The expansion includes a new Indigenous Peoples Experience, a new front entry and guest services plaza, an expanded Johnny J. Jones Midway, and more. While most of the project is funded by all three government levels, there is still $11 million needed to put the final touches on the Park. The Fort Edmonton Foundation has committed to raising this money through generous donations from the community.
Light the Midway Campaign
One of the exciting renovations happening at Fort Edmonton Park is the expansion of the historical Johnny J. Jones Midway. Built as a replica of the original Edmonton Summer Exhibition, the midway promises an authentic experience of visiting a 1920s carnival – including vintage rides, classic games, old-fashioned exhibits, and, of course, tasty treats.
Traditionally, midways were beautifully illuminated by lights, making them even more magical and romantic after the sun went down – so what better way to have a fundraiser for the midway than with a campaign centered on lights?
Through Fort Edmonton Foundation’s Light the Midway campaign, they seek to illuminate 20,000 lights at the midway. Donors can buy a symbolic bulb for themselves, their children, their grandchildren – anyone they choose. Consider donating a bulb in the memory of someone you love or donating a bulb as a holiday or birthday gift.
Janet Tryhuba, Executive Director, Fort Edmonton Foundation, adds, “We really hope family, friends, businesses, and community groups get involved because this is a great way to give without attending events. Buying a symbolic bulb and supporting the midway gives us all something to look forward to for next year. Individuals and businesses can make fundraising pages to encourage more people to get involved and buy a bulb.”
To date, more than 6,000 of the 20,000 bulbs available have been purchased by donors. Bulbs are $50 each, $150 for three, or $1,000 for 20. Knowing you have kept history alive for generations to come? That is priceless. You still have time to buy a bulb for yourself or someone you love. Visit www.lightthemidway.ca to learn more.
Highlighting the Past. Fundraising for the Future.
Beyond the Light the Midway campaign, the Foundation is busy fundraising for other significant projects set to open in 2021.
Indigenous Peoples Experience
The brand new Indigenous People’s Experience will share the stories of First Nations and Métis peoples. This exhibit includes authentic experiences, audio/visual media, first-hand narrations, and a chance for guests to gain a much greater and deeper understanding of the diverse people that first settled the land.
Guest Services Plaza
The new guest services plaza is an attraction in its own right! A new entranceway will welcome guests before they are escorted back in time. Featuring a café, gift shop, and all of the accessible amenities, the guest services plaza will offer all of the conveniences of a high-quality tourism attraction.
Hotel Selkirk
Built from the original blueprints of the famous hotel (with some alterations – the original rooms were smaller and washrooms were located outside!) Hotel Selkirk evokes the spirit of the Windsor, as it was originally called when it was built in 1903. For more than 50 years, Hotel Selkirk was a hot spot as a hangout and a gathering place for the who’s who of society. Tragically, it burned down in a fire in the early 1960s but has enjoyed a new lease on life as a feature attraction at Fort Edmonton Park. Once the Fort Edmonton Foundation achieves its fundraising goal of $11 million, the Selkirk will be upgraded and expanded to include more space and guest amenities.
Support Fort Edmonton Foundation Today
Fort Edmonton Foundation is a charitable organization that is dedicated to the preservation of Fort Edmonton Park. The Park is an important site as it preserves our city’s history, acknowledges the First Nations and Métis that lived on the land before the settlers, and provides hours of educational family fun. From strolling the streets and walking through the iconic buildings to enjoying the midway, from the famous train and horse wagon rides to a stay in the Hotel Selkirk, guests can enjoy Fort Edmonton Park time and time again. It never gets “old!” Plan to support Light the Midway and the Fort Edmonton Foundation’s other initiatives today, and look forward to the grand re-opening in 2021.
