By Melanie Penner

Preparations are well underway for what organizers anticipate will be one of Morden’s most significant arts and culture events of the decade.

The Chautauqua Celebration is an entirely new festival, which will serve as the crowning event of the many Chautauqua Spirit activities this year. It culminates Morden’s role as a 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada.

The four-day event begins Thursday evening September 25th and continues through Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It aims to recapture the spirit of the Chautauquas that came to Morden in the early 1900s. The program includes an eclectic variety of music, dance, drama and speech arts.

People are invited to come and go, choosing the Chautauqua Celebration activities that best suit their interests.
Producer Cam Friesen said the program will cater to all interests.

A big top tent will be set up near the recreation centre and displays and exhibits will take place inside the complex.

There also will be a 30-minute play, collectively created by members of the Poor Theatre Company and based on the work of Metis artist Natalie Rostad Desjarlais.

Recalling the old-time Chautauquas, a series of talks will highlight different aspects of Morden’s culture.

Sarah Williams, a well-known horticulturalist and historian, will speak on “Manitoba’s Horticultural Pioneers,” including the significant work of Morden’s Henry Marshall.

Roland Fisette, a guest speaker will address “Spirit of Service,” an inspirational speech for youth and adults. The final talk will feature CFDC curator Anita Janzic, a noted paleontologist who will speak about “Paleo-Passion.”

Winners of the Speech Arts section of the Festival of the Arts will also give presentations.

If music is what you are after, you won’t want to miss the debut of Tom & Lori Neufeld’s “Fossil Rock” CD with songs commissioned for the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre. The musical line-up also includes winners from the Loreena McKennitt Compostion Cometition at the 2008 Festival of the Arts. The performances of local dancers will add special color to the weekend celebration.

The exhibit portion of the celebration will feature a number of displays located in the Morden Recreation Centre Hall, including the “Guiding Spirits” Exhibit, the Chautauqua Spirit Heritage Quilt, and winners of the Rose Pictorial Competition.