Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society

The Red Deer International Folk Festival Society was formed in 1969. This Society organized the first Folk Festival Celebration in Western Canada, now known as Canada Day. This celebrations has since become a Red Deer and area tradition. 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 ethno-cultural Societies. In 1988, the Society lease the Memorial Centre gymnasium from the City of Red Deer. After many renovations and changes in interior design, this now well-known community facility became Festival Hall. Business operations for Festival Hall are conducted from the Cronquist House. Since its formation, the Society has sponsored and provided entertainment for many local, national and international events. Through its participation in such events, the operation of the Cronquist House and Festival Hall, and the production of Canada Day the Society has made significant contributions towards the preservation of Central Alberta's rich cultural heritage.