Blackfoot Crossing to make its mark at GlobalFest

Times Contributor 

 

The combination of elaborate pyrotechnic fireworks and the celebration of multiculturalism may seem like an unlikely duo, but is exactly what makes Calgary’s unique GlobalFest such a success.

“I would have to say the main thing that ties them together is art and performance; I think a lot of culture is expressed through dance, performance, music, food, and fireworks is just another extension of that in my opinion. Think of the sky as pretty much an open canvas, you can paint a theme to express your culture,” said Bryan Francisco, the GlobalFest Marketing and Communications Director.

The 10th annual GlobalFest will be located at Elliston Park, East Calgary from August 16-26. Different cultures from across the world will be showcasing their diversity in all aspects, including Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park (BCHP) who will be in attendance a second time around to represent Siksika nation and the Blackfoot culture.

“The best way to kind of envision it is that there are two simultaneous festivals going on, one is the One World festival from 6-9 (p.m.), in order to build up the anticipation for the multicultural fire works,” said Francisco.

The One World Festival includes four different performance stages, different cultural pavilions, ethnic food booths, children’s activities and a night market. For the first time ever, GlobalFest is having a Tipi village that BCHP will be a part of. 

“We will have interpreters and staff on site doing interactive things with kids, promoting BCHP. On stage, we are going to have performances. We have a little theatre performance and our usual powwow performances, it’s grown since last year. We will be there all week but on every other day, five of the ten,” said BCHP General Manager, Jack Royal.

“We’re involved right at the beginning, we actually have an elder coming to do a blessing to kick off the whole (event),” said Royal.

In celebration of GlobalFest’s 10th year, the number of nights with fireworks has increased from five to six. Francisco described the year of 2012 as being GlobalFest’s “biggest year in programming,” with the new additions of the Tipi village and a new urban arts stage. GlobalFest is one of Calgary’s largest locally drawn events, bringing in anywhere from 16,000-20,000 people daily, all in one park location. 

Entering into the fireworks portion of the evening, each night will showcase a fireworks display from a different country, including the Philippines (the 2011 People’s Choice), as well as Mexico, China, Brazil, and USA. The grand finale will be taking place on Sunday, August 26th, and will include a firework display by Fireworks Director, Patrick Brault.

“He is one of the best in the business, he is an old friend of the business, he goes way back with our producer and our executive producer for many years, and since that time, he has had over 20-25 years of experience with fireworks and he’s done stuff for the World Cup, F1 Racing, he did the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and now he’s here with us,” said Francisco.

The title of the finale is called ‘Eclipse’ which includes elements of pleasure, success, spirituality, as well as destruction, regrets, rebirth and rebuilding through the different song selections.

“In Patrick’s words, he uses fireworks to create a personal metaphor for the non linear cycle of life,” said Francisco.

Each country must meet a certain criteria in their fireworks display including that 25 per cent of the music must be native to the country, and artistic requirements are involved including colour, precision and synchronization.

In terms of the One World portion, Royal believes it’s a great opportunity for BCHP to share its culture with others and anticipates being a part of GlobalFest next year.

“I think it’s a good opportunity also to promote Calgary and the original history of Calgary through First Nation’s perspective and sharing that with not only people from Calgary but with countries that come from around the world,” said Royal.

More information about GlobalFest and tickets can be available for purchase by visiting www.globalfest.ca. Tickets are currently priced at $15.