The Crowsnest Heritage Initiative has selected “Outlaws of Prohibition” as the theme for this year’s annual Doors Open and Heritage Festival which will run from July 27 through August 1, 2016. The theme reflects the 100th anniversary of the prohibition on the sale of alcohol in Alberta (1916 - 1924). Organizers are encouraging ideas for new events from local residents, as event scheduling is already underway, and are always on the lookout for new volunteers both for planning the four-day festival and for helping out with events.

“People love our local history” says volunteer Ian McKenzie, “and the Prohibition theme is a particularly colorful and attractive one to both visitors and locals. The festival brings a lot of visitors into the Pass, and it would be great to see some store window displays or staff costumes on the rum-running theme over that weekend.”

The Doors Open concept was introduced to Canada in 2002 by the National Trust of Canada, to encourage communities to allow access into buildings not normally seen by the public. The Crowsnest Heritage Initiative saw this concept as an opportunity to showcase the extensive heritage of the Pass, and started the local Doors Open and Heritage Festival in 2006. Now in its eleventh year, it is the premiere heritage event in Crowsnest Pass. Each of its many components are put on by individuals, clubs or other organizations, while the Crowsnest Heritage Initiative handles the overall scheduling, advertising and other support functions.

If you would like to hold an event or would like to volunteer, contact the Doors Open and Heritage Festival coordinator at Cathy.Pisony@gov. ab.ca .