Calgarians out for a Sunday stroll along 9 Ave. S.W. may have been the recipient of an unexpected cupcake.
The Fairmont Palliser, the historic Calgary hotel, opened its doors for the first time on June 1, 1914. To mark the momentous occasion, management has planned celebrations throughout the year including Sunday’s birthday party, during which, hotel staff gave away hundreds of baked goods on the steps of the hotel.
On Sunday June 15, Calgarians are invited to take part in a free Afternoon Tea Dance on 9 Ave. The Fairmont Palliser has arranged to have traffic halted in front of the building to accommodate the party which will include big band music, dancing, tea and birthday cake.
David Woodward of the Fairmont Palliser says the event will take guests back in time.
“We'll have the Summit Big Band, a 20 piece swing orchestra that will be in the street,” explained Woodward. “We used to have tea dances historically at the hotel and we're going to recreate that tradition.”
“It's a free event, we're inviting all Calgarians to come down and celebrate 100 years of history at the Fairmont Palliser.”
In addition to the tea dance, the hotel will celebrate its centennial anniversary in the following ways:
- The launching of a Centennial Ale, crafted for the hotel by Wild Rose Brewery, in the Oak Room Lounge
- Centennial-themed tours of the hotel on Alberta Heritage Day (August 4)
- The fall release of a book commemorating the hotel’s first 100 years, penned by historian Harry Sanders
- An amnesty program allowing members of the public to return items to the hotel with no questions asked
In preparation for the centennial festivities, $12 million worth of restorations have been completed at the hotel.
