Fort Steele circa confederation’s first decade celebrated Canada’s 146th birthday July 1.

The heritage town near Cranbrook was in full bloom thanks to cloudlessly blue skies and recent rainy weather, as hundreds milled around the town.

A pie-eating contest attracted a large and boisterous crowd as youngsters and adults, hands behind their backs, tucked into creamy pies face first.

Visitors were also treated to an Ice creaming making demonstration, gold panning, wagon rides and entertainment at Wildhorse Theatre – all with a small army of volunteers in period dress, politely enquiring about moderns things “fandangled” and bringing the sprawling portal to the late 19th Century in the Canadian Rockies to colourful life.

The summer season is in full swing at Fort Steele Heritage Town.

Wild West Wednesday returns to Wednesday, July 10.

Treat yourself to a delicious western barbecue and train ride… “but be careful…there is bandits out there fixin’ to rob the train. Hold on to yer gold!”

Please click on an image to enlarge and to begin self-directed slide show.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW and

Carrie Schafer/Through My Eyes Photography

Article Share