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Heritage Park opening Christmas Shop, and hosting Culture Days next week

PHOTO. Heritage Village following the flood.

Heritage Park says it’s going to be able to open its Christmas Shop Tuesday, and it’s still going to be able to go forward with its Culture Days next Sunday.

Executive Director Roseanne Davidson says these help raise money for flood-recovery.

“They are incredible, for the situation that we’re in right now,” she continues, “we’re just moving forward, we’re still fundraising and both of these events will be a way to help us get back on our feet.”

She says there’s still a way to go before the whole park opens back up.

“Our hope is that we are able to open for July of 2014,” she adds, “we’re here for the community and certainly that’s what our mandate is.”

She says flood recovery efforts are challenging.

“We are certainly working towards that, we have taken all the affected floors and walls out of the buildings that we have to restore.”

She says the plan is to move some buildings to safer areas, and during the winter, they’ll work on restoring the interiors of the buildings.

Davidson says they’re getting the work done, but she gets really excited talking about the Christmas Shop, and how it’s more than just a shopping trip.

“It offers the Christmas spirit, and a positive environment,” she continues, “you have the opportunity to browse, take time and have a coffee with us, and maybe even get to know us a little bit, because of what happened at the park.”

She says every year people are wowed with it.

“We have some very unique items and of course we want you to come and browse, we have items such as paintings and pottery,” she says just come on down, ” your going to enjoy your experience here at Heritage Park.”

She says on Culture Days, they will have their Heritage plaque reveal, something they’ve been working with the city on.

There’s also going to be archival films that Davidson calls, “Hidden Treasure of the North.”

The event will run from 1PM until 7PM next September 29th, and there will be food and refreshments.

She says because the flood ruined so much, the event will be scaled down.

“We hope folks will come and celebrate with us.  It will be a little different then what were used to because we’re still under flood-recover, so we have a different look right now, but we”re going to go through with this one event.”

She also wants to send out another ‘thank you’ to the Fire Department who raised almost $6,700 dollars for the park with their 14th Annual Pancake Breakfast.

“It’s just incredible, because the support of the community has been wonderful and to have our neighbours put on a fantastic breakfast and serve the public,” she continues, “and then the community in turn has been so generous to give that $6,700.”

“It’s going to help us immensely.”

“I just want to give another special thank you to Fire Chief Darby Allen  and Nick Waddington and the Board for choosing us,” she adds, “it was encouraging, very encouraging.”

September 20th, 2013