Red Deer's fifth annual Earthdance will be held on Saturday, September 26th.  The annual celebration coincides with events world-wide that raise awareness of global issues such as peace, diversity and the environment.  This year's theme is 'bless the children'.

More than twenty downtown locations will feature products and activities beginning the week of September 21st, culminating in a full day on the 26th.  Earthdance happenings range from demos, displays and merchandise specials at participating downtown businesses, to interactive art-making, fil and open-mike music events at The Hub.

At 3:30pm, a Community Peace Drum Circle and dancing will be held at City Hall Park.  Following, at 5pm sharp, Red Deer will join over 300 communities around the world in a non-denominational prayer for peace.  In case of rain, these events will be held at Gaetz United Church on Ross Street.

An Earthdance fundraiser will be held this year at the Far Side Lounge, Red Deer College.  Night at the Chelsea, Ranger Danger and the Danger Rangers and the Rockability Roots Revue will be playing in support of this year's Earthdance charity, the Central Alberta Immigrant Youth Group.  Doors open at 8pm, with an $8 cover charge.

Earthdance details at http://earthdancereddeer.googlepages.com and www.earthdance.org.

The Greater Downtown Action Plan received an Award of Distinction from the International Downtown Association (IDA) in the category of Planning.

"This award reconfirms that we're creating and planning for a downtown that is second to none - a downtown that stands out, creates a sense of community and brings people together in Red Deer's downtown core.  This is a  once in a lifetime opportunity that will change the way people experience our city, " said Councillor Cindy Jefferies, chair of the Greater Downtown Action Plan committee.

The project was one of 77 award submissions IDA received this year as part of its Downtown Achievement Awards.

The Greater Downtown Action Plan outlines a vision for Red Deer's downtown starting today and looking 25 years into the future.  With the relocation of The City's Civic Yards, this plan will reconnect Red Deer's downtown with the river.  Citizens of Red Deer provided extensive input into a plan expressing a desire for a thriving downtown with an emphasis on sustainability, leadership, collaboration and distinctive character.

"We now have a clear vision for a vibrant, energized space where people can truly enjoy the best of both worlds - urban living in close proximity to nature," said Mayor Morris Flewwelling.  "This is an exciting opportunity to make our city and our downtown a destination for both residents and visitors."

On April 1, 2009 Council approved 10 key project packages that will begin to be explored in 2009.  Budget requirement for specific work will be submitted in the 2010 and 2011 budgets with varied times to complete each package of work.

The Downtown Achievement Award winners were recognized during IDA's 55th Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin held September 11 - 15, 2009.

"The number and breadth of entries made judging a difficult task, " said Jane Jenkins, chair of IDA and the awards program.  "The awards jury was impressed with the accomplishments of the winners and is pleased to honour Red Deer among them."

DBA BBQ and Alexander Way Arts Festival - Saturday, Sep 10

Twenty-five years ago, a group of downtown businesses petitioned the City of Red Deer to establish a Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) to make area improvements and promote the downtown.  Since then, the DBA has been an advocate for business, worked to support, promote and beautify downtown and has been an active partner in programs and events that encourage downtown visitors.  Now it’s time to celebrate achievements, reflect upon the past and thank those who made a contribution!

On Saturday, September 19 the Downtown Business Association will host a BBQ celebration in conjunction with the Alexander Way Arts Festival.  The activities and entertainment begin at 12 noon at Centennial Plaza Park on 52nd Avenue between 47th and Alexander Way (48th Street).  The official welcome will take place at 1pm.  Join us for a BBQ, cake, music, art demonstrations, balloon artists, face painters, vendors and much more!