November is the middle child of months – it’s not fall, but it’s not winter. Everyone’s on a high from last week’s Halloween festivities but it’s not quite time to break out the Christmas tree and attempt to untangle your countless strings of lights. However, it’s easy to skip over that one very important holiday in the middle of this strange month: Remembrance Day. This is the time to stop and remember why we are free to enjoy and celebrate all of these crazy holidays any way we wish to. Whether you want to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony, paint a picture or cheers to the veterans who made this country possible, there’s something happening for you right here in Calgary.
Field of Crosses
From November 1-11, the McCann Family Foundation invites you to attend the annual Field of Crosses. Over 3,400 crosses are being displayed on a 5-acre city park just north of downtown in military cemetery formation to memorialize Southern Alberta soldiers who were killed in action. This is definitely a site worth seeing.
Remembrance & Veterans Day Ceremony
The public is welcome to attend the Remembrance & Veterans Day Ceremony at the Royal Canadian Pacific Pavilion. The half-hour ceremony will be followed by light refreshments and a viewing of heritage business cars for those who are interested.
Poppy Paint Night
Ceremonies aren’t for everyone – that’s why there are other options when it comes to remembering. Put your thoughts into a picture at Scarlet Brush’s poppy paint night this year. Spend the evening painting with family and friends as you remember those who allowed you this freedom, creating a permanent reminder to keep on your wall for years to come.
Dinner for a Cause @ Elite Brewing & Cidery
It’s never too early to start a new tradition! Join Elite Brewing for their 1st Annual Remembrance Day Dinner. This event will support Wounded Warriors, a program aimed to pair service dogs with veterans in need. Your ticket to the event will include a 3-course meal as well as a pint or flight of beer or cider. As part of the event, Elite Brewing is launching their Veteran Support beer, ‘HOP HEROES IPA,’ made with copious amounts of Veterans blend hops that support the Semper Fi Fund.
Fort Calgary’s Remembrance Day Ceremony
Enjoy a special service prepared by the RCMP Veteran’s Association of Calgary, with poems, readings and bagpipes to commemorate the day. The ceremony is free to attend with a non-perishable donation to the food bank, but you must register for a free ticket online prior to the ceremony to reserve your seat. Stay after the ceremony to browse the 60 local artisans set up at the venue, bringing you handmade, carefully crafted goods at their annual holiday market.
Remembrance Day @ Studio Bell
Observe Remembrance Day at Studio Bell with special activities, including a performance by the Southern Stardust Big Band, a 20-piece orchestra playing dance music from the ‘40s golden-era of big bands. Enjoy discounted admission prices of $10 for the general public and $5 for veterans. If you’re unable to attend the Studio on November 11, Studio Bell does offer 25% off admissions to veterans year-round.
Take the time to remember this November Calgary, however you choose to do so!
