Saturday, April 18/09 Inaugural 100th Anniversary Celebration: 11 am at the Holden Community Hall: Lunch, Entertainment, Main Street Model Unveiled, Beard-Growing Contest Launch
Sunday, May 17/09: HoldenMuseum Heritage Day: 2 pm at the Museum, Season opening, Ukrainian Supper cooked in outdoor oven, Entertainment, Silent Auction
Friday, June 12 – Sunday June 14: Holden Centennial Celebration:
Sunday: Breakfast, Inter-denominational Church Service, Fond Farewells.
Saturday, November 21/09: Holden Christmas Market: 11 am – 3 pm at the Holden Community Hall; Crafts, Baking, and more. Good selection of Vendors. Lunch concession. To book tables, contact the Village Office 780-688-392
Community spirit abounds in this cozy village located on Highway 14, just 100 km east of Edmonton. The Village of Holden is celebrating its Centennial in 2009 with a variety of special events. Plan to come and “Share the Charm of Country Living,” which kicks off on April 18 with a re-enactment of the Incorporation of the Village, the unveiling of a beautifully handcrafted model of Holden as it looked 100 years ago, and the launch of a beard-growing contest.
On May 17, 2009 the Holden Historical Society will host its' 5th annual Heritage Celebration with a Ukrainian meal cooked in an outdoor oven and special entertainment in keeping with the centennial theme. Drop by the museum on July 29, 31 & Aug. 2 to take part in the annual Painted Churches Tour.
The Centennial Committee has designated June 12 - 14, 2009 as the main showcase for Holden's anniversary commemorations. Don't miss it! The annual Farmer's Day celebration will be expanded this year to a three-day weekend packed with activities to entertain the entire family. In addition to the annual parade and Soapbox Derby, there will be a village market, petting zoo, historic tours, art show, performances, fireworks and much, much more. Be sure to bring your family and friends for this memorable and historic occasion!
Holden has been the home of the Beaver Regional Arts Centre for thirty years. During this time the Arts Society has sponsored a series of fine professional performances. Visitors come to the Arts Centre by the busload to enjoy the ever-popular shows and also to indulge in a delicious country dinner.
Village of Holden – 100th Anniversary!
The Village of Holden is named after the late J. B. Holden, the first M.L.A. to serve the community in the new province of Alberta. Originally known as Pleasant Ridge, the Holden district was settled in 1903 after the federal government surveyed the area and divided the land into sections for homesteading.
Once the railway was completed from Calgary to Strathcona in 1891, settlers often made their way eastward on foot or horseback from Wetaskiwin. However, as the 19th century drew to a close, there was large influx of homesteaders from Eastern Canada, the United States and Central Europe. With the completion of the railway between Edmonton and Winnipeg, Holden's future was secured, and the village was formally incorporated on April 14, 1909.
Visitors are welcome to explore Holden's past at the Holden Historical Society Museum. The Museum building itself has a long and varied life, the lower floor having at various times housed a fire hall, the village office, a school room and jail cells. A silent movie theatre and later a dance hall operated on the upper floor. Constructed in 1911, the building was given to the Masonic Lodge in 1935 and used until 1991 when the community-based museum was established there. On display are an old-style pioneer kitchen, a general store, an early jail cell, the Masonic Lodge, an old-time barber shop and farm and industrial tools from different eras. The museum is proud to have been granted Recognized Museum status by the Alberta Museums Association. Located at 4928-50 Avenue, it is open from mid-May to mid-September on Sundays from noon to 4 pm; Wednesdays & Fridays from 2 - 4 pm; or by appointment year round. Tel: 780-688-3593, 780-688-2109, 780-688-2464.
Today, Holden prides itself on its well-kept homes and several new homes are currently under construction. To foster environmental awareness, community pride and involvement, Holden joined Communities in Bloom in 2007. Because of this, Holden was awarded 4 blooms for their second year of participation in Communities in Bloom, with special recognition for Heritage Preservation.
Holden offers the charm of country living in a friendly atmosphere to residents and visitors alike. Holden will celebrate it's Centennial Anniversary June 12 - 14, 2009.
This is an approximate location. Please contact the owner for exact directions.
Call (888) 452-5962
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