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CTV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Military Museums bring history to life at Summer Skirmish
A bit of military history came to life Saturday at the Military Museums in Calgary. It was the Summer Skirmish, where almost 2,000 years of warfare comes to life in a weekend of battle re-enactments and demonstrations. 'It's actually many different periods of history, from the Dark Ages, so about 900 CE all the way up to the Second World War represented,' said Military Museums senior curator and director of collections Alison Mercer.' So it's a lot of people in authentic historical outfits and uniforms with authentic weapons, doing authentic drills.' While military history tends to be observed in November, around Remembrance Day, Mercer said mid-August is a pretty prominent date in military history as well. 'Something that was very relevant that happened just yesterday was the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, so the fact that we get to have this on August 16 and 17th is pretty special too, because, of course, there's a re-enactment component, but there's also the history component available in the museum too that people can see.' Mercer said that since the event was launched in 2003, the Military Museums have evolved the Summer Skirmish to be more interactive and more kid-friendly. 'There's a lot more activities for kids, more hands-on opportunities,' she said. 'For example, (you can) climb inside the T-72 tank. There's a weapons handling tent over there (to) see some authentic guns.' 'It's not just like a like a watch (event),' she added. 'It's (more) like a watch and do and learn (event) that way.' Summer Skirmish continues until Sunday at 5 p.m. at Military Museums. 4520 Crowchild Trail S.W. It's $40 for a family.
Calgary Herald
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
In midst of construction and class action lawsuit, Marda Loop businesses prepare for summer street festival
The annual Marda Gras street festival will take over four blocks of 33rd Avenue S.W. this Sunday, offering some hopeful respite for beleaguered businesses that have contended with construction-related woes in recent years. Article content This year marks the 40th annual Marda Gras, and is expected to attract more than 35,000 visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to the retail-oriented strip for a day of live performances, shopping, interactive activities and food trucks. Article content Article content Article content Article content 'It's just something that has always been supported and loved,' said festival manager Shannon McNally. 'A lot of the business owners also live in the area, so it feels like a very holistic neighbourhood where the businesses are very invested in the neighbourhood as well, and vice-versa for residents.' Article content While it was originally called Summerfest, the event was rebranded in 1987, drawing inspiration from New Orleans' famous Mardi Gras celebration. Article content The festival will take place along 33rd Avenue, from 18th to 22nd Street S.W. It will feature more than 200 local vendors, four performance stages, a kids' quarter with family-friendly games and activities, a pet pageant that features costumes, photo ops and fundraising for Parachutes for Pets, and an interactive zone that showcases community groups, artists, and local businesses. Article content Article content 'One thing that's really stayed the same is the heart of the people who love and call Marda Loop home,' McNally said. 'I think it's really important to celebrate this anniversary and reflect on the changes and transformation, but also to remember what makes Marda Loop such a wonderful place to live and work. And that's the people.' Article content A free shuttle will be available to take attendees to Marda Loop from the Military Museums and other nearby parking areas. There will also be a bike valet at 18th Street offering to park bicycles and scooters for those who arrive on two wheels instead of four. Article content While it's a celebration of Marda Loop, this year's festival will occur under the backdrop of construction struggles and an impending legal battle, as storefronts grapple with the effects of a city-led initiative to bury utilities under 33rd Avenue.
