Celebrating 50 years of peace in the Valley!

“The story was about a curse-lifting ceremony in which Papa had participated. The ceremony was performed to remove the curse that had apparently been cast upon Fernie, British Columbia – a curse of “fire, flood and famine” when the town was founded. …” Gwen Macgregor introducing her work in the publication Fold it up and put it away.

On August 14-17, Fernie will come together to celebrate a very unique event from it’s storied past- the lifting of the curse that was laid after William Fernie, the town’s founder, reneged on his promise to marry a local princess of the Ktunaxa Tribe.

With historical representations, presentations, plays, music and dance, celebrations will be inclusive and themed to match the period. Enjoy a luncheon and cursed scavenger hunt as well as other events.

The celebrations will also feature a reading series through the summer and an exhibition of local art themed to the legend of the curse.

Friday August 15

Old Timey Family Street Dance – Fernie Museum; music provided by Red Girl and friends; 7-10 pm. Refreshments

Saturday August 16 – A community Celebration

11 am Ghostrider – A Whimsical Play presentation at the Fernie Museum – An interpretation of the legend that has grown up around Fernie and Hosmer Mountain
12 noon BBQ Luncheon – Hosted by the Fernie Firefighters
1 pm Community Celebration Ceremony – official opening of The Fernie Curse – A Legend Examined – a Museum Gallery exhibit in conjunction with Gwen Macgregor, Toronto installation artist and granddaughter of Fernie Mayor James White

Sunday August 17– A feature of the Downtown Sunday Social

11 am Ghostrider – A Whimsical Play presentation at the Fernie Museum – An interpretation of the legend that has grown up around Fernie and Hosmer Mountain
12 noon – A Cursed Scavenger Hunt – a city-wide search for the meaning of the Curse; prizes
More details to follow- don’t miss this one-of-kind celebration!