the Guinness World Record for the largest human Christmas tree. Not only did they set a new record but also collected funds for clothing and toys for orphans. 

Check out Britain’s tallest Christmas tree located at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet in Ellesmere Port, South Wirral. The tree was designed by Thomason’s Guildford team of civil and structural engineers. The tree stands at 27.5 meters (90ft) tall, and 10 meters (32ft) across, and is decorated with nine kilometers of white fairy lights made from 100,000 LED bulbs, 1,000 football-sized red baubles and another 20,000 smaller ones. Everything is held together with half a ton of nuts and bolts.

Last but not least the largest Christmas tree, drum roll please, the Mount Ingino Christmas Tree! The tree is 650 metres (2,130 ft) high and 350 m wide at its base and consists of 3000 multi-colored lights and 8.5 kilometres of electrical cable, placed all the way up the slopes of Monte Ingino, which towers above the city. The illumination can be seen up to 50 kilometres (30 miles) away.

Whether your Christmas tree is large or small we at the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo hope that it lights up your home giving you and family and very happy and merry holiday season! 

Alberta Culture Days Planning Meeting

Alberta Culture Days is looking for dedicated artists or community groups to create cultural events in celebration of arts and culture in our region, province and country!

Alberta Culture Days began in 2008 as Alberta Arts Days, a one day event to recognize the value of Alberta’s arts and cultural communities.  Since then, it has expanded into a vibrant, three day event celebrated province wide which helped inspire the creation of Culture Days – a pan Canadian movement to raise awareness and participation in the arts and cultural life of our communities. 

This year, Alberta Culture Days is scheduled from September 25^th – 27^th. If you would like to get involved in this unique celebration please join our next planning meeting, Tuesday, April 21^st, 7pm-8:30pm at the Future Forward Building, 9717 Franklin Avenue. For more information please contact Michael Beamish, michael.beamish@woodbuffalo.ab.ca, 780-788-1498. 

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Canadian Heritage

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Canadian Heritage

Deadline: Saturday, January 31, 2015

The next application deadline date for the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) funding for Community Anniversaries taking place in 2016 is January 31, 2015.  

The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program was created to help you celebrate your community, its past and its present. The Program will increase opportunities, through festivals and other events and projects, for local artists and artisans to be involved in their community and for local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage.

The Community Anniversaries component provides funding to local groups for non–recurring local events and capital projects that commemorate an anniversary of 100 years or greater in increments of 25 years.

The community anniversaries component will also consider projects that commemorate the 100^th and 75 ^th anniversary of locally significant events directly related to the Canadian participation in World War I and II.

Please visit the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage  Website http://pch.gc.ca for details or contact the team at:

Email: pch-atlan@pch.gc.ca

Toll-free: 1-866-811-0055

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

Our region is known for long cold winters. Outsiders often wonder how we survive through them. The truth is we don’t survive winter-we celebrate it! Winter is a chance for the citizens of Wood Buffalo to strap on a pair of snowshoes, slap on a pair of skis, put on their skates, or jump onto a snowmobile and enjoy the great outdoors!

Another way we enjoy our winter paradise is through our annual winter festival, WinterPLAY. WinterPLAY is an opportunity for winter lovers to party in the ice and snow. The festival features The Shoot Out on the Syne, a 3 on 3 hockey tournament where weather hardened Wood Buffalans battle it out for hockey supremacy.

There’s also the outdoor stage where people can dress in their snazziest pair of snow pants to dance and sing to live performances. 

Then there is the WinterPLAYGROUND a magical place where rosy cheeked children can play, wander, and explore stunning ice sculptures, snow mazes, and ice castles.

The citizens of Wood Buffalo love their winters but there is one city that may love it even more. Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China is also known for its artic climate with provides an abundant amount of snow and ice. Like Wood Buffalo, the people of Harbin decided to turn their long, cold, winters into a positive by creating the largest ice sculpture festival in the world!

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, established in 1985, is held annually on January 5^th and lasts for over one month attracting hundreds of thousands of local people and visitors from all over the planet. 

Nicknamed the 'Ice City' of Harbin, it is recognized as the cradle of ice and snow art in China and is famous for its exquisite and artistic ice and snow sculptures. 

The festival attracts some of the top ice sculpture experts and artists from around the world who gather to compete in the many ice sculpting competitions. The festival also hosts many winter sporting competitions such as ice-skating and sledding. Weddings, parties and other entertainment add to the overall celebration of this incredible ice city.

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is truly remarkable giving the WinterPLAY festival something to aspire to. 

The Chelsea Arts Club New Years Eve Ball

From the LIFE archives, photographed by Anthony Linck and George Rodger. 

If you woke up yesterday with a skull busting headache, a lampshade on your head, and a face blooming with ten different shades of lipstick kisses; you would have enjoyed the Chelsea Arts Club, New Years Eve Ball.   

The Chelsea Arts Club is a private members club located in London with a membership of over 2,400, including artists, poets, architects, writers, dancers, actors, musicians, photographers, and filmmakers. The club was established on 21 March 1891 (in Chelsea), as a rival to the older Arts Club in Mayfair, on the instigation of the artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, who had been a (sometimes controversial) member of the older club. (Wikipedia.org)

The club has a rich history and one shining gem from its past is their infamous New Years’ Eve Ball which was banned in 1958 after 50 years of reverie. The party featured a parade of floats created by artists that made a tour of the dance floor during the evening. The floats became the focus of a chaotic tradition; the frenzied crowd would destroy them while security guards desperately tried to prevent the madness. The fighting and destruction would usually result in minor injuries and in a few cases some had to be hospitalized. 

The festivities included other acts of “uncivilized behavior” which included reports of public nudity, drunken displays of affection, fighting, and unreserved homosexuality (which was still illegal at the time and punishable by a two year prison sentence or chemical castration-YIKES!). The ball was one of the few places where gay people could freely express themselves and come out of hiding for an evening of celebration.

Here is a video from 1954 showing the grand ball;

2013 InterPLAY Festival is ON NOW!

Hey everybody!

The TransAlta InterPLAY Festival is underway and there are so many wonderful cultural activities to enjoy!

August 2-11, 2013....10 Days of Summer Fun! 

You can find a list of events by visiting: 

http://www.inter-play.ca/2013/events/

To purchase tickets to many of these events, you visit the website above or contact the Keyano Theatre Box Office.

Get out and enjoy the summer by taking in one of the great activities presented during the TransAlta interPLAY Festival.

Follow the festival on Twitter: #YMMinterPLAY

Multicultural Expo 2013

Sunday February 17, 2013
10 am to 4pm
MacDonald Island

Food Vendors – offering a variety of traditional and cultural dishes
Booths – selling a variety of merchandise - clothing, jewellery, art, etc.
Displays – presenting information on cultures and groups in our community
Main Stage – hosting a variety performers representing their cultures

For more information, call Monica at the Multicultural Association. 780-791-5186

Canadian Government Commemorates Sir John A. Macdonald Bicentennial

Information in this posting was retrieved from http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1357843596870 on Monday January 14, 2013.

On January 11, 2013, at the annual Sir John A. MacDonald Day ceremony in Kingston, The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, celebrated the life and accomplishments of Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister. Minister Moore also announced support for projects that will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir John A. Macdonald in 2015.

“Our Government is proud to invest in projects and commemorations, like the anniversary of Sir John A. Macdonald’s birth, that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians,” said Minister Moore. “On the road to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today.”

Support has been provided to the Sir John A. Bicentennial Commission for a range of activities to increase public awareness about Canada’s first Prime Minister. Additionally, the Historica-Dominion Institute will receive support to create two new Heritage Minute videos featuring Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier. These investments will encourage all Canadians to reflect on Sir John A. Macdonald’s life and accomplishments and to celebrate his significant contributions to Canadian history.

“The 200th anniversary of Sir John A. MacDonald’s birth, in 2015, will be an opportunity for all Canadians to learn and to celebrate the important contributions Canada’s first Prime Minister made to shape our great nation,” added Minister Moore.

“We are so grateful to have the support of the Government of Canada as we move towards the bicentennial of Macdonald’s birth,” said Ryan Zade, Associate Director of the Sir John A. Bicentennial Commission. “With this support, we can work towards engaging all Canadians to help tell the story of Macdonald, which is the story of the place we all call home: Canada.”

“Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier are two of the greatest Fathers of Confederation,” said Anthony Wilson-Smith, Historica-Dominion Institute President. “We’re proud and grateful that we’ll be able to use our Heritage Minutes format to tell stories about their roles in the making of Canada.”

The Government of Canada has provided over $500,000 to the Sir John A. Bicentennial Commission (2010–2012), and $360,000 to the Historica-Dominion Institute (2012–1214). The funding comes from the Commemorate Canada component of the Celebration and Commemoration Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage supports initiatives of national significance that commemorate important aspects of Canada’s history.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

Fort McMurray Social Dance Club - New Years Eve Dance

Dinner, Dancing, and a toast to 2013!

Tickets are on sale for the annual New Years Eve Dance hosted by the Fort McMurray Social Dance Club.

$55/member, $65/non-member.

Please contact us at 780.215.8677 or fm.socialdanceclub@gmail.com to purchase tickets. Limited tickets available

~ Two weeks away until NYE!!

Epic Hollywood New Years Bash

Sawridge Inn (530 MacKenzie Blvd)

December 31, 2012

6:00pm

Dress to Impress - Glitz and Glam

No Minors - ID required

Tickets - $130 (regular), $150 (VIP)

     Includes:

     - 5-course meal

     - Award winning entertainer - Comedy Hypnotist Wayne Lee

     - Champagne at midnight

     - Midnight draw for Hollywood trip

     - over 600 party people!

General Admission Tickets Available at:

 - Chocolates and Candlelight - 122 Millenium Drive

 - Sawridge Inn - 530 MacKenzie Blvd.

Reserved and VIP Seating: Call 780.881.2550

For more information, please visit: www.epicfortmcmurray.com

The CRAZE presented by Fort McMurray Realtors returns New Year’s Eve!

(Fort McMurray, AB, December 4, 2012) – MacDonald Island Park is excited to announce the event schedule for the CRAZE presented by Fort McMurray Realtors, Fort McMurray’s annual New Year’s Eve family extravaganza.

The CRAZE features a variety of free family events and activities for youth of all ages and will run from Noon until 6:00 pm at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre, culminating with the Shell New Year’s Eve Fireworks. A full event schedule can be viewed below.

Close to 6,000 attendees descended on MacDonald Island Park for the CRAZE in 2011 and organizers are expecting similar crowds on December 31 due to the diversity of fun activities and events on tap.

“As a free event open to the entire Wood Buffalo community, the CRAZE truly offers something for all youth,” said Jeremy Irla, CRAZE Co-Chair and Senior Supervisor of Leisure Services at MacDonald Island Park. “We invite families to take a look at the schedule and to join us in celebration on New Year’s Eve.”

MacDonald Island Park thanks its many partners for their generous support of the CRAZE, most notably title partner Fort McMurray Realtors.

“We are happy to play our part in ensuring that children and families have fun at MacDonald Island on New Year’s Eve,” said Olive Wooden, Executive Officer of Fort McMurray Realtors. “It is tremendously important to us that families can enjoy this day without cost to them and we’re delighted to partner with MacDonald Island as we ring in the New Year as a community.”

Current CRAZE partners include:

·         Fort McMurray Realtors (Title Partner)

·         Shell Albian Sands (New Year’s Eve Fireworks)

·         ATCO Electric (KIDS ZONE)

·         Mix 103.7 FM (CRAZE Factor and Entertainment)

·         Country 93.3 FM and Rock 97.9 FM (WIPEOUT Mac Island)

·         100.5 K-Rock (Media Partner)

·         KAOS 91.1 FM (Media Partner)

Additional partnership opportunities are available by contacting Tracey Lewis, Stakeholder Relations Advisor at MacDonald Island Park at tracey.lewis@macdonaldisland.ca.

The CRAZE committee also requires volunteers to assist with activities and events. Interested individuals and community groups are asked to contact Michael Procinsky, Child Services Specialist at MacDonald Island Park at michael.procinsky@macdonaldisland.ca. A volunteer lounge including complimentary beverages and food will be provided.

More information on the CRAZE presented by Fort McMurray Realtors will be released in the days ahead.

For more information:

Adam Hardiman

Manager, Communications and Advancement

Co-Chair, the CRAZE presented by Fort McMurray Realtors

MacDonald Island Park Corporation

780-791-0070 ext. 5060

780-713-8313

adam.hardiman@macdonaldisland.ca

World Meets in Wood Buffalo - A Cultural Dance Performance

Alberta Culture Days 2012

When: 

Friday - 8:00 pm September 28 – Adult performers

Sunday - 2:00 pm, September 30‐ matinee (kids)

Where:Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts at Holy Trinity High School (Timberlea)

Cost: FREE

Contact: Mary Thomas

Email: mthere@gmail.com

Get tickets here:http://culturedays2012ymm.eventbrite.com/

Dancers from various local schools of Fort McMurray have come together to bring you a show that exemplifies the cultural diversity of our community - Belly Dance Academy Karen Savoie, Latinos Association, Fort McMurray Highland Dancers, Nrityalaya School of Indian Dance, the Brady Academy of Irish Dance, Fort McMurray Aurora Dancers. The Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts at Holy Trinity High School and the province have collaborated with the cultural community to bring it to the public free of charge.

Organizer: Culture Network’s Alberta Culture Days performing group task force

Centennial celebrations for Public School Board

Fort McMurray Public School District Centennial Celebrations

Celebrating 100 years of doing what's best for kids

The Historic Registration

Friday Aug. 31, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday Sept. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Heritage Park

Cost: FREE

Guests can pick up their weekend packages (tickets, coupon books, visitor guide

etc.) and sign in while touring Heritage Park.

Open Houses

Saturday Sept. 1,10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: All schools

Cost: FREE

Guests will have the opportunity to take a step back in time while visiting their old schools. Current students and staff will be showcasing their facilities through tours and

memorabilia/photo walls. This is a great opportunity to get nostalgic with friends

and family!

Centennial Gala and Historic Book Launch

Saturday Sept. 1, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Location: Suncor Community Leisure Centre at MacDonald Island Park

Cost: $85

Included: Buffet dinner prepared by award winning chefs, performance by country music star and FMPSD alumni Aaron Lines, special presentations, a silent auction and DJ services by Epic Productions for after-dinner dancing. Please note: We will be launching our official historical book written by historian John Gilpin at the Centennial Gala. People will have the opportunity to purchase their signed copies and meet the writer.

CentennialGolf Tournament

Saturday Sept. 1, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Location: Miskanaw Golf Course at MacDonald Island Park

Cost: $80 per ticket

Included: 9-holes of golf, a brunch, souvenir hat, cart rental and prizes. Guests will play a friendly game on the back-9 of this stunning, newly renovated course. Please note: Fort McMurray Public School District students will be hosting each hole. 

Experience the Energy Tour

Sunday Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Oil Sands Discovery Centre

Cost: $57.75

Included: A bus tour of Suncor Energy, admission to the Oil Sands Discovery Center, lunch and admission to Heritage Park.  Join a guided bus tour of Suncor Energy and follow the process from mining to pipeline. Learn how the sand is reclaimed as a

productive partner in the natural environment. Note: This tour is forthose 12 years of age and older.  The Oil Sands Discovery Center will have specialized programming for

the little ones.

Centennial Meeting Place

Sunday Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Westview Public School

Cost: FREE

Having fun reuniting with old friends and new ones? Guests are invited to Westview Public School to have refreshments and catch up with their old friends. The school is

nestled among the beautiful boreal forest making it an ideal location to play catch-up and take some stunning outdoor photos.

Sponsor Wine and Cheese

Sunday Sept. 2, 7 to 10 p.m.

Location: Quality Inn

Cost: FREE - BY INVITATION ONLY

We will be hosting an invitation only thank-you event for past and potential sponsors of FMPSD at the newly-renovated Quality Inn.  Students will be showcasing FMPSD programming while guests have an opportunity to mix and mingle.

Closing Pancake Breakfast

Monday Sept. 3, 8 to 11 a.m.

Location: Dr. Clark School

Cost: FREE

Smitty’s will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast at Dr. Clark School to allow guests to say their last goodbyes after a fun-filled weekend.

(PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GST)

To purchase tickets please call Fort McMurray Tourism at 1.800.565.3947 or 780.791.4336

Online ticket purchasing at www.fmpsd.eventbrite.ca

Visit our District website at www.fmpsd.ab.ca