Parks Canada to Unveil New Hometown Heroes Display at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
News Release
Strathcona Mounted Troop will perform period cavalry demonstrations
May 19, 2016 Pekisko, Alberta Parks Canada Agency
On May 16, 2016, the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site opened its doors to welcome visitors for the 2016 season.
This year, Parks Canada continues to improve its visitor offer with even more innovative and educational events and activities as well as new investments in visitor facilities. At the Bar U Ranch, Parks Canada is hosting a Hometown Heroes Weekend on May 21 and May 22, another reason why 2016 is the perfect time to experience Canada’s rich heritage and learn more about our history.
Hometown Heroes Weekend at the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site begins with the unveiling of a special display honouring six men who worked at southern Alberta ranches before going to trench warfare that enveloped Europe during the First World War. The weekend also includes the Strathcona Mounted Troop in vintage uniform performing cavalry demonstrations from that period. Historical interpreters will tell the story of horses during the conflict and how agriculture on the home front supported the war effort. Also, volunteer teamsters will be planting a crop with real horsepower.
In addition to the special Hometown Heroes Weekend, the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site’s full roster of special events is back for the 2016 season, including:
- Father’s Day, June 19 - The Chuckwagon Beef Stew Cook Off returns with the Pack Horse Race as an added event. Sample the savoury offerings from the campfire and vote for your favourite. Cheer on the packers as they load a variety of items for the backcountry.
- Canada Day, July 1 - Celebrate Canada’s birthday “ranch style” with free admission to the Bar U Ranch.
- Parks Day, July 16 - The Strathcona Mounted Troop is back with their breathtaking musical ride and thrilling cavalry display.
- August 21 - Watch real ranch cowboys compete in work-based events at the Old Time Ranch Rodeo.
- September 11 - Experience the ultimate team effort of man and beast in the timed obstacle course in the Chore Horse Competition.
National parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer. Developing new and innovative programs and services is one way that Parks Canada helps more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, discover and enjoy one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world.
As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience Canada’s remarkable natural heritage and rich history at national parks and national historic sites this summer.
Quick Facts
- Hometown Hero honouree Erland Hadow, a Military Cross recipient, worked on the Bar U and did not return home from the war. Hadow made local headlines in 1916 after capturing an enemy flag with his lasso.
- The Bar U Ranch is the only Parks Canada administered national historic site that commemorates the importance of ranching to the development of Canada.
Quote
“If you have never experienced the Bar U Ranch, 2016 is the year to visit and see what you’ve been missing. We are excited to provide new and unique ways for Canadians to connect with this national treasure.”
Travis Weber, Site Manager Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Related Product
Backgrounder: What’s New and Exciting this summer at Parks Canada?
Associated Links
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site Twitter
- 30 -
Contacts
John Stoesser
Communications Officer
Waterton Lakes Field Unit, Parks Canada
403-859-5127
john.stoesser@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
Above: The Bar U Ranch is the only Parks Canada-administered national historic site that commemorates the importance of ranching to the development of Canada. Parks Canada is hosting a Hometown Heroes Weekend on May 21 and May 22, another reason to make 2016 the perfect time to experience Canada’s rich heritage and learn more about our history. ©Parks Canada
Above: Hometown Hero honouree Fred Nash was one of a number of High River men who enlisted in the 12th Canadian Mounted Rifles. Reynolds Leadbeater Collection, Parks Canada, 96.08.01.05. ©Parks Canada
Search for related information by keyword
Page details
- Date modified: