Who We Were
The Red Deer International Folk Festival Society
The Red Deer International Folk Festival Society was formed in 1969. The Society organized the first Folk Festival Celebration in Western Canada, known today as the Canada Day Celebration. This Canada Celebration was first held at the Lindsay Thurber High School, before being moved to the old exhibition grounds where the arena and curling rink are situated.
In 1976, the International Folk Festival Society created one of the first multicultural centres in Alberta by saving and re-locating the Cronquist house to its present site in Bower ponds.The Canada Day celebrations are now held at this site and have become a beloved Central Alberta tradition. 2019 will mark the 50th anniversary of both the society's formation, and of Red Deer's Canada Day Celebration!
Who We Are
Becoming the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society
In 1996, the Red Deer International Folk Festival Society changed its name to the Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society to better represent its member groups, which include many of Red Deer's ethnic-cultural societies.
Since its formation, the Society has sponsored and provided entertainment for many local, national and international events through the operation of Cronquist House, Festival Hall, and the production of Canada Day.