Replacing the annual Fernie Chautauqua and Fall Fair, The Fernie Museum is hosting a Chautauqua Program Series this winter, running from December 2020 through to March 2021.
With Covid-19 preventing the traditional celebration of Fernie’s heritage and culture from taking place, the event has been adapted to bring Fernie-ites a number of socially distant festivities.
“The pandemic created challenges to presenting the festival in its traditional fashion so this year the events and activities will be held over the winter months,” said Fernie Museum program coordinator, Lori Bradish.
While more events will be added to the line up as the winter ensues, the first scheduled event is set to take place on Dec. 6, as the Fernie Spinners and Weavers Guild opens their Fabrics of History gallery exhibit at the Fernie Museum. According to Bradish, the exhibit explores the history of felting, knitting, spinning and weaving.
A Chautauqua Christmas event will also be held on Dec. 18 and 19, bringing residents an evening and afternoon full of traditional Christmas cheer including an outdoor market, carollers, and other lively entertainment.
“This event will see Christmas carollers and strolling minstrels along main street while families finish their Christmas shopping,” added Bradish.
“The weekend will also feature the Community Christmas events at the Fernie Heritage Library and the Christmas bake sale at the Fernie Senior Centre.”
The Chautauqua Program Series is also offering online activities, one of which is the Cabinet of Curiosities, a vlog series hosted by the Fernie Museum’s collections manager, Lindsay Vallance. During her presentations, which will be posted on the museum’s YouTube channel, Vallance will dissect local history by examining the museum’s most unusual artifacts.
The Chautauqua Program Series is also partnering with the Reel Canadian Film Festival from January 25 to 31, as well as Griz Days in March, in an effort to further spread positivity in the midst of a challenging year.
To stay up to date with Chautauqua Program Series events, head to the Fernie Museum Facebook page.
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