Trader Tales returning to Fort Whoop-Up

By Jensen, Randy on July 15, 2020.

Actors from New West Theatre perform at Fort Whoop-Up for a previous Trader Tales production. Photo courtesy Tourism Lethbridge/Stephen Braund

Lethbridge Herald

Fort Whoop-Up is partnering with New West Theatre, the Friends of the Galt and Dunlop Ford to present two new Trader Tales fundraising events at Fort Whoop-Up.

On Friday and Aug. 21, traders will once again visit the Fort and regale audiences with stories from the 1880s when Fort Whoop-Up was alive with trade and interaction with the Blackfoot Nation.

“The 150th anniversary of the founding of Fort Whoop-Up provides a wonderful opportunity to re-think and discuss settler culture in southwestern Alberta,” notes CEO Darrin Martens in a news release.

The one-hour theatrical performance by Lethbridge’s New West Theatre will be the highlight of both evenings. Ticket holders are invited to participate in a private tour of the Fort, relax in a social-distanced wagon ride, enjoy a special dinner prepared by the Fort’s chef and a beverage before and after each play.

The Trader Tales program has been running at the Fort for the past several seasons. In the past, the program has been an opportunity for visitors to have individual interactions with an actor playing the role of an 1880s trader at the Fort. This program will be two different scripted plays featuring two actors performing for the audience.

“This is a great way to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Fort,” says Resource Development and Volunteer Co-ordinator Chris Roedler. “We are very pleased to partner with New West Theatre to bring these new Trader Tales to life.”

Roedler adds that “these fundraisers will also feature a delicious dinner prepared by the Fort’s own chef – pulled bison on bannock bread, salad, roasted potatoes and squash.”

Visitors are asked to be mindful of social distancing and all other hygiene protocols that are in place by Alberta Health Services to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Each night on July 17 and Aug. 21 will feature a new set of stories. Tickets are $30 for adults 18 and over, $20 for teenagers 13 to 17, and free for children under 12. A savings of $5 will apply if buying for both nights.

Tickets available online only at fort.galtmuseum.com.

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