Music fans that want to see the truss bridge in East Coulee restored can get ready to Boogie this weekend.
The first annual Badland’s Boogie is set to go this Labour Day long weekend and has a full slate of musicians, bands and comedians to keep everyone entertained. The festival, organized by John Barry Graham, and it is a benefit to support saving the Truss Bridge in East Coulee.
Earlier this year the National Trust for Canada identified the East Coulee Truss Bridge on its top 10 list of endangered places. According to its website, “The bridge has an important historical connection to Atlas No. 3 Coal Mine National Historic Site (the last in the Drumheller/Red Deer River valley). It provided the essential transportation link to the main rail lines across the Red Deer River. From the dual CPR/CNR branch line near the town of East Coulee, the bridge enabled trains to cross the river and service both the Monarch and the Atlas coal mines.”
Graham has organized the concert to get the ball rolling on taking care of the bridge. He said right now it is very preliminary and the funds will be held in trust by Hemming and Associates in Strathmore and used as seed money for whatever the project develops into.
He explains that years ago he worked on preserving the East Coulee School Museum, and at that time they had no funds, and much of the project was bank rolled privately.
“We had no nest egg. So with this we’ll have a nest egg, and then we’ll get together as a committee and decide if we are going to set up a society, or if we are going to work under the Dinosaur Valley Heritage Society or the Atlas Coal Mine Society. We’re not sure, but the money will be held in trust.”
All of the funds from the gate, as well as the sale of the limited edition poster will go directly to the trust.
The responsibility for maintaining the bridge, according to the National Trust For Canada lies with CP and CN Rail. Graham says they have been in touch with CP, and he says CP is receptive. The next step he said is to approach to Alberta Transportation to get a walkway on the East Coulee Bridge.
They also have letters of support from MLA Rick Strankman and Premier Rachel Notley showing support for the event.
The weekend provides an entertaining slate of performers including Canadian country singer Sean Hogan, blues legend Harpdog Brown and English blues singer Little Victor, to name a few. The genres range from old time country to heavy metal. They also have a slate of comedians performing as well.
The site east of the Atlas Coal Mine will be rocking from Friday night until Sunday afternoon. In the spirit of the event, many suppliers are donating their time and services, including the Calgary Stampede, which has donated the use of its 53- foot-fully contained mobile stage with two volunteer techs.
There are limited tickets to the event, and they can be purchased by going to www.eventbrite.ca or from Drum FM.
