Town of Coaldale sign. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Coaldale hosting “Once in a Lifetime” Settler’s Day festival to commemorate 100th anniversary

Jul 3, 2019 | 6:00 AM

COALDALE, AB – It was 100 years ago on December 27th, 1919 that the “Village” of Coaldale was formally established.

While the actual anniversary is still a few months off, Community Services Manager with the Town of Coaldale Cindy Hoffman says it made sense to coincide the celebration with their biggest annual festival, Settler Days.

She wanted to create an event they likely will not be able to replicate for at least the next 50 years.

“Since it is the Centennial, our volunteer committee has planned a lot of events that are probably going to be once in a lifetime here in Coaldale. We just wanted to really celebrate with the community.”

Most significantly is a music festival running all day on Saturday, July 6th, featuring local artists such as Trevor Panczak and Chevelles, as well as eight other performing groups.

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While the weather caused a lot of uncertainty for this past weekend’s Canada Day fireworks celebrations, Hoffman hopes to put on her own pyro display Saturday night.

Of course, it would not be Settler’s Day without the Candy Parade. Prior to its start at 11:00 am on Saturday, Main Street (20th Ave) will be closed at 8:00 am with all sorts of performers and activities to get everyone in the partying spirit.

Hoffman has been part of almost every Settler’s Day festival since she was first born, and working out to the Gem of the West Museum, she says there will be a lot of history on display at the event.

In addition to the municipality forming, she says 1919 was a monumental year for Coaldale.

“Wiebe’s Deli on Main Street, they’re actually 100 years old as well this year, so they’ve been around a long time and we’ve got some cool pictures and information on them. In 1919 again, Coaldale had its first fair, and at that time, due to irrigation, the crops were phenomenal that year.”

The entrance to Wiebe’s Deli, who is also celebrating their 100th anniversary in Coaldale. (Lethbridge News Now)

Although Wiebe’s Deli is one of just a few original companies still in operation, Hoffman says nearly all of the buildings in downtown Coaldale are still intact, just with different businesses.

The original hall that was built for the inaugural Settler’s Day fair was built with 1,000 hay bales.

The 2019 Settler’s Day festival runs from Friday, July 5th to Sunday, July 7th. Click here for a full schedule of events.