PRP was proud to produce the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games as well as the nighttime pyro musical Big Sky Spirit! On August 7th, the Opening Ceremony proved a massive celebration, featuring a cast of over 350 performers. Big-rig trucks, ATV’s, flying stunt motorcycles and explosive fire effects; world-renowned percussionists; helicopters; skydivers, and fly-overs celebrated the occasion. The stadium came to life with choreographed production numbers, ceremonial drums and celebrity speakers who welcomed the over 1400 athletes into the venue. Local musicians, Dan Gillies and Matieu Cote along with vocalists Shantelle Davidson and Sarah Canning represented the hometown talents of Wood Buffalo in true Alberta fashion, while the skies over Shell Place will came to life with a fireworks finale.
The Closing Ceremony on August 16th was a spectacular musical event. Juno-award winning artists The Sheepdogs headlined the massive celebration as the Games came to a close. Over 200 performers took to the stage as we honoured the athletes, celebrated the Games and paid tribute to future host region of Saskatchewan. From the Official Torch handover to the extinguishing of the Games’ cauldron, the Closing Ceremony also featured performances from Alberta’s-own Asani, Max Noseworthy Band, Dan Tulk and production numbers featuring over 80 dancers cast from the Fort McMurray area. The Ceremony featured a tribute to Games’ Volunteers and provided the Wood Buffalo region a chance to celebrate the athletes and bid farewell.
An epi-centre for athletes, spectators and residents of Wood Buffalo, Big Sky Spirit celebrated the spirit of the athletes and the guests of the Games. For two nights, set under the stunning CNOOC Nexen Canopy, Big Sky Spirit exploded to life with dancers, musicians, puppets, singers and dazzling special effects – a unique and breathtaking celebration. Internationally-renowned Scrap Arts Music was featured each night along with local musicians and dignitary speakers. Together, we celebrated the success and achievement of the Western Canada Summer Games.
PRP would like to thank the entire Ceremonies Team, Kim Rizzi, Angele Dobie, Cindy Amerongen, Ash Young, the Games Team, the team at Shell Place on MacDonald Island, and our hundreds of volunteers.