Culture Days is a three-day movement that aims to increase the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the cultural aspects of their communities. The initiative, driven strictly by volunteers throughout the country, takes place on a yearly basis during the last weekend of September. This year, that means events are scheduled Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.
The first annual Culture Days celebration was held last year when more than 700 cities, towns and villages participated. This year, even more are expected to host events in celebration of the diversity of cultures inclusive of all age categories.
"Culture Days is a collaborative movement that relies on your participation," states the Culture Days website. "Everyone has a role they can play; as an artist, a cultural professional, on behalf of an arts organization or a municipality, as a business person, as a member of the public...everyone can contribute to the Culture Days movement."
While it may be too late to organize an event for this year's celebration, there are a few events in the area that may be of interest to you. In Maryfield, author Marie Donais Calder will visit to discuss her fifth book on Sept. 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Her book, in her Other Side series, is about her father's war peacekeeping activities.
Moose Mountain will be home to 'Recoupe and Release Fundraiser Trail Ride' on Oct. 1 and 2. The fundraiser raises money for the non-profit wildlife rehabilitation centre. While the centre is a government licensed facility, funding for the centre is obtained from other sources. Fundraisers such as this help with the costs associated with running the centre.
A little further away will be a writing workshop for seniors. 'The Write Stuff: For Senior Writers' will be held at the Estevan Public Library on Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. Seniors are invited to let their creativity flow in a workshop focused on starting to write a piece of work such a life story. Paul Wilson will lead the workshop with special guest Thelma Poirier in attendance.
Weyburn will be home to 'Weyburn Culture Days Celebration 2011,' held at the Royal Canadian Legion. The event will include the local arts, culture groups, individual artists and heritage groups a chance to promote what they offer to the community through table displays, exhibits, promotional material, demonstrations and presentations.
In addition, the Weyburn Art and Craft Sale will be held on Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street across from City Hall. The sale will include artwork by various artists and craftspeople.
For a complete listing of events, visit the Culture Days website at www.culturedays.ca.
