Clock In at Heritage Park for a Weekend of Historic Trades and Hands-On Fun

Calgary, Alta.— On August 22 and 23, Workin’ For the Weekend turns Heritage Park into one big showcase of historic skills, giving guests a closer look at the trades, tools and know-how that helped build the Prairies.

From blacksmithing and carpentry to printmaking, textiles, painting and farm machinery, the weekend is packed with opportunities to watch skilled makers in action, ask questions and even try a few historic techniques firsthand.

Ever wondered what it takes to build a wagon wheel? Want to put some muscle into sawing a log the historic way? Curious what blacksmithing looks like without the fire? This is the weekend to find out.

Throughout the Historical Village, guests can roll up their sleeves and discover the skill behind everyday objects and trades that once kept communities moving. 

On the workbench this weekend:

• Watch Heritage Park’s blacksmiths fire up the motorized tools of the trade, including a trip hammer and grinders. 
• Meet wheelwright Doran Degenstien and discover why there is a whole lot more to making a wheel than simply making it round. 
• See linocut printmaking in action as interpreters carve, ink and create handmade prints. 
• Put some muscle into See the Saw! and try sawing through a log using historic methods. 
• Watch a one-third-scale 1927 Advance Rumley Thresher and 1917 Oil Pull Rumley tractor tackle some seriously tiny farm work. 
• See classic carpentry techniques in action at Atlas Lumber. 
• Discover blacksmithing without a forge during Cold Smithing demonstrations. 
• Follow yarn from colour to creation with dyeing and spinning demonstrations and hands-on activities for families. 
• See traditional portraiture and oil painting take shape using time-honoured artistic techniques. 
• Learn the craftsmanship behind leather goods and the surprisingly detailed art of millinery. 

And on Sunday, August 23, guests can answer a question they probably never expected to ask: What’s a Wayzgoose? Plus, all the excitement from Saturday’s activities. 

The Master Printer at the Strathmore & Bow Valley Standard will introduce guests to the traditional printer’s celebration with activities, unusual Victorian and Edwardian words and the chance to win a picnic treat.

Workin’ For the Weekend runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23 throughout the Historical Village. Programming is included with a Heritage Park Membership or General Admission.

Whether guests come for the clang of the blacksmith shop, the smell of fresh-cut wood, the spin of a wheel or simply the satisfaction of seeing something made by hand, Workin’ For the Weekend is a chance to slow down, get curious and appreciate the skills behind the history. 

To learn more visit heritagepark.ca. 

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Media Inquiries
Eirin Bernie, Communications & Marketing Manager
Heritage Park Historical Village
ebernie@heritagepark.ca | 403.519.3409

About Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park Historical Village is one of Canada’s largest living history museums, offering guests immersive, hands-on experiences of Western Canada’s diverse past. Located in Calgary on Treaty 7 territory, Heritage Park has been a cultural and tourism cornerstone since 1964. As a registered charity, Heritage Park preserves and shares history through interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, historic buildings, antique rides and more. Welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Heritage Park plays a vital role in Alberta’s tourism economy, prairie heritage preservation and community engagement—making it Canada’s premier family destination where history truly comes alive. heritagepark.ca.