2011 RCMP Regimental Ball

Someone recently suggested to me that I write about the number of black-tie fundraiser galas that you can attend in Fort Mac every year. I have an admission to make - I've never really attended them, people. For most of my years in this community I have been immersed in raising my daughter, and the social scene whirled on without me. Now I find myself drawn to it, and into it, as my daughter is a bit older. This weekend I received an invitation to attend the RCMP Regimental Ball, and having never been felt it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

The Regimental Ball is a fundraiser for our local Victim Services organization, a worthy cause if there ever was one. I have even contacted them in the past, not for help as a victim but for information, and they not only directed me to the appropriate source but did so promptly and with great professionalism. Victim Services are the ones who are there to help when there has been a crime or a tragedy that has left someone with their world shattered. They are the ones who comfort victims of sexual assault, and who accompany the RCMP when they must notify next-of-kin of an untimely or sudden death. They work very closely with our RCMP, and thus the association between them and their uniformed counterparts makes a great deal of sense in terms of the Regimental ball.

I was told that the ball is a formal affair, and it is indeed. It was a chance to pull out a lovely gown and strappy silver sandals, and to see others decked out in their finest, too. I entered the Sawridge conference room and saw not just beautiful ice sculptures and fancy dressed tables but also a sea of red serge jackets.

The RCMP Regimental Ball calls for full dress uniform, and so the conference room was filled to the brim with officers, male and female, young and old, wearing their finest. It was an impressive sight, and it actually startled me to see so many. I suppose I never realized how many RCMP officers work in this community, and how very young so many of them are.

The ball is a formal affair in other respects, too, as there are toasts to the queen and speeches. I was touched by the table set for fallen officers, set aside as both a memorial and reminder of those who gave their lives in service. In this country we have in recent years lost many officers in tragic incidents that none will ever forget, and this poignant table is just one small way of ensuring they are remembered.

In the course of writing this blog I have made many new friends, and one is an RCMP officer. He is someone who has served the RCMP, and our country, for almost 23 years. He has become a friend, advisor, and even a bit of mentor for me in some ways. Until I met him I admit I had not given much thought to the role that police officers play in our lives, but after communicating with him I learned so very much about what they mean to us as a community, and as individuals. These are people who do a job that is quite often thankless, and who risk their lives on a regular basis. They are in a position that is heavily scrutinized and criticized, but are also expected and required to be willing to lay down their lives to save the lives of others. They are to some degree the glue that helps hold our community together, as they provide the stability and regulation a community requires to function.

I thought of my friend a lot during the Regimental Ball. I thought of some of the stories he had shared with me, and realized that every man and woman in that red serge had similar stories. I thought about how they had most likely all faced moments that terrified them, moments that saddened them, and moments that had made them feel like they served their community well. I applauded when service commendations for excellent performance were awarded, and commendations for length of service. I watched the faces of the officers as they clapped and celebrated each other's achievements, and I thought about how these very same faces are the ones we see in the cruisers on our city streets. They are the ones who police our community. I've had few encounters with the officers who work in our city, but when I have they have been the utmost in professional and courteous (like the one who took the accident report when my car was damaged in a parking lot downtown, and handed me a kleenex when he saw I was about to cry). These are the faces we rely on in times of crisis, and I believe that we are in very good hands, people.

I could talk about how great the food was at the ball, and how amazing everyone looked in their beautiful dresses and handsome suits. I could talk about the conference room transformed into a lovely vision of fancy tables and stunning ice sculptures. I could talk about the great company and fun conversation I had at my table, and I could talk about all the other aspects - but in my mind I keep coming back to those red serge jackets. I keep coming back to men and women who have chosen a profession that has great rewards but also tremendous personal demands - and a profession that sometimes even leads to loss of their own precious life in service to all of us. Today, September 11, 2011, I choose to write and celebrate not just a Regimental Ball but the people behind it. Today I choose to celebrate those individuals who have chosen to dedicate their lives to a profession with proud history and heritage, and to a non-profit organization who has volunteers who dedicate themselves to serving those in our community who have experienced a personal tragedy. Today I dedicate this blog to Fort McMurray Victim Services, a group who is there to help our community members at their most vulnerable and fragile moments, and to the RCMP of Wood Buffalo, who serve us day in and day out, and who freely risk their lives in order to better our community. They are true heroes, people. On today, of all days, I thank them for their service to us all, and I am so very happy I was able to attend the 2011 RCMP Regimental Ball to show them my gratitude in person.

SummersEnd, Day Three - Gentlemen, Superstar Cars, Zero Bears, and a Grand Finale

I admit it. Day three of SummersEnd dawned at about 9 am for me, and I was almost wiped out. I dragged myself out of bed, though, made coffee, and settled in to try to do some work. I wasn't sure what I was going to be doing on day three as a volunteer, but figured I would know soon. I found out pretty quickly when I received a text from Jennifer, lead events co-ordinater from Events Wood Buffalo. She asked if I would be okay to move to driver officially - as she wanted to place George Canyon and his group directly into my hands, and have me dedicated to them for the day.

People, I was so pleased and honoured to be asked. I realized it was a leap of faith. This was their headliner for the night, and they were entrusting a Canadian country music superstar and his group to me. Would I like to do it? I was absolutely delighted to do it, and thrilled to be given the opportunity.

I arrived at MacDonald Island and again found myself in charge of the keys to the monster van and my affectionately nicknamed "superstar car". I headed off to pick up George n' the boys for their sound check, and when I arrived at the hotel I discovered a group of men who were all you would hope them to be - and so much more. Kind, polite, thoughtful, and interesting, they would thank me for driving them before I'd even started my engine. I finally told them to wait until I'd actually done something to thank me, as their gratitude was overwhelming and in my mind quite undeserved. My only disappointment was not being able to find a bear to show them, and I joked that if I found one when they weren't with me that I would tie it down for them to see (well, that was kind of a joke, I liked them all so much I would have momentarily considered it, too).

I spent my day driving George and his camp around - to sound checks and to the hotel, and just in general being there for whatever they might need. I had helped one band member track down his delayed bags the day before, and so he and I had already connected over the frustrations of air travel. The rest of them and I also connected over the day, discussing various topics and again developing running jokes (my hot pink purse came in for some serious discussion by the end of the night, and one band member has a serious career in marketing should he ever give up music, as his description of my bag was better than anything I've ever heard).

When I went to pick up the band for the show I informed their manager that I was going to bring the "superstar car", the Ford Expedition, as I wanted George and the guys to arrive in style. I picked them up at the hotel and was delighted that they were pleased with my choice of vehicle, and I delivered them backstage. That night I was not able to take in George's show as I had to be backstage with the car when he finished, in order to drive him back to the hotel. I did head over to the stage area a bit early, though, where the head of the security detail helped me back the behemoth SUV up against the stage entrance to wait for George (the security officer gave me specific directions, and apologized if I had done this before - my response to him was that I'd never done anything like this in my life, and the more specific he was the better!).

I sat backstage and listened to George sing, watching the Zipper on the midway spin around with our inky black Fort Mac night in the background. At that moment I was, I admit, a bit overwhelmed, but in a good way. I was actually close to tears, so grateful for the opportunity I'd been given that day, and for the opportunities in general in this community. Where else in the country would they hand over to me the keys to a monstrously expensive rental SUV AND personal responsibility for a country superstar and his entourage? Where, but here, in my city? And then, George stopped singing, and stepped into the SUV, and off we drove into that dark night.

Now, I am not going to divulge details of conversations I had with George and his guys, but there is one story I must share, even at the risk of getting into some hot water. It is just such a lovely story, and so representative of who George Canyon is, that I find myself having to tell it. I was driving him back to the hotel, just me in the driver's seat and George in the back. We were wending our way down the back road at MacDonald Island, and people who had just attended the concert were spilling out of the venue, walking downtown and to their next destination. George, in his beautifully deep voice, asked me to roll down the back windows. And then, George Canyon, country star, began to lean out the window and personally thank everyone for coming.

People, you should have heard the voices we left in our wake. At first people would say "oh, you're welcome" - and then it would dawn on them, and I could hear shouts of "hey, that was George Canyon!". I sat there in the driver's seat, grinning as big as I probably ever have, while George Canyon, gentleman, good-hearted country boy, and genuinely good person, made the night for so many in my community. It was something he didn't have to do, and something that would have likely given the head of security fits - and yet he did it because he is just a down-to-earth, wonderful man who truly appreciates his fans. People, he made MY night, too, with that simple, generous, and kind act of true gratitude.

I dropped George at the hotel, ferried the rest of his group back, and ended my night with Jennifer. I had been teasing her earlier about her Hermione Grainger-esque bag, out of which I had seen her pull straightening irons, shoes, fresh clothes, a hand mirror, and a tent (ok, I made that last one up, but I wouldn't have been surprised if she had). Now, though, I told her how much respect I have for Events Wood Buffalo. After this event the respect I had for them originally has grown exponentially. I told her how much I appreciated the opportunities they had given me, and how I think EWB has changed the face of events in this city - and it's true. Now, I still feel awfully bad about that parking ticket I got at the airport ( I arrived late to pick up some crew, found no open spots, and parked the superstar car in a hotel's spot - my bad), but overall I think I served EWB, and Fort Mac, well. I know that Events Wood Buffalo has served this community well, and I look forward to them continuing to do so. Executive director Claude Giroux has now moved on to his next job, but I hope he knows that his swan song of this year's SummersEnd was a grand, grand way to end a fine run in this city.

So, people, there you go. I have a photo of myself and George taken that night during the meet and greet, when Misty Oakes, EWB's Communications Director, signalled me to get into line to get a photo, despite me not having expected to do so. She said I earned it, and yet I think that it was they who earned so much - my respect, and my gratitude. So, to the folks at EWB, staff at MacDonald Island, the other volunteers, the security detail, and the musicians and their bands/crews - I say a heartfelt thank you. You gave this blogger an experience, both personal and professional, that she will never forget. To all of you in Fort Mac I also say thank you - thank you for being a community I was proud to represent, and for showing all these performing artists what an enthusiastic city we are. You know what? I think they will be back some day - and if they are I would be absolutely honoured to once again be their driver, wherever they need me to go. And next time I'm finding George and his boys a bear, too.

SummersEnd, Day Two - Golf Carts, Bears, and Airport Trips

Well, SummersEnd day two seemed to dawn extra early. I'd been out late the night before, working backstage with Jennifer from Events Wood Buffalo, MacDonald Island, other volunteers, the performing artists and their camps. Alas, Friday morning still required an early get-up as I had kids I needed to get to school.

After my first day at SummersEnd I wasn't sure what day two would bring. I'd learned that things can change very quickly, and that you needed to be prepared for those changes. I'd learned that the folks from EWB are incredible professionals, and that they have a committed group of staff and volunteers. I'd learned that the folks from MacDonald Island are helpful and kind. I'd learned that these musicians and their crews are great folks, fun and yet the consummate professionals, too. I'd learned that I could drive a 15-passenger van (who knew?!?). I couldn't wait to see what I learned next.

I arrived at MacDonald Island for my shift and found yet another blur of activity. It turned out that while the hospitality rooms were ready there was need for a driver, and I discovered myself holding the keys to both a 15-passenger van and a huge black Ford Expedition (which I thereafter dubbed "the superstar car"). My day had begun, and it looked like while I would still be filling ice buckets I'd also be doing a lot of airport and hotel runs.

Once again I can't divulge many details of conversations I had with the artists as this is their private time, not public, and I was there as a volunteer, not a writer. What I can and will say is this - I had the great pleasure to drive Ryan Laird and his band/crew around, and they are a terrific bunch of young men. Friendly, grateful, kind, and so excited when we entered MacDonald Island and they spotted a bear beside the road. I told them I'd had the bear specially arranged for them, of course, as I'd guessed they'd like to see one. I'm a big fan of Ryan's, people - he's a talented young man, and I think he has a bright future. Country may not be my musical genre but I sincerely hope he does very well as anyone that great deserves equally great success. His bandmates and support crew were also amazing, and I became fond of each of them. You know you've connected with someone when you have in-jokes, and we had a couple of running jokes that went all day (as well as discovering some personal connections in people we knew in other cities).

I also had the pleasure of picking up a couple of George Canyon's band-mates and support crew from the airport. The minute I met them I knew that I would probably like George, too, because if he chose to surround himself with people like this it was a good sign. It turned out that I knew one of them from a very long time ago when we were both teenagers (and young ones at that), and so the world seemed even a bit smaller and closer.

The day was a blur of airport and hotel runs, ice buckets and meat trays. Later that night, when Dierks Bentley took the stage, Jennifer once again came to me and a fellow volunteer with VIP tickets to catch some of the show. This time, though, we needed to stop at a couple of other places, so the three of us piled into a golf cart and off we went. Just some advice, people - if you ever run into Jennifer when she is driving a golf cart, I suggest getting out of the way. She is polite, but determined, and we sped (well, as fast as one of those putters go) through the fairgrounds on our rounds, until we finally arrived at the stage.

We went off into the crowd again, and I was delighted to see all the people just loving Dierks and his band. I saw many, many young Fort Mac women in the crowd, and knew that quite likely every single one had a deep crush on Mr. Bentley as he is a handsome young man. Dierks puts on a great show, and I saw people dancing and singing and just generally having a grand old time.

My evening ended rather late again, with a few runs to the hotel to drop off some tired musicians and crews for some well-deserved rest. I was so overwhelmed with the need to tell someone about all that I had done that I texted a friend to ask if he would like a late (very late!) dinner with me so I could just spill it all, and so I was out far later than I intended. I was just so infused with enthusiasm for all I had done and seen that I just had to share it with someone. My friend kindly listened while I went on and on, doubtless bored to tears but indulging me as only good friends will do.

What I learned on day two was that day one was relatively easy. By day two people are starting to grow a bit weary, but you can't slow down. You just keep going and doing and solving and plate-spinning, like Jennifer (who by this time had acquired the nickname "plate-spinner extraordinaire" in my mind). Day one you were fresh and rested and things were prepared - day two was when you had to remain at the top of your game no matter how late day one had gone, and no matter what happened. The folks at EWB and MacDonald Island are masters at this, and I learned so much from them.

By the end of day two I knew that I had no idea what to expect on day three, and found myself actually relishing the prospect. The thrill of it all was never knowing what was going to come up, and just dealing with it as it did. I was looking forward to day three with great anticipation - but I never expected it would be as wonderful as it was. And this, people, is why you might want to come back to read about day three tomorrow!

Ryan Laird - "You've Had Me All Along" 

filmed at SummersEnd, Fort McMurray

SummersEND, Day One - Plate Spinning, Southern Manners, and All Access Passes

Well, people, I've hinted a bit about what I was up to this past weekend, and here I am finally starting to write about it. So much happened and there is so much to say that I wasn't entirely sure where to start, but starting at the beginning is always the best plan, and so here it is.

A few weeks ago I interviewed Claude Giroux, then-executive director of Events Wood Buffalo, for this blog. I told him how much I respect and admire what EWB has done in this community, and my desire to know more about how they organize a major event. I asked him for some direction on how to volunteer for a future event, and what aspect might give me the fullest sense of what EWB does. He suggested that I volunteer for SummersEND as a backstage hospitality/transportation host, and I was intrigued. About a week later I contacted Stephanie, EWB's volunteer co-ordinator, and told her about the discussion Claude and I had had. She contacted me almost immediately, and yes, there was a position available backstage, doing exactly what Claude had suggested. I agreed right away and committed 3 and 1/2 days to SummersEND - and people, it was one of the best things I've ever done in Fort Mac.

Photo credit to Amanda O'Keefe

I actually went in to help set up the dressing rooms the night before Reba and her "camp" (as they call the band/crew/support staff in the music touring business) arrived. This gave me a chance to meet and work with Jennifer Lamontagne, EWB's lead event co-ordinator. Now Jennifer is amazing - organized, professional, and able to keep about two dozen plates spinning at the same time. I thought I saw this clearly that very first night, but when the performing artists actually arrived I realized I'd seen nothing yet, since event planning is all about putting out fires as they start - and Jennifer is a firefighter of ferocious ability.

Photo credit to Amanda O'Keefe

The event was meticulously planned, of course, but what I quickly realized is that small things can, and do, go wrong. Delayed flights, miscommunications, time changes - Jennifer handled them all calmly and with great dignity. I was often amazed to see her with two phones going at the same time, while also speaking to someone standing in front of her, and writing something else with what had to be a third hand she grows for events.  I was quite completely in awe of her aplomb, as I tend to be a bit on the panicky side and such sudden changes would have me running and screaming. But Jennifer's can-do attitude and absolute calm made it easy to fall into that state, too, and suddenly I felt we could accomplish anything - and we did.

I can't go into a lot of detail about the performing artists and their camps as the time they spend backstage is private, of course. I can say that everyone I met that first night, from the local opening act to Victoria Banks' people to Reba's crew and musicians, was wonderful. Kind, thoughtful, and grateful, they made me feel like a part of their world for just the briefest of moments. At one point I dropped my pen and three of Reba's guys leaped to fetch it for me - southern gentlemen to the core. As for Reba herself - well, she is everything you think and hope she would be. She is a genuine lady, who looks you in the eye when she says "hi, how are you?", and who is obviously a complete professional. I think my favourite moment that night was when she arrived for the meet and greet and the people who had been waiting to meet her burst into spontaneous applause and cheers - and she deserves it, people, because she is not only a talented, successful woman, but a nice one, too.

Photo credit to Amanda O'Keefe

That first night I spent a lot of time making sure the dressing rooms were ready to go, stocked with ice and beverages and food. I also spent some time driving a 15-passenger van, which was a first for me, and an utter monster to drive (although by the end of the weekend I was wheeling that sucker around like it was a go kart). I also spent a lot of time observing the people from EWB, and was so impressed by their professionalism. Their ability to spin on a dime, and their ability to arrive at creative solutions to all the problems, gave me so much confidence in them. Even their Event Survival Kit, stocked with everything from hand soap to pens to pins to a dog leash, showed their attention to detail. I also spent time observing MacDonald Island staff, as they were providing the banquet services, and was so very impressed with them. In particular I'd like to mention one staff person, Evelyn. She was my go-to person for every request. After my fifteenth request for ice or a hot water carafe or a wine opener I'm sure she wished a hole would open up and swallow me when she saw me approaching, and yet she treated me kindly, and found me every single thing I asked for, and more. She too is a consummate professional, and I hope she (and her employer) realizes what a gem she is.

Towards the end of the evening, when Reba was playing, Jennifer came to me and another volunteer and indicated that she had tickets so we could go out and see a bit of Reba. Off we went into the cool September night to join the throngs of people who had come to see this country superstar. I've said before I'm not a country fan, and I'm not, but Reba is without a doubt a woman of passion, vision, and drive, and those three qualities impress me regardless of musical genre. I was thrilled that we had spots in the VIP section, and I ran into some people there  that I've met recently through this blog. I was able to show them my "All Access" backstage pass, proudly displayed around my neck, and tell them a bit about my time at SummersEND to that point. And now I tell you about it all, people.

Photo credit to Amanda O'Keefe

I have two more nights of stories to tell, and lots more observations to make. What I really learned on day one, though, was that being a volunteer is bloody hard work - and so very worth it. The rewards for me were huge, and not just in terms of this blog but on a personal level, too. When I saw the faces of the people who had come to the concert, when I saw their smiles and heard their cheers, I was so very proud to have been even the tiniest part of that. I am deeply grateful to EWB for giving me this opportunity, and incredibly pleased to have been able to work with people like Jennifer from EWB and Evelyn from MacDonald Island. These are the kinds of people who make our community what it is, and on that September night, the first day of SunmersEND, our community was spectacular!

Tomorrow - SummersEnd, Day Two

East Meets West - Gary Mar and Danny Williams

Well, people, the plan today was to post about my time at summersEND but, as I learned this weekend about event organizing and planning, all good plans must be flexible and open to change. So, my thoughts on summersEND will wait until tomorrow, and today I write instead about another event I attended on the weekend - the "East Meets West" chat with Gary Mar and Danny Williams.

Now, if you aren't familiar with Gary Mar he happens to be a front-runner in the PC leadership race in Alberta. If you aren't familiar with Danny Williams the only acceptable reasons are a)you aren't Canadian and/or b) you've been living under a rock for the last decade or so. Danny has had an incredible run in politics in this country (specifically in Newfoundland and Labrador) and is an influential individual to boot. So, when I received an invitation to attend this event I was intrigued - because Danny has thrown his support behind Gary Mar, and I very much wanted to hear why.

Last night found me at MacDonald Island, which had been transformed into Gary Mar-land. His is an impressive political machine, from his Gary Mar bus to the Gary Mar balloons to the Gary Mar table coverings to the Gary Mar water bottles. It appears Mr. Mar has a marketing genius behind all this somewhere (and I seriously considered swiping one of the table coverings because they were just such a bloody clever idea).

There was a band and there was food (and once again MacDonald Island banquet services hit it out of the park with a terrific selection of food). The setting was lovely, too, with soft lighting in hues of blue (PC) and orange (Gary Mar). Considering the event came together at the last moment it was astonishingly well done.

Of course the real reason everyone had come was to hear the dialogue between Gary and Danny, and it didn't disappoint. I loved that it was an informal chat type setting, just the two of them on stage with microphones and talking about why Danny supports Gary, and about Gary's plans if elected. And people, I was impressed.

I've heard Gary speak before, at the PC leadership debate here, but didn't get a real sense of who he is as the answers in that format were quite short and didn't allow for much in the way of comprehensive ideas. I'm not one of those people who uses fewer words - in fact I tend towards way more words than necessary - and so I find short answers frustrating as they don't give me a real glimpse of the person behind the words. The chat format allowed Gary to expand far more on his ideas, and I admit he pretty much won me over with his comments about education (identifying special needs earlier and dealing with it sooner) as they mirror my own almost completely. He talked about needing to open a dialogue about private health care services, and as much as that idea runs contrary to my personal beliefs I do think it's a dialogue we do need to explore as opposed to dismissing the concept outright. What especially captured me, though, were his comments in relation to Fort McMurray and us "telling our story". I was almost thunderstruck as this is exactly why I began this blog - to tell my own story of life in Fort Mac to the world. Now, Gary was talking about telling the story of the oilsands, but it's the same concept - taking control of the message, and telling the story we know to be true as opposed to allowing those from outside to tell it.

Danny showed great support and belief in Gary, and that impressed me, too. Danny is a very intelligent man, and he knows his politics. If he is putting his support behind Gary then there is something there that must be considered. When someone I respect has that kind of respect for another person I find I tend to feel the same way. They share similar beliefs and thoughts and ideas, and Danny was a very strong leader and advocate for his province. This is the kind of leader we need in Alberta, and if Danny thinks Gary is it then he just may be. In the final analysis Danny can see Gary Mar as the premier of this province - and so can I.

Now, there were topics discussed that I know nothing about (when I said in a previous post that I am not "politically astute" I was not kidding, people), and I realized I need to do a lot more reading and research about Alberta politics. I also learned something deeply troubling, people. In the last PC leadership race less than one thousand people in this city voted for the leader of their choice. In fact what I heard is that it was less than 500 people. That's past abysmal and almost criminal. The leader of the PC party is almost certainly going to be the premier of this province. If we don't vote for the leader we want to see, if we pay no attention to this process, why should they pay any attention to us? What is their motivation to work not just for our city but for the people in our community if we can't even take the time, effort, and $5 for a membership to vote? I'd like a say in who represents our province, wouldn't you?

So, people, that's why I now have a brand-new membership in the provincial PC party. I haven't suddenly turned blue overnight, and deep in the core of this bred n'born Saskatchewan heart glows a nugget of NDP orange. I know, though, that this is about more than my political leanings - it's about the future of this province, this city, my family, and, especially, my child. I want a say in it - and I'm going to have it, too, when I vote for my choice of leader of the PC party. I'm not going to tell you who to vote for - and I'm not saying who I'm voting for, either. I'm just saying I am going to vote - and I hope you will too, Fort Mac. It'll be the best 5 bucks you'll ever spend, I think.

Portraits of Honour Tour in Fort McMurray

Well, folks, the summersEND weekend was a blur of activity for me, and I will share more of that in upcoming posts. I wanted to first share, however, what I think may have been the most profoundly affecting display at this event. summersEND was about music and country stars and carnival rides and dance competitions and mini-donuts - and yet I think the most significant component was housed inside a semi-trailer. I am talking about the Portraits of Honour.

I had heard some buzz about this in recent weeks and knew I wanted to see it when it made it's brief two-day stop in Fort Mac. Due to my other commitments with summersEND as a volunteer I was unable to attend the reception but I decided that regardless of my weariness from late nights backstage I needed to see it, and so off I went Saturday afternoon. The mural was set up at the end of the midway, and in the background the carnival rides spun, music blared, and the scent of mini-donuts filled the air. It seemed a bit incongruous for it to be there, this solemn memorial in the middle of such mayhem, but as it turned out I realized eventually how truly appropriate it was.

When I first approached I realized the mural is enormous, and from a distance all you can see is faces - a lot of faces, 157 to be exact. Why 157? Because they are the faces of 157 Canadian service people - soldiers, sailors, and aircrew - who have lost their lives in Afghanistan. People, that's an enormous number by any standards, and when you look at the mural overall you realize exactly how many we have lost.

I stepped into the semi-trailer for a closer look, and began to take photos. I thought I would take photos of a couple of individual faces, just for some perspective, but as I began to focus my camera something happened. Something changed when I saw those faces through my camera lens.  I took a photo of one face, and noted the expression. I took a photo of a second face, and noted the eyes. And then suddenly I wasn't taking photos of paintings. I was taking photos of the faces of people who had died in service to our country, and I realized I couldn't stop taking them. With every face and every photo I got closer to tears and more and more questions welled up inside me. What where these people like? Who were they? Did they have children? What about their husbands and wives, parents and siblings? What did they like? Were they into rock music or country? Did they love sports? What were their favourite TV shows and movies? What could they have done and been - had they lived?

I took photo after photo after photo. I looked into those painted faces and saw not paint but people. People who, regardless of what anyone thinks of our mission overseas, gave their lives for this country and the people in it. I was awed and humbled and proud and deeply, deeply saddened. Each and every one of those faces has someone out there who loves them and misses them. Each and every one of those faces represents a life ended before it should have, and a loss for all of us.

I had a hard time walking away from the Portraits of Honour. I think I could have spent all day there, just looking deeply into those faces and wondering about these people. I think I could have spent hours thinking about what their loss means to their families, to their country, and to all of us. Later that day I was chatting backstage with two of the security detail and it turns out they are both ex-military - and one of them knew several of the people who were depicted on that mural. I could barely speak to him when he revealed that, simply because I was afraid I would burst into tears and embarrass both him and me. I simply told him that I couldn't imagine what it was like for him to see the mural, and I still can't. I know what it was like for me, and I didn't know any of those faces. For him it must have been almost surreal.

So, as I said initially I thought the position of the mural at the head of the midway was incongruous, but I was so very wrong. Not only did it being there mean that it was bound to catch the attention of everyone who visited the midway, it also meant something else. It meant that these service people were surrounded by a swirl of activity and the joy of a carnival. I bet at some point most of the people behind those painted faces had been to carnivals and ridden the rides and heard the music and ate the mini-donuts. In some ways this was the perfect setting as the stark reality of all those faces in the middle of all this happiness and excitement made you realize that those 157 should have been in that crowd, waiting in line for the Zipper, eating a mini-donut, and holding the hand of a loved one.

There was only one thing that troubled me about the Portraits of Honour, people. At the edges of the mural there is some empty space, and I fear that it has been left in order to add new faces to it. I fear more faces will appear on that mural, and I am so heartbroken to even think it. I had an amazing, incredible, exciting summersEND weekend, people - but perhaps what hit me closest to home, and what impacted me the most, was a work of art, heart, and soul housed in the back of a semi-trailer. I'll never forget the experience - or those faces.

summersEND Starts Today!

Well, tonight's the night, people! Do you already have your tickets for the big concert? If not there are still tickets available. I know I've said that I'm not a big fan of country music, and that remains true - but I am always intrigued by people of vision and passion, and artists like Reba and Victoria Banks don't become successful without those qualities.

summersEND isn't just about the concerts, either. The midway rides are set to go at Mac Island, and they look both terrifying and enticing. Yesterday I saw a mini-donut booth and started to get all quivery inside. And then there's all the other fun stuff, too, like the Dance Xplosion competition.

I must admit that I am particularly excited to be volunteering with Events Wood Buffalo for this event. I spent a few hours with them yesterday and went from "impressed by what they do" to "completely blown away". I've committed the next three days to them, and I am thrilled to have done so. I can't wait to see an event like this from their side of the fence, and I am so eager to see it all come together.

So, Fort Mac, you may not hear from me much the next few days. I plan to throw myself into this weekend with all the energy I can muster, and I plan to squeeze the last few bits of summer out of it, too. I will be at Mac Island, and I sincerely hope you will be, too. I cannot imagine a better place to celebrate the end of summer, people. It's gonna be one helluva weekend - let's see summer 2011 out in style, shall we?