It’s been a summer staple in Jasper for 34 years, but Parks Day 2024 is arguably the most thoughtfully-curated celebration of Jasper National Park yet.
The annual event, organized and presented by the non-profit organization Friends of Jasper National Park, is this July 19-21 leaning into the community’s creativity and rich arts and culture foundations, said Friends of JNP manager, Heather Aussant-Roy.
“This year we really want to celebrate Jasper’s arts, culture and heritage,” Aussant-Roy said. “We really want to showcase the different ways people enjoy and connect to Jasper National Park.”
The three-day festival will feature live music, Indigenous presentations, an artisan market, kids activities and interactive hikes and tours that will help participants get to know Jasper better.
“This is an especially creative community,” Aussant-Roy said. “We’re excited to showcase that through different artistic and cultural opportunities.
High on the list of new programming highlights include guided hikes with the energetic enigma known as Jasper Theater Productions. Locally-adored actors Joost Tijssen and Pieter van Loon will take guests on a walking pub quiz of Jasper, sashaying their guests around the townsite while simultaneously tossing out quirky questions that will enrich the audience’s appreciation of their environs. They’ve also got a Parks Day improv event planned.
“These are really fun ways for people to learn a bit more about the park,” Roy said.
Mountain culture will be on full display at the Jasper Habitat for the Arts (400 Robson St.) when selections from the Best of the Banff Mountain Film Festival are showcased; for those wanting to take the adventures off-screen, the Friends have partnered with the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to bring Parks Day patrons into a voyageur-style canoe on Lac Beauvert. Other outdoor programming abounds, too.
On Saturday history will be colourfully presented through the transfixing sights and sounds of the Wild Spirit Drummers and Dancers from the Bighorn Stoney Nation. Jasper-based, internationally-renowned Indigenous musicians and knowledge keepers, Warrior Women, will also present their fascinating brand of story-telling, as will Mohikan Trails, an Indigenous guiding company based in Canmore specializing in medicine walks.
Jasper roots and blues powerhouse Marie Flipo-Bergeron; the folky, funky local loop-master known as Hannibal Weeks; and soulful strummer Pete Cherniawsky will help establish the Parks Day rhythm. Painting workshops, mural tours and a kids games area will ensure all ages are entertained.
“Parks Day 2024 is jam packed full of exciting programs, activities and events to suit revellers of all ages,” Aussant-Roy said.
Space is limited for Parks Day Sunday programs so participants should pre-register (starting July 18).
Volunteers are still being recruited. Find out about the many perks of volunteering with the Friends of Jasper National Park by emailing volunteers@friendsofjasper.com
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
