The British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC) contributed funds last week to Kicking Horse Culture’s 4th Annual MasqueParade. On November 25, representatives from BCTC met with Bill Usher, executive director of Kicking Horse Culture (KHC), to present a cheque for $5000. Usher says that KHC expresses its thanks and is now calling on interested artists to contribute to the special event and other festivities. The Snow King and Lady Spring, the royal couple of the MasqueParade, will be commanding fun Saturday, February 13, by the pedestrian bridge after dusk. Bonfire, lanterns and torches will light their way down from the mountain and the celebrations will begin. Revelers will parade around the bonfire and perform a pageant in their honour. Then, on the Snow King’s command, the outdoor festivities will come to an end and the entire procession will make their way back to the Civic Centre, along the torchlit banks of the Kicking Horse River to continue the celebrations. Last year the events boasted fire spinning, stilt walking and other fantastical masqu-ings. “This is great news,” says Usher, adding, “From the very beginning, BC Hydro has been a very generous champion of the MasqueParade. This year they helped us reach out to their BCTC colleagues and we’re delighted they did. All year long, our business champions are great partners in helping us deliver the kind of cultural programming the Golden community wants.” Beginning in January, community members are invited to join together at the Snow King’s Play House (Civic Centre) to begin preparations for the big celebration. The theme for the 2010 MasqueParade is Snow King welcomes the world. This winter there will be a series of festive events for which artistic contributions from the community are welcome. The Olympic Torch Relay (Jan 15-23), the MasqueParade (Feb 13) as well as Spirit of BC Week (Feb 20) are all accepting creative pieces that can be performed or displayed. Performing arts, visual arts, media arts and literary arts are all encouraged. With support from Heritage Canada, KHC will contract local artists to deliver workshop sessions open for all ages. “Golden’s Snow King MasqueParade is a great festival that unites the community,” says Judy Dobrowski, BCTC community relations specialist, “BCTC is excited to partner with Kicking Horse Culture and the community to champion this wonderful and powerful community celebration.” For more information on participating visit: kickinghorseculture.ca

Golden Star