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Sam Steele Days Outdoor Show co-hosts named
Sam Steele Days is part of the national celebration for 150 years of confederation. The Government of Canada has partially funded the festival’s free central fairgrounds shows.
Expect a significant heritage flair throughout the show, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday June 18 at the new venue, Balment Park.
The characters of Sir Sam Steele and Jacques Plante, played by Cranbrook Community Theatre’s Michael Prestwich and Jerrod Bondy, will weave a historical thread for the audience as the entertaining co-hosts who enlighten all about these interesting, honourable and sometimes humorous Canadian characters. This two-day family friendly event will be live-streamed to YouTube thanks to Shaw and Artistic Media Productions.
Michael Prestwich was born and raised in Williams Lake and spent most of the first few decades of his life there. He moved to Cranbrook in May of 2010 after obtaining his law degree from the University of Alberta, and has been practicing in the East Kootenay ever since. He is the proud father of three adult daughters, none of whom, unfortunately, live in the area.
“I have been slowly immersing myself in the culture and history of the Kootenai. It is really starting to feel like home,” he said.
Michael has two Cranbrook Community Theatre production performances to his credit: Making God Laugh – October of 2015 and Lucy in October of 2016.
“I am very excited about being involved in the Sam Steele Society Canada 150 Project, especially being asked to portray the incredible Sam Steele. It will be a real challenge to portray this powerful man of such strength and integrity. He has been described as an officer and not a gentleman. I think however, he was very much a gentleman, but a gentleman whose personal integrity set him apart from those who only considered themselves gentlemen. What an amazing way to celebrate Canada’s 150th!”
Jerrod Patrick Bondy moved to the East Kootenay 12 years ago and is proud to call it home. When he is not busy enjoying the outdoors, Jerrod likes to play board games with friends, read fiction novels, and cook delicious vegetarian meals. Jerrod recently completed his second year of teacher education studies and is planning to have a fun, active summer break!
“I feel honoured to be able to perform in the Sam Steele Days Canada 150 show. Working in cooperation with the Government of Canada, the Sam Steele Society’s Canada 150 project supports the arts and allows local performers the opportunity to celebrate the history of the country as well as the individuals who have helped make Canada a great place to live. I am pleased to be able to portray former Montreal Canadiens goalie and innovator, Jacques Plante during the outdoor show (This is Me. This is We. Strong. Proud. Free.) at the Sam Steele Days Central Fairgrounds at Balment Park. Plante was the first goaltender to wear a goaltender mask and was instrumental in developing and testing goalie masks with the aim of preserving the health of Canada’s young athletes. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Cranbrook Community Theatre for their continued support of the local arts scene.”
You may have seen Jerrod perform in Spamalot last January.
The non profit Sam Steele Society volunteer festival committee is pleased to collaborate with Cranbrook Community Theatre in adding this very special Canadian tribute to Cranbrook’s largest community festival. More information about their wonderful project partners and the incredible line up of local performers can be found HERE.
Sam Steele Society
