W didn't make it to Fort Macleod and that's OK

The entire town was invited. But they didn't really want "W" to show up. And thankfully, they didn't.

On a bright, sunny day in Southern Alberta, Fort Macleod residents had the opportunity to attend a Spring Celebration, in partnership with the Fort Macleod Public Library, The Alberta Library and CBC Calgary. 

Those who gathered were surprised. The weather was beautiful, and remarkably… still. The wind – the ill-mentioned, "W" – chose not to blow. Its usual forceful presence, quiet during our visit. 

Located on the main street of Fort Macleod, the library is part of a provincial historic area, thanks to the beautiful brick and sandstone buildings dotting the street. This area is so very familiar because of its role as a setting in many films and TV shows. 

Wind is often a character in the various film projects - it blows so hard in Fort Macleod. But on what turned out to be a beautiful March day, we'd like to think perhaps "W" (the wind) settled, quite happily, in a seat in the Fort Macleod public library and took a break.

If "W" didn't attend, they missed a chance to: 

• Listen to conversations, drink up community passion, to watch residents laugh, sing and hug.

• Clap, hum and tap their feet, with local musicians: Maureen Chambers, Ryland Moranz, John Wort Hannam, and Mick & Dona Guyette. 

• Appreciate the art, exhibited and created live in the library during the day: Clay artist, Marney Delver and painter, Danin Lawrence.

• Laugh, think and wonder with the poets, sharing exquisite poetry, including a slam: Trent Moranz and Raine Sillito.

• Sample, then keep eating, then devouring…the wonderful food from local catering: Homestead Bakery, My Oma Always Canning Co., Stockmans Grill and Randy Weasel Fat.

There were crafts for people to make, and a wonderful tile project - a large community art piece featuring tiles painted by guests - to celebrate Fort Macleod's 150 birthday. When finished, the tile project will be a gift to the library and will hang in the library as evidence of this very extraordinary day.

Over 200 people came just to sit, all day, to soak it all in. And that was the plan: to celebrate Fort Macleod for the day. Perhaps "W" was off, making trouble elsewhere. But truly, if "W" wasn't there, they missed a pretty special day. 

Fort Macleod attends Library Spring Festival

8 months ago

Duration 1:18

Out Your Way

Since November 2023, CBC Calgary and CBC Edmonton have toured Alberta, visiting town and reeve libraries, eight in total. The project, Out Your Way, is a listening tour. To go where people can gather – libraries – and listen to Albertans. The goal is simple: to consider and reflect back the opinions, information and views of the wide geographic region where CBC Calgary and CBC Edmonton listeners live. We're hoping you've already heard a change in our reporting but be sure to listen for more.

Thank you to Darlene Hofer and Joan Sillito with the Fort Macleod public library and the army of wonderful volunteers who worked with The Alberta Library and CBC Calgary to make the Spring Festival a day to remember