Special Events

"Reign of the Empress" Centennial Book

REIGN OF THE EMPRESS

1912 - 2012
A History of the Empress Theatre, Fort Macleod, Alberta
CLICK HERE to download order form

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            In recognition of the Centennial of the Empress Theatre, the history of the gracious lady on Main Street of Fort Macleod, Alberta has finally been written. You will love the stories that are remembered and marvel at the obstacles that have been overcome over the 100 years of history found in this theatre. The Empress was always a place to entertain through the hardships of early settlers, challenges of two world wars, a depression, growth and lack of it right up to current shows. It is time to celebrate the remarkable staying power of this icon of Fort Macleod and Southern Alberta!!

             Peter J. Scott researched and wrote this book based upon information he gathered from people of the area, from newspapers and writings over the 100 years, from records of the Town of Fort Macleod and from information found within the theatre.

  

This brief excerpt will give you a glimpse into the early history of the Empress Theatre:

 

"James Lambert clutched at his coat collar as a defence against the January weather as he strode down Main Street in Fort Macleod, heading from his office one street over toward the Silver Grill restaurant, a warming cup of coffee on his mind. It was also his intent, on this rare break from the daily concerns of his contracting firm, to seek out a copy of the latest Macleod Advertiser, published just that day. With business thriving in the burgeoning prairie town, Lambert’s time to relax with the newspaper, any newspaper, had been limited of late, a rifling of its few pages the most for which he ever found time.

As a conscientious businessman, he would have been checking that day’s edition to ensure his ad had been included and printed as per his instructions. The item Lambert sought in today’s edition was of primary importance. As he ordered his coffee and eased into the café’s steamy warmth, he found it in the only appropriate place such vital community news could be printed: at the top of page one. As he read, he wondered if Thomas Martin had had a chance to read the Advertiser’s story. Pleased with the account, and enjoying the added glow of seeing his name prominent in the piece, Lambert returned to his coffee and gazed at the empty lot just across 24 Street, a perfect piece of real estate right at the heart of the main thoroughfare. Here he would construct Martin’s theatre once Williams finished the drawings. With luck and a chinook or two before winter’s end, he and his crew would have it ready for occupancy by summer, perhaps even as early as June."

 

The Centennial History Book Committee, chaired by Bonnie Kennedy, brought the book into its physical form and you can now order a copy of this interesting limited edition history. The expected release date is late spring of 2012; it will be available at the Empress Theatre, its offices, in several Fort Macleod locations and throughout Southern Alberta.

             Fill in this form and send or deliver it to the Empress Theatre so your personal copy of this attractive book can be set-aside for you to enjoy.  Form can be mailed along with payment to Empress Theatre, Box 99, Fort Macleod, AB, T0L 0Z0. It can be hand delivered to Empress Theatre administration office at 245 24 St. Fort Macleod.

Price: $34.95 +GST     Shipping, if needed, $12.50 +GST per copy

The book can also be purchased online by clicking the link below: 

Click here to purchase book!

 

Canadian Forces Memorial Film Festival

 

 

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EVENT CONCLUDED

The Canadian Forces Memorial Film Festival (formerly Aviation Film Festival) welcomes John McDermott and the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Stephane Guevremont and Veterans to the 2011 festival along with our patrons.

Film, Live Music, Discussion, Guest Stars

Dates: November 4-7, 2011
John McDermott and Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Program, November 7, 7:30 p.m.

Program Honouring Veterans (note: subject to change)

PROGRAM HONORING VETERANS
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Shenandoah Remembrance Medley
I'll Be Seeing You Lilli Marlene Roses of Picardy
Greenfields of France The Scottish Soldier
One Small Star By Yon Bonnie Banks
And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda Christmas in the Trenches
The Wall We'll Meet Again
Battle Hymn of the Republic Auld Lang Syne
More titles available


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Image copyright by respective production studio and/or distributor

 

Cementary Tours:
Cemetery Tours - provided by the Fort Museum
>> Nov. 5 (Sat.) 1-1:45 pm
>> Nov. 6 (Sun.) 12 noon - 12:45 pm
>>
>> meet at the cemetery (North of town off #811)
>> free admission (donations will be taken)

 

Film List:

For The Moment, 1996
In Which We Serve, 1942
The Devil's Brigade, 1968
Stalag 17, 1953
Battle of Britain, 1969

 

In-which-we-serve-nov-2011for-the-moment-19961-nov-2011battle-of-britain-1969-nov-2011     stalag-17-nov-2011     devils-brigade-1968-no-2011

 

PLUS:

Documentaries and interviews with Veterans

Photos: click here to view photos from last year's festival

 

In the meantime, if you wish, read our review and quotes from audience members regarding the highly successful 2010 Aviation Film Festival:

Event Reveiw:

The Aviation Film Festival was, in a word, spectacular. Those lucky enough to attend the opening ceremonies were both educated and entertained by speakers Stéphane Guevremont of the University of Calgary, and by actor Eric Peterson. Stéphane did a marvellous job explaining the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and Fort Macleod’s role, as well as the outlining social, economic and political factors that led to the plan. Eric brought a Remembrance Day version of his play “Billy Bishop Goes to War” that was being broadcast later that evening on CBC. This was a deeply moving tribute to Canada’s veterans and soldiers. The film, “Captains of the Clouds,” spontaneously induced applause during references to the RCAF.

On day two, the festival began with the moving documentary “The Belgian Forest.” Project manager Karl Kjarsgaard and producer James Blondeau were in attendance to talk about their efforts to retrieve the buried Halifax bomber from the swampy forest in Belgium.

The discussion panel, moderated by former Global News anchor Kevin Newman, was the hit of the festival. A special thank-you to all the panel members and especially the veterans Gordon Jones, John McGee, and Aubrey Wood. The stories that came from the panel were utterly fantastic and moving. Kevin mentioned that he was very honoured to have been part of this, and was very sincere when he stated that this panel discussion, like the day’s motto of “Lest we forget,” was an event that he personally would never forget.

The next film, “The Dam Busters,” was fabulous up on the big screen. Many attendees left that film in awe. Our last event, the silent film “Wings,” took the audience on a journey back to the 1920s. Dennis James, organist, masterfully played the original score for the solid two and a half hours as the audience rediscovered the beauty and artistry of the silent film era.

 

Email and letter quotes from audience members:

 

"I thought the entire AFF and aura was excellent. A sequel is possible but difficult to duplicate. Congratulates [to all] involved."

 

“Congratulations on what appeared to me to be a very successful Aviation Film Festival. I've heard nothing but positive comments.”

 

“I was BLOWN AWAY by the quality of the people and the films. Congratulations.”

 

“The documentaries, Discussion panel and films that we saw over those two days were spectacular. The honoured guests with their memories were so special, the theatre was full both days. Congratulations to the Empress Theatre Board for putting on such a memorable event… I hope that this can be done again next year.”