The Grande Prairie Museum is currently hosting its latest exhibit, Lace ’em Up, which delves into the rich sports history of Grande Prairie. The exhibit, located at the Campbell/Rodacker Gallery, features a wide array of rare jerseys, photographs, and sports memorabilia that showcase the early sporting events of the region. With a collection of vintage hockey sticks and homemade baseball bats, the museum highlights the rarity of these artifacts, as many sporting items were often used until broken.
Grande Prairie has a long-standing history of sports, dating back to its early settler days. The first locally recorded sporting event took place in 1910 and included a baseball game and horse racing. The following year, an impressive sporting event on Dominion Day (now Canada Day) attracted 500 people to Grande Prairie. Activities such as soccer, wrestling, hammer throwing, pole vaulting, various races, and even a pillow fight entertained the crowd. Considering that the population of Grande Prairie was only around 50 people at the time, the event drew a significant number of attendees from the region.
Although the first recorded hockey game did not occur until 1913 on Lake Saskatoon, winter sports such as curling and skiing were always popular in the area. Ski jumps were even built, with the closest one located in the Bear Creek Valley. However, due to the challenging travel conditions of the time, sports teams formed throughout the region. Twilight, an area near Glen Leslie, had its own baseball team, while Hermit Lake boasted its own sports club. These teams brought together the many residents scattered across the land.
The exhibit also pays tribute to some of Grande Prairie’s most notable sporting events. These include the 1995 Canada Winter Games, the 2000 Alberta Summer Games, the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, the 2015 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games, and the 2018 Alberta Summer Games. As curator Charles Taws points out, Grande Prairie has always been a prominent center for sports and continues to grow in importance. This year, the city is set to host several sporting events, including the Alberta Winter Games, the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship, and the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games.
One of the highlights of the exhibit is its interactive portion, offering visitors the chance to engage in various sporting activities. From a Lumoplay hockey game to foosball, bubble hockey, and floor curling, participants can have a hands-on experience while learning about the city’s sports history. Additionally, Taws recommends the Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection Try-it Day, where children can connect with different sports. The next Try-it Day is scheduled for January 27, with registration opening on January 18.
Those interested in exploring the sports history of Grande Prairie through the Lace ’em Up exhibit will have until early April to visit the museum. The exhibit promises to be a captivating journey through time, showcasing the impact and legacy of sports on the community. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or simply keen on learning more about the city’s heritage, Lace ’em Up offers a comprehensive and engaging experience.
