Our biggest party of the summer is back! Have a blast in the past as we celebrate life as it was at the Crossing, circa 1885.
Key Info
- Location: Historic Fort Normandeau
- Date: Saturday & Sunday, August 17 & 18
- Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. each day.
Everyone welcome. Parents/guardians must accompany children/youth.
Free (donations appreciated).
Drop-in, come and go as you please.
Please dress for the weather.
Boat launch closed August 17 & 18.
Historic Fort Normandeau Days 2024 Volunteer Application
August 17 Scheduled Events
12:00 p.m. — Laurelle Kanji
Laurelle is a singer-songwriter whose passion for creating meaningful music has taken on many incarnations, from a humble school choir, to a solo career, a trio of troubadours, many collaborations including Bill Bourne, C-note (Carl Stretton), and Adam Kidd; Laurelle’s love for musical expression runs deep and presents itself as a seamless blend of folk, jazz, & soul in her own contemporary sound.
As an autistic musician, Laurelle is an advocate for autism awareness and acceptance, and hopes to use any influence garnered to draw positive attention to the autism community. Her recent songwriting intimately explores her own journey of late ASD diagnoses, and specifically the process of “unmasking” and exploring the hidden layers of the authentic self.
1:30 p.m. — Sack Racing
2:00 p.m. — A great clash to occur at the Crossing!
The Firestick Living History Society and the 65th Mount Royal Rifles reenactors have joined us once again this year to put on a spectacular staged battle, featuring black powder guns and cannons! Held between the Upper and Lower Grounds, this performance always goes off with a BANG!
3:30 p.m. — Egg Toss
4:00 p.m. — Sage Moon Singers
The Sage Moon Singers are a Red Deer based group of indigenous women who pride themselves on their friendship and traditional singing. Be sure to catch this incredible performance!
They sing for themselves, families, community, and nations. They sing for peace, love, and understanding. They sing for life.
5:30 p.m. — Hoop Spearing
August 18 Scheduled Events
12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. — Brigadiers
An all-acoustic, western Canadiana trio from Edmonton, Alberta, who draw on inspiration from their favourite artists (like Ian Tyson, Jimmy Martin, Townes Van Zandt), their signature style can be described as a “Folk-Fusion” blend of old time cowboy country music, classic folk, Celtic, and bluegrass.
Brigadiers have performed on stages all around Alberta from indoor golf ranges to bar shows to festivals and CFR. The band is looking forward to many highlights this summer including a performance at Fort Normandeau Days this August 18th.
1:30 p.m. — Three-legged race
2:00 p.m. — A great clash to occur at the Crossing!
The Firestick Living History Society and the 65th Mount Royal Rifles reenactors have joined us once again this year to put on a spectacular staged battle, featuring black powder guns and cannons! Held between the Upper and Lower Grounds, this performance always goes off with a BANG!
3:30 p.m. — Tug of War
5:00 p.m. — Laura & Dan Allard
Shortly after the Allards moved to Red Deer, in August 1991, they became volunteers at the Native Friendship Centre and free Métis jigging lessons were organized. Soon, with their sister Chaundra and other Métis youth dancers, they were being asked to perform for community events.
Their parents continued volunteering as more opportunities came their way and over the next decade they danced across the country at both community-level events and large events like the final stop of the Olympic torch for the Vancouver Olympics Opening Ceremonies!
August 17 & 18 Ongoing Activities
The Old Fort has been overtaken!
Learn all about Métis heritage from a local history expert in the Old Fort! Gilles Allard joins us every year for Fort Normandeau Days, and brings with him traditional Métis beadwork, heritage artifacts and tools, and even performs a trapping demonstration for visitors. Come get into the rebel spirit with us this weekend!
Waskasoo Metalworks’ Iron Forge
Red Deer’s Waskasoo Metalworks will be building a homemade iron forge on the large cement pad next to the Lawn! We are so excited to see what they will set up this year. Their stall and forge will be set up all weekend long, so don’t miss out on checking out all their beautiful creations!
Hide Tanning at the Old Fort
Franz Hilsenbeck is a local honorary Métis, a traditional hide tanner, carpenter, blacksmith, and more! We are so excited to say that Franz will be joining us for Historic Fort Normandeau Days this year, and bringing with him a wealth of knowledge.
Join him on the Old Fort Grounds to learn the intricacies of hide tanning, and see some of his many stunning creations!
Lacey Hadford & Hurricane Harley
Witness an unparalleled production provided by expert horse trainer, Lacey and her brave steed Hurricane Harley, during this year’s battle demonstrations!
Lacey is an expert, fourth generation horse trainer, and Harley’s mounted combat stunts are truly marvelous to behold. You won’t want to miss seeing this fabulous performance!
Red Deer MAG — Métis Central Exhibit
Learn about the culture and way of life of the Métis People in Canada, as well as local Métis leaders, through artifacts from the Red Deer Museum & Art Gallery’s collection including flags, traps, musical spoons, a jig doll, and animal pelts.
Archery & Tomahawks
Join our skilled Interpreters to work on your hand-eye coordination!
Whether you want to try your hand at shooting a bow, or give your throwing arm a workout, we’ve got you covered. Aim true and hit your mark!
Archery is held next to the boat launch, and our Tomahawk targets are set up behind the Gazebo.
Mini workshop & activity stations
Many exciting stations are set up across our site all weekend long:
- Ice cream stall
- Sock washing
- Chicken coop & run
- Ropemaking station
- Traditional games area
- Mini bacon & bannock workshop
Food Trucks
The 3 Pink Flamingos will be on site this weekend, offering delicious and unique dishes to visitors. Their food truck will be parked on the Lawn for anyone looking for a bite!
The Rolling Munchies is a family owned and operated food truck serving crowd favourites made their way! They will be parked on the Lawn all day on Sunday the 18th!
