LUNASA FESTIVAL: Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Maple Creek News

Like mother, like son.

Last month, Olivia Bircham briefly swapped supervising Maple Creek’s pool for taking on the Utah Spartan Race. She overcame 30 obstacles, enduring steep climbs and soaring temperatures.

On Saturday, her five-year-old son, Eric (pictured), faced his own challenge in sweltering heat – the “Mighty Jump” at the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre’s 4th Annual Lunasa Children’s Festival.

”He’s done it five or six times already – don’t worry, he’ll do it again,” Olivia told the News-Times photographer concerned about missing one of Eric’s mighty moments.

She was right. Eric was soon clambering up steps, pausing momentarily at the top, before leaping into the air and descending onto a massive inflatable.

Eric obviously shares his mom’s love of adventure and enjoys an outdoors life at the Piapot family ranch.

“He even helps me with my training,” she laughed.

The “Mighty Jump” attracted lots of other thrill-seekers, including William Winsor, also 5. His boldness inspired 11-year-old sister, Elena, who had reached the summit of the neighbouring 20ft climbing wall, but initially baulked at the “Mighty Jump”, perhaps put off by the expectant cameras below.

Then she did it, her arms spread like wings as she came in for a soft landing.

The excitement of being airborne was also provided by bungee jumping.

When the News-Times arrived in the morning, nine-year-old Juneau Barr, from Medicine Hat, was having a fantastic time. After agreeing to a photograph, her jumps became higher and higher, and her smiles became wider and wider.

The “Mighty Jump”, portable “Climbing Wall”, “4 Station Reverse Bungee”, and “Human Hamster Balls” were part of Dan Hamilton’s array of Bounce of Fun rides and castles, which transformed the Jasper Centre grounds into a magical wonderland.

Other activities included facepainting, making balloon animals, and, of course, Artisan Alley on a section of Jasper Street fronting the centre.

For the thirsty – and who wasn’t on such a baking hot day with temperatures climbing into the high 30s? – and hungry, food vendors were kept busy through the day.

One of the visitors was Darwin Hildahl, who lives in the Creekside apartments block next to the Jasper Centre. Four years shy of becoming another Maple Creek centenarian, he preferred to be part of the action, rather than watching or hearing from his apartment.

“I’m at amazed at what is happening,” he said.

Darwin, who has Norwegian blood in his veins, came to Maple Creek five years ago after 20 years in Medicine Hat. Before that, he spent 72 years on a farm near Shaunavon.

At no time has he regretted his decision to settle in Maple Creek.

His family connection to the town runs deep. His sister, Donna Redick, used to attend the old Jasper School, now the Jasper Centre. Today, she is being looked after in Maple Creek.

Last year, Darwin was able to attend the Lunasa Festival on foot. This year, he got around in a type of scooter wheelchair, which still gives him independence.

Of course, not all the action was in the Jasper Centre grounds. Many people took the opportunity to go inside the building and view galleries or check out the books in the front office.

On Sunday, the Jasper Centre was closed as staff took a breather after Saturday’s festivities.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out for some fun,” the Jasper Centre said in a social media post. “Seeing our grounds filled with families, laughter, creativity, and community spirit made all the hard work worthwhile.

“A huge thank you to Dan Hamilton Bounce of Fun for providing the rides and bouncy castles. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the vendors who made Artisan Alley such a wonderful place to browse and shop, and to our fantastic food vendors who kept everyone well-fed throughout the day.

“Most importantly, thank you to our incredible volunteers. From face painting, supervising activities, welcoming visitors, and everything in between—you gave your time, energy, and smiles to make the festival a success. Simply put, we couldn’t do it without you.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Lunasa Children’s Festival such a memorable day. We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we’re already looking forward to next year.”