Official Messages
Message from Josée Verner
Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
The International Children’s Festival brings out the child in festival-goers of all ages from across Northern Alberta. Performances by artists from around the province, across the country, and other parts of the world ignite imaginations and encourage respect for our own cultural background and those of others.
As Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, I am pleased to support this festival, and I thank all those involved in making it an ongoing success.
L’International Children’s Festival donne l’occasion aux festivaliers de tous âges qui viennent du Nord de l’Alberta de retrouver leur coeur d’enfant. Les spectacles offerts par des artistes des quatre coins de la province, du pays et du monde stimulent l’imaginaire, tout en favorisant le respect de notre patrimoine culturel et de celui des autres.
À titre de ministre du Patrimoine canadien, de la Condition féminine et des Langues officielles, je suis heureuse d’appuyer ce festival et je remercie tous ceux qui contribuent à en faire une réussite d’une année à l’autre.
Message from the Honourable Hector Goudreau
Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture
MLA, Dunvegan-Central Peace
On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the 2008 International Children’s Festival.
For more than a quarter-century, the International Children’s Festival has been a playground of imagination, laughter and fun for hundreds of thousands of children — and this year promises to be no different. Children have the unique opportunity to learn valuable life skills through the power of song, dance, art and theatre. This festival greatly contributes to our province’s quality of life — which is a priority for our government.
Special thanks must go to the many organizers and volunteers of the festival. Your hard work and dedication to Alberta’s next generation is both encouraging and inspiring.
Enjoy the festival and the world of wonder!
Message from Nolan Crouse
Mayor of St. Albert
Discover the W.O.W. — World of Wonder — in St. Albert as we host the 2008 International Children’s Festival. This annual regional event delights thousands of children and the young at heart as they explore the spectrum of creative expression.
The City of St. Albert is honoured to open this window on the world as we feature both global and local artists, entertainers and educators. Come and be inspired by new ideas, unleash your creative energy and enjoy the fun and festivities.
Our dedicated staff and committed volunteers, with the collaboration of our sponsors and supporters, are ready to welcome you to the 2008 celebrations. Be prepared to enter a World of Wonder in St. Albert.
Message from the Presenting Sponsor
The International Children’s Festival inspires an appreciation of, and actively encourages participation in, the performing, literary and visual arts by our children. It allows them to explore our World of Wonder and life’s infinite possibilities by introducing them to many different cultures, traditions and modes of artistic expression.
The Festival invites children to express their individuality, gain confidence in their abilities and take pride in their accomplishments in a safe, imaginative and fun environment.
Tim Hortons is proud to be the presenting sponsor for the International Children’s Festival for the fifth consecutive year. Serving the community means more than fresh coffee. We’re happy to serve you each day, and even happier when we can help make a difference. By giving back to the communities in which we operate, we believe we can make the most meaningful difference. As always, we look forward to supporting the Festival and watching the opportunities grow for many years to come.
Everyone at Tim Hortons invites you to share the 2008 Festival experience. See the World of Wonder through a child’s eyes. Let your imagination roam free and share the excitement with your family and friends.
