On the Edge of Destruction: Remembering the Frank Slide

Crowsnest Pass, Alberta - This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Frank Slide, Canada's deadliest landslide disaster and a dramatic chapter of Alberta's history. A series of special events commemorating the slide will be presented throughout the year by the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre (located on Highway 3 overlooking the slide).

Before dawn on April 29, 1903, a massive wedge of limestone broke off the summit of Turtle Mountain, located in the Crowsnest Pass between southwestern Alberta and BC. Moving at an estimated 120 km per hour, rock slabs bigger than two-story houses crashed down the mountain towards the coal mining town of Frank, shot three kilometres across the Crowsnest valley, and surged 130 metres up the slope on the other side. In just 90 seconds, part of Frank was buried forever and at least 70 people were killed.

The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre brings to life the tragedy and moments of heroism through displays, interpretive programs, and audio-visual presentations. Open year-round, the Centre will commemorate the Frank Slide's centennial with a wide range of activities, including:

Tuesday, April 29
100th Anniversary of the Frank Slide
Presented in partnership with the Crowsnest Historical Society
1:30 p.m. at the Frank Slide memorial - bus shuttles from the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre to "Old Frank" start at 1 p.m.
Admission to the Interpretive Centre is free all day.

Join an outdoor commemorative service held in the old Frank town site, followed by a reception at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and the premiere showing of On the Edge of Destruction - The Frank Slide Story, a new high-definition production telling the story of the slide through the eyes of a young photographer who survived the disaster.

Friday, August 1
On the Edge of Destruction - In Concert With Connie Kaldor
7 p.m. - Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. Free.

In the event of bad weather the concert will be held inside the Centre. The whole family will enjoy this free outdoor concert by Juno Award winning singer and songwriter Connie Kaldor. Get your face painted or try our 30-foot outdoor climbing wall! A food concession and beer garden will also be available. This concert launches a weekend full of activities highlighting the slide's anniversary.

August 2 to August 4
Saturday, Sunday and Monday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre.
Included with admission to the Centre

Three days of unique activities for all ages plus presentations, workshops and tours exploring the dramatic and tragic story of the Frank Slide. Meet scientists and learn what they have discovered about the Frank Slide ... plus what they predict next for Turtle Mountain! Experience the amazing force of the slide with two exciting guided tours: one takes you to the summit of Turtle Mountain where the giant wedge of limestone broke away that fateful April morning (for more information on this hike, visit www.treadsoftlycanada.com); the other takes you scrambling over the slide rubble. Watch real-time recording of micro seismic data in the Frank Slide area. For exact details on activity times, visit www.frankslide.com or call the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre at (403) 562-7388.

The Centre's programs will be complemented by these commemorative activities taking place throughout the Crowsnest Pass:

April 29 - August 31
The Crowsnest Museum and Historical Society (in Coleman) presents an exhibit on the Frank Slide. For more information, phone (403) 563-5434 or visit www.telusplanet.net/public/cnmuseum.

July 18 - 20
Crowsnest Pass Rum Runner Days takes the slide's 100th anniversary as its theme for events including a parade, fireworks, children's activities and more. Contact Marion Vanoni at the Crowsnest Pass Municipality: (403) 562-8833.

August 22 to 24
The Running of the Rocks: The Frank Slide Race
Registration: August 22; Stage One: August 23; Stage Two: August 24.
For fees and registration, go to www.runningoftherocks.com Challenge yourself with this two-day adventure race! On August 23, race across the slide rubble in a recreation of the desperate scramble made in 1903 by CPR brakeman Sid Choquette to stop an approaching passenger train before it could slam into slide debris on the tracks. On August 24, race up and over the 2200 metre summit of Turtle Mountain. More info: www.runningoftherocks.com

August 1 - 31
The Crowsnest Pass Allied Arts Association (in Frank) presents Falling Rock, a multi-media show of paintings, photographs and sculpture highlighting the Frank Slide. For more information phone (403) 562-2218 or visit www.telusplanet.net/public/cnpaaa

Media Contact:
Cathy Pisony at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre: (403) 562-7388. By email at cathy.pisony@gov.ab.ca

Alberta Culture and Community Spirit Frank Slide Interpretive Centre P.O. Box 959, Blairmore Crowsnest Pass, Alberta T0K 0E0 Phone: (403) 562-7388 Fax: (403) 562-8635 Within Alberta, call 310-0000 and ask to be connected toll free. Email: info@frankslide.com