Centennial Celebration for Rosebud Mercantile
The best of old and new comes together in cornerstone facility for Alberta’s rural arts community
Rosebud, Alberta (May 20, 2011) – Like the pioneers who built the first Rosebud Mercantile 100 years ago, the spirit of rural Alberta will be celebrated May 27/28 as Rosebud Centre of the Arts officially opens the newly renovated and expanded Rosebud Mercantile.
“The Rosebud Mercantile is a dream come true,” remarks Executive Director Bob Davis. “It was a 10-year journey from visioning to planning, fundraising and then construction. But it was worth every minute. We now have a multi-use facility that can help us grow, expand and create new opportunities for decades to come.”
The new 10,000 sq. ft. expansion creates a cornerstone facility for the organization and community. Long known for the productions of Rosebud Theatre and theatre training through Rosebud School of the Arts, Rosebud Centre of the Arts has enhanced the dining and retail services of the Rosebud Mercantile. On the second floor, the Encana Conference Centre is able to host meetings, conferences and special events for up to 250 people.
While providing modern amenities, the Rosebud Mercantile honors the history and character of rural Alberta. The exterior design is one of an old-time bank combined with a livery stable. The interior design is inspired by early 20th century hotel décor and colour schemes. A century-old grain elevator was dismantled from a nearby farm so that key parts could be used in the “Harvest Room” dining area. A new restaurant has been named “Wild Horse Jack’s” after local rancher “Wild Horse” Jack Morton who settled in the Rosebud area in the early 1900s.
A formal ribbon cutting takes place on Friday May 27 featuring federal, provincial and local government officials, key donors and sponsors. The Rosebud Mercantile is then open to the public from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday May 28. The Open House will feature an Art Fair of visual and musical artists throughout the day in the Encana Conference Centre.
About the Rosebud Mercantile
Built in 1911, the Rosebud Mercantile was created as a store to accommodate the railway that went through Rosebud. Over the years, it passed through a number of owners, until it was finally sold to Rosebud School of the Arts in 1973. From 1973 to 1977 a summer arts camp operated out of the building. Camps continued in the community into the early 1980s while the Mercantile expanded to accommodate a private secondary arts school. This high school program was replaced in 1986 by a post-secondary theatre arts guild school (Rosebud School of the Arts). Rosebud Theatre soon began using the Mercantile as a dining room in conjunction with its performances. Today, the Rosebud Mercantile functions as a dining and meeting facility, home to Rosebud Gifts & Crafts, the Encana Conference Centre and Wild Horse Jack’s Bistro & Grill. Rosebud Mercantile: (local) 403-677-2999 or (toll-free) 1-877-987-2999 www.rosebudtheatre.com
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For information, interviews and/or hi-rez photos, please contact:
Mr. Neil Bousquet, APR, Media Relations, (403) 256-8834, prwizard@prwizard.ca
Mr. Bob Davis, Executive Director, (403) 677-2350 bobd@rosebudtheatre.com
