Lethbridge gets a chance to peek behind the scenes of CBC, as CBC launches its new Lethbridge bureau with a two day launch party at the Lethbridge Public Library, Jan. 20 and 21.

“We’re hoping people will come spend the day with us,” said Madelaine Lapointe,  senior  CBC Communications officer.

 

Multi-media journalist Ose Irete , who graduated from the U of L with an anthropology degree and has spent most of the past decade living in Lethbridge, will be reporting on Lethbridge news for TV, radio and online. He officially started last week.

 

 The launch will feature a plethora or Lethbridge talent performing, chosen by Ose Orete and the Lethbridge Public Library.

 

The main event for the CBC bureau launch is a two day  event at the Lethbridge Public Library, Friday, Jan. 20.

 

There will be a variety of family friendly activities including button making, a giant set of headphones and an opportunity to pitch stories to CBC, plus refreshments, treats and much more. 

On Friday, Jan. 20 there will be a live presentation of Alberta at Noon with Judy Aldous and a live presentation of the Homestretch from 3 - 6 p.m. with Chris dela Torre and Jenny Howe.

 

“ People will get to be part of the live audience for the shows,” Lapointe said Madelaine LaPointe,  senior CBC Communications officer.

 

“ After that we’ll go to Good Times for a comedy show, but it is sold out,” she continued.

Performers include Brittany Lyseng, plus special guest Spencer Streichert and Lauren McGinnis and host Faris Hytiaa.

CBC hosts will also be hosting story time events on Saturday.

 

 Alberta at Noon’s Judy Aldous hosts story-time at 10:30 a.m.. Calgary Eyeopener’s Angela Knight and Loren McGinnis at 11 a.m and The Homestretch’s Chris dela Torre and Jenny Howe host story-time at 11:30 a.m.. 

 

“ We’received a lot of comments on social media and e-mail from people who are excited to meet the hosts,” Lapointe said.

 

There will  also be cultural workshops in the Eagles Nest featuring Elder Evelyn Kelman and a Japanese dance workshop with the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden at 11 a.m.. 

 

“There will be a giant set of headphones and our mascot will be there for photos,” she continued.

 

The launch will showcase Lethbridge talent.

 

Eric Dyck host a comics jam from 1-3 p.m.

 

There will also be live performances  beginning at 1 p.m. with the New Testaments at 1 p.m., Starpainter at 2:30 p.m. and Shaela Miller at 4 p.m.. Admission is free.

 

“We really wanted to highlight Lethbridge,” she said adding they had a reporter in Lethbridge ’90s with Colin Friesen.

 

 The new bureau will allow CBC to showcase the issues of Lethbridge as well as highlighting some of the reasons people live here and move here.

— by Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor