Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild member Snake Rocket (aka Lemmy Davis) Rolls Past Moose (aka Morgan Hardie), March 2024

Photo courtesy Kris Godfrey

This event will celebrate the opening of two new temporary exhibitions (Game Play, on from October 19, 2024—March 2, 2025; and Building a Legacy: The Sportsplex at 50, on from October 26, 2024—April 6, 2025). Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the people and organizations profiled in the exhibition, while also taking part in a variety of fun drop-in activities and scheduled challenges/demonstrations.

Regular Admission Applies | Free for members

Launch Party Activities:

12:00 pm-Opening Remarks: Brief introduction to the exhibitions by Galt CEO and Curator, dignitaries

12:30pm – Chess Challenge: Do you have the moves? Marty Heavy Head Jr. will take on a ***special guest challenger TBD*** to a game of chess, using Marjie Crop Eared Wolf’s special Nitsitapii Chess Set. This chess set, conceived in 2017, was inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action. Crop Eared Wolf has made several copies of this chess set to initiate discussions between Nitsitapii and settler people. Community members will also be able to take part in the challenge after the featured guest.

1:30pm – Roller Derby Demo: Members of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild will strut their stuff, showing off some of the key gear involved in playing this exciting sport, and allow visitors to better understand the basics of how roller derby is played.

2:00-2:30 pm – Rollerskating/inline rail demo: Brief introduction about the park skating community. Skaters will demo various tricks on the rails.

2:30pm – Blackfoot Games with Mary Ellen Little Mustache: Join in the fun with a variety of different games, with space for everyone to get involved! Stories, songs, games, and tea.

All-day Drop-in Activities:

Sportsplex History: flip through the original construction drawings from Lethbridge’s sports arena built 50 years ago, and chat with VisitLethbridge.com Arena staff about some of the building’s “hidden histories” and upcoming events!

Lethbridge Dopamine Boxing: Strap on some gloves and release some energy beating up “Bob” the punching dummy. Learn more about this local group supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Paper Planes: how far you can make yours fly?

Big Time Games: try out mega-sized Jenga, and other large format games!