East Kootenay Heritage Fair Showcases Young Historians

East Kootenay Heritage Fair Showcases Young Historians

The Cranbrook History Centre was filled with energy and inspiration on May 9 and 10, 2025, as students from across the East Kootenays gathered for the Regional Heritage Fair – a celebration of youth-led history projects and storytelling.

Held in the Royal Alexandra Hall, this year’s fair welcomed students in grades 5 through 9 from Cranbrook, Fernie, and surrounding communities. Over two days, they showcased creative, research-based projects on topics ranging from local legends to national milestones.

Friday, May 9 was judging day, where students were interviewed by local volunteer judges. Between interviews, students explored the museum, took part in guided train tours, and even tried their hand at traditional woodworking in a special skills demonstration.

Saturday, May 10 featured the Public Open House and Awards Ceremony. Families and community members came together to celebrate the hard work and creativity of the region’s young historians.

“Heritage Fair is a good way for kids to learn Canadian history in a fun way. I really appreciated how organized the fair was and how interested the judges were in all the projects. I am excited to go to Vancouver to meet new people, make some new friends and learn some things.”
— Oliver McCrae, Grade 6, Laurie Middle School

“I love doing Heritage Fair projects because I love history. I also get to learn things about my family. I have done three projects now and I am proud of my work. I like to pick topics that I think a lot of people don’t know much about, like the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, the Avro Arrow, and the Dieppe invasion. I am excited to go to Vancouver and meet other kids who love history as much as I do.”
— Brett Roberts, Grade 8, Parkland Middle School

The event is part of a province-wide initiative and was organized by the East Kootenay Heritage Fair Committee, a program of the Cranbrook History Centre, in partnership with BC Heritage Fairs, Canada’s History, and School District 5 Southeast Kootenay. It was made possible thanks to the incredible efforts of our volunteer team — including judges, event assistants, activity coordinators, and community supporters.

With generous support from our main sponsor, StellerVista Credit Union, three students were selected to represent the East Kootenays at the Provincial Heritage Fair in Vancouver this July:

  • Clara Michal – Grade 9, The Fernie Academy
    Project: Ma Francophonie…
  • Brett Roberts – Grade 8, Parkland Middle School
    Project: The Dieppe Invasion
  • Oliver McCrae – Grade 6, Laurie Middle School
    Project: Canadian Inventions

Participating schools included:
Amy Woodland Elementary, Kootenay Orchards Elementary, Parkland Middle School, Steeples Elementary, Highlands Elementary, The Fernie Academy, and Laurie Middle School.

We extend sincere thanks to the sponsors and community partners who made this event possible:

  • College of the Rockies
  • Cranbrook Arts
  • Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd.
  • Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24
  • Core Heritage Consulting Ltd.
  • Plus, numerous East Kootenay businesses who generously provided student prizes.

Learn more about Heritage Fair.

More image from the fair: