Historic Calgary Week opens July 24 with more than 90 events across southern Alberta

More than 90 events, walks, tours and exhibits will run through August 3 as the 36th annual Historic Calgary Week explores the individuals and decisions that shaped the region under the theme Chinook Country: Influences and Icons.

Organizer Walt DeBoni says the festival digs beneath the headlines. "Especially in times of chaos in the world, one wonders how you as an individual can have an impact," he said. "Learning from the actions of our predecessors will show how the little actions of individuals can have an important effect on our way of life."

Highlights include a history trivia night at the King Eddy, opening day presentations at the Central Library from columnist Doug Coats on Ten Tiny Tales That Mattered and Postmedia Calgary Editor-in-Chief Monica Zurowski on Iconic Headlines, Influential Storylines. Other events span warehouse walkabouts, a tour of historic Francophone quarters, an Indigenous walk and drum event at Nose Hill, and walks through Fish Creek, the Reader Rock Garden, and the Chinese cemetery. The festival also extends to Nanton, Airdrie, High River, Okotoks, Chestermere and Cochrane.

Two exhibitions at the Central Library will feature modern photographs of iconic historic places, with sales supporting the Chinook Country Historical Society. Some events require registration. Full details and the brochure are available at chinookhistory.ca.