New Veterans Appreciation Event in Jasper offers support, deals, activities

Every November 11, the community of Jasper (and the rest of the country) remembers the sacrifices made by veterans in service to their country. This year, our small mountain town is expanding this special period of remembrance. For the first two weeks of November, from the first to the fifteenth, Jasper is inviting veterans, their families, and everyone else to take part in the Veterans Appreciation Event. Created to show support for our military veterans, Vet Fest will include events, activities, and dining throughout town, with many deals and discounts.

Here’s a few events to add to your itinerary.

No Stone Left Alone

Nov. 5 — 10:30 to 11:30

This program encourages the youth accross Canada to remember and understand the sacrifices made for the peace and freedoms we all enjoy today. Students are welcomed to the Jasper Cemetary to find and place a poppy on headstones of Jasper's fallen soldiers, honouring their service.

Indigenous Veterans Day

Nov. 8
Remember and pay homage to Indigenous veterans at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion and Cenotaph.

Celebrate Women Veterans

Nov. 9 — 10:30am

Gather at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion Cenotaph to celebrate women veterans and their contributions with a remembrance ceremony, tributes to Edith Cavell and women veterans alike. A Coffee and Cocktail reception will follow at noon with guest speaker Louise Abdou, an advocate for veteran mental health. Please note this is a ladies only event. The main lounge will remain open for all.

Remembrance Day

Nov. 11 — 10:30am

Join at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion Cenotaph for a Remembrance Day ceremony and further programming. The Royal Canadian Artillery Band will perform at 2 p.m.; prior to being in Jasper they'll be in London playing for Queen Elizabeth.

Veterans Tradeshow

Nov. 13

Learn about and support veteran businesses (and businesses helping veterans) at this showcase event. The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Drum Line will also be performing at the Tradeshow at 1 p.m.. Another performance by the Royal Canadian Artillery Band will follow at 2 p.m. Located at the Jasper Activity Centre, 303 Bonhomme Street.

2nd Annual Jasper Legion Mess Gala

Nov. 13

Dress up for this formal dinner at Jasper’s beloved watering hole, The Stand Easy. Located within the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion, the Stand Easy is a Jasper icon and this delicious ticketed event will celebrate the veterans, first responders, and those who support them at home. The evening will include performers and speakers, followed by a dance.

We Have NOT Forgotten Exhibit

Nov. 4-14

The Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives is a goldmine of historical keepsakes and stories for the region surrounding our mountain town. This special exhibit will focus on the men and women of Jasper who sacrificed so much to help build what we have and know today. While there, don’t miss the other exhibits detailing the area’s early history and the gift shop, which has the widest selection of local-focused books in town. Located at 400 Bonhomme Street. Admission to this exhibit is by donation.