Growing up in a small town outside of Edmonton there was always one field trip we looked forward to the most – Fort Edmonton Park.
It was always in June close to the end of the school year when we packed into school buses with our pockets full of change to spend at the candy store. I still can’t walk into the park without thinking about those raspberry and lemon hard candies that came in the little brown paper bag. Even though the candy store was definitely the highlight when I was 10, I still credit Fort Edmonton Park and the way their incredible interpreters brought Canadian history to life for my love of the past.
Whether you grew up going to Fort Edmonton Park every year or experienced the park as a special treat when visiting the city, Fort Edmonton Park was a part of a lot of our childhoods. Now that we have children of our own we are excited to share those memories and create new ones with our own families.
In Fall of 2018 the park started construction on a number of new projects and has continued to be closed for the 2020 season. They are now excited to announce the changes and what the public can expect when they welcome us back in Spring 2021.
So What’s NEW?
The expanded Johnny J. Jones Midway at Fort Edmonton Park will recreate the 1920’s Edmonton Summer Exhibition. You’ll experience what it was like to visit a carnival a century ago! Bright vintage lightbulbs will be seen throughout the midway and on games and rides. There will be many fun attractions like a bigger Ferris wheel, chair-o-plane swings and more rides, life-size maze, games alley, funhouse, and the super intriguing Cabinet of Curios exhibit.
With all the changes planned we cannot wait to visit the park again soon but they need our help!
Something BRIGHT is coming to Edmonton’s River Valley! Fort Edmonton Foundation wants you to help us Light the Midway in support of Fort Edmonton Park’s renovation, including the expansion of the 1920’s-style Johnny J. Jones Midway. The campaign goal is to raise $1 million. Help us meet this goal by buying a symbolic lightbulb (or a few). You’ll be part of history when the Midway is illuminated for the first time when the Park reopens in 2021.
The expanded Johnny J. Jones Midway at Fort Edmonton Park will recreate the 1920’s Edmonton Summer Exhibition. You’ll experience what it was like to visit a carnival a century ago! Bright vintage lightbulbs will be seen throughout the midway and on games and rides. There will be many fun attractions like a bigger Ferris wheel, chair-o-plane swings and more rides, life-size maze, games alley, funhouse, and the super intriguing Cabinet of Curios exhibit.
There are thousands of lights that need to be illuminated throughout the midway. Buy a bulb OR help us fundraise by setting up an individual or team fundraiser. There are even challenge goals for kids to reach with some pretty awesome rewards including being invited to the Sneak Peek and VIP Tours before it opens (Youth teams must be UNDER 18 details on the Youth Reward Program HERE) . Let’s bring light to the heart of Edmonton and come together to harness the power of our amazing community!
To buy a bulb today or get more info please visit: www.lightthemidway.ca