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Last updateThu, 10 Jul 2025 5pm

Dream: Rosebud’s new Canadian musical offers ultimate small-town experience

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This summer, Rosebud Theatre & School of the Arts invites you to the ultimate small-town experience with the world premiere of Dream: A New Canadian Musical, running June 6 to August 30, 2025, at the iconic Rosebud Opera House.
Written by Alberta playwright Terry Bachynski, Dream is a true Canadian story inspired by the extraordinary life of the playwright's father.
Set in 1947, it follows the journey of an orphaned teenager who survives by scamming on the streets before he's placed in the care of an elderly widow in a rural farming town.
What follows is a deeply moving coming-of-age story about redemption, resilience, belonging, and unexpected love. Through acts of kindness and connection, the young man's life is forever changed - reminding us all that dreams do come true!
Featuring unforgettable songs, heartfelt performances by theatre favourites, and storytelling rooted in the rural Canadian identity & spirit, Dream is more than a musical - it's the true story of a remarkable life.
At the helm of this exciting new production is Morris Ertman, a treasured figure in Canada's theatre community. Having served as Artistic Director of Rosebud Theatre for over two decades (2002-2024), Ertman returns to direct this premiere with his trademark warmth, vision and storytelling brilliance.
The production also showcases a dynamic ensemble of emerging and returning talent. Taking centre stage are Karyssa Komar as Joanie (a graduating Rosebud student) and Mark Kazakov as Eddie - both promising young artists. Aaron Krogman, Rosebud graduate and audience favourite, serves as the show's narrator with depth and charisma.
Dream marks the Rosebud debut of Chris Hunt, a well-known Calgary favourite. Also returning to the Rosebud stage are Griffin Kehler (Little Women, 2024) as Jimmie/Sam Jr., and Annette Loiselle (Little Women, 2024) - both familiar faces to Rosebud Theatre regulars.
Running approximately 130 minutes, Dream offers audiences of all ages a soul-stirring experience filled with music, heart, and hope.


2025 Carlie Bell Memorial Scholarship presented

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The 14th annual Carlie Bell Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Elli-Anna McDougald of the Delia 4-H Club. Presenting the award was Brady Mappin the 2024 recipient.
The Carlie Bell Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a 4-H member that showcases leadership and participates in activities at the club, district, and regional levels.
Elli-Anna has been a member of the Delia 4-H Club for 11 years, including 2 years as a Cleaver. Elli-Anna has been active in the District and Club, and has volunteered for many Club, District and Community activities.
4-H has helped grow her leadership, patience, decision making, and communication skills. This year Elli-Anna will receive her 4-H Platinum Award of Excellence
Elli-Anna McDougald is a well-deserved recipient of the 2025 Carlie Bell Memorial Scholarship.

Seven local recipients of King Charles III Coronation Medals

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The Coronation of King Charles III was celebrated at the Drumheller Legion on Thursday, June 5, as seven community-minded residents of the Battle River-Crowfoot Riding were presented with the Coronation medal.
MP for Battle River-Crowfoot Damien Kurek made a special trip to his riding to present the medals.
“It is an absolute honour to be able to recognize the extraordinary citizens in our region and truly the seven people awarded here in Drumheller today, the dozen in Camrose yesterday and the ones that were in Wainwright on Tuesday, they show the best of not only what this region is, but the best of what Alberta and Canada is; the exemplary values of citizenship, leadership, self sacrifice and putting their community first,” said Kurek.
Recipients included Barbara Ann Campbell. She has dedicated long hours to support the community through her long-time commitment to the Drumheller Rotary Club and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22. She is also a decades-long member of the Salvation Army, "embodying the spirit of service through her tireless volunteerism."
Drumheller Mayor Heather Colberg also received the medal, honouring her dedication to the community.
“Her entrepreneurial mindset and strong business sense, shaped by years of experience in both family and independent ventures, have seamlessly translated into forward-thinking and effective municipal leadership,” notes her citation.
Also honoured was Jamie Collins of Linden. She was recognized for her contributions to community development and newcomer integration in Rural Alberta.

“Her leadership in advancing the Rural Renewal Stream has enhanced the region’s ability to attract and retain newcomers, fostering inclusion and growth,” states her citation.
Larry Craige Coney was also honoured with the Coronation Medal. A 25-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, he has continued to serve as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, taking part in many community initiatives.
His citation reads, “Through Decades of service– mounting medals for veterans, preserving local history and promoting public safety, Larry has embodied the values of duty, respect and remembrance.”
James Lawrence Fisher, better known as Jim, is a recipient of the medal, and his service spans decades and organizations. He received the Paul Harris award for his outstanding contributions to the community through the Rotary Club. He also served as Mayor of Drumheller and led the Chamber of Commerce.
Sports have been at the heart of much of his service. He managed the 1966 Drumheller Miners championship team and coached championship baseball teams. He has championed many local efforts, including the founding of the Drumheller Exhibition and Stampede Society, the Spray Park, Newcastle Diamonds and the senior Gazebo. He continues to work with the Salvation Army, 4-H and the Indigenous Culture Centre.
Linda Fisher is also a well-deserving recipient. She is a long-time Rotarian and has contributed her time and skills to countless efforts.
“Her leadership has been instrumental in projects benefiting youth, seniors and Indigenous communities, including efforts to establish an Indigenous Cultural Centre in the Drumheller Valley,” notes her citation.
Mark Maxwell was also honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. He has served as president of Prairie College in Three Hills since 2010. Is family legacy traces back to the college’s founding, and under his leadership, it has thrived.
“Mark’s passion for mentoring young adults, his integrity in leadership and his unwavering commitment to Christian Education embody the values of services, character and community that the King’s Medal seeks to recognize."
Kurek explained that each MP was given the honour to disburse 20 medals. He went to the community for nominations for the awards. He was even able to get six more medals for those serving in the community.
“I think it speaks to how incredible this region is and as a Member of Parliament, having the opportunity to represent them, it truly makes me proud.”


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