Earthdance Red Deer Joins in Global Festival for Peace

Posted: Tuesday, September 13th 2011

On Saturday, September 24 at 5:00 PM, when Earthdance Red Deer takes a moment to share in the non-denominational prayer for peace, they will join with folks in Zurich, Switzerland (1:00 AM), Brisbane, Australia (9:00 AM), Santiago, Chile (7:00 PM) and dozens of other communities around the world in a simultaneous intention. 2011 marks the 14th annual Earthdance festival world wide, and Red Deer has participated since 2005. This global music and dance festival is a celebration of peace, social justice and environmental consciousness, and raises funds in each community for a local charity. Red Deer’s chosen organization this year is Art from the Streets.

The theme for this year’s Earthdance is “Preserving our Forests”. Kerry Wood Nature Centre is hosting a tree plant on Saturday, September 17 from 1:00-3:00PM, and all are invited to bring their gloves and a coffee mug and come help in the planting. A meditative peace walk through the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary will follow. For more information call 403-346-2010.

Earthdance Red Deer on September 24 will kick off with an Open Mic and performances by several local multicultural dance groups starting at 1:00 PM in City Hall Park. Anyone interested in performing at the Open Mic should contact Teresa at 403-309-4757. A community drum circle will take place at 4:15 and all are invited to bring their drums and join in. The Global Non-Denominational Prayer for Peace will take place precisely at 5:00 PM and will be lead by members of the Central Alberta Refugee Effort speaking in the languages of their homelands. The prayer sends out a universal intention for peace, with no connection to any particular religion, race or political affiliation. Everyone is invited to come and join in, and copies of the prayer will be provided on site.

An exciting addition this year is an all-ages dance party at the Hub on Ross from 5:30-8:00 PM featuring Red Deer bands Underside Pattern, Ruined Escape Plan and other talented musicians.
Art from the Streets provides studio space, art supplies, and support to Red Deer’s downtown and homeless population. Artists from this group will be creating work at Earthdance on September 24.
In the case of inclement weather, all activities will take place at the Hub, 4936 Ross Street