The Allied Arts Council is helping Lethbridge  celebrate the 100th anniversary of the high level bridge, Sept. 5 with a diverse line up of local musicians and actors who will help make  the “In the Shadow of the Bridge Festival” a successful festival for families.

“We feel it’s a significant  landmark for the community,” said Allied Arts Council communication co-ordinator Lindsay Meli.

“We wanted to showcase the diversity of the entertainment  and artists that the community has to offer. There‘s something for everyone.”

 The LCI jazz band will kick off  a day full of performances on a stage next to Fort Whoop Up at 10:45 a.m. in the shadow of the bridge. The Blackfoot  Ambassadors are on next at noon. Other performers included the Hungarian Trio, Leon Barr, the Playgoers of Lethbridge’s revamped production of their  stalwart standby, “Priscilla  Pringle’s Predicament or All’s Swell that ends Swell”, (please see separate article) Bridge City Barbershop, Desperate Jester Improv, Dave Renter, The Ammena Dance Company, Leah Sadler, O’Reely, Dave McCann (See separate article,) the Fire Spinners, Hippodrome and Soup of Flies. (Check the listings page for exact times).

As well there  will be  wandering characters from 1909 including a coal miner and his wife, a farm mother, a preacher’s wife,   a newspaper editor, a prostitute, a businessman, a Chinese immigrant, a Dutch immigrant and a nurse who will be happy to share tales of life in Lethbridge 100 years ago.

“I’m definitely excited to see the fire spinners, but  I can’t choose because they’re all going to be great,” Meli enthused.

There will be food kiosks, a beer garden, face painting and artisans booths as well.

“It’s a nice way to cap off the summer.  So we’re hoping it will be a great day,” Meli said.

There is no onsite parking, but regular shuttles  will be departing from the Enmax Centre, City Hall, Park Meadows and the Lethbridge Lodge.

Wristbands can be obtained at the Allied Arts Council office (318-7th Street south) or at any Safeway for $12 for adults, $10 for students and five dollars for children.

“There has been lots of interest for sure,” Meli continued adding admission is limited.

— by Richard Amery, L.A. Beat editor