After thorough consideration, the Celebration of Excellence Committee, consisting of representatives from the Drumheller Rotary Club, Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, Town of Drumheller and Travel Drumheller, has made the difficult decision to officially cancel the Celebration of Excellence for 2020.

Initially planned for June 11, the event was put on pause with the hopes of rescheduling in the fall. However, the event has an expected attendance of over 200 people and there is still uncertainty over whether or not an indoor event of this size and nature could be held in the fall. Various options to hold the event virtually were explored, but committee members agreed that this particular event has a much greater impact for the community when all can gather and celebrate in person.

The Celebration of Excellence Committee is now making plans to host the awards gala in June 2021. The Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Travel Drumheller will automatically re-enter all nominations received this year into the 2021 awards.

Entries for the Badlands Scholarship and Leaders of Tomorrow Awards presented by the Town of Drumheller will be reviewed and winners announced early in July. These awards honor youth in the community that have shown excellence in academic performance and community involvement (Badlands Scholarship) or exemplary leadership in volunteerism (Leaders of Tomorrow). “These are the youth that will lead our community in the future; we look forward to celebrating them safely in July and wish them every success going forward!” states April Harrison, FCSS Coordinator.

Mayor Heather Colberg commented ‘It is disappointing to hear the Celebration of Excellence has to be cancelled this year, however, we know in light of the fact of all the things our community has been through in the past few months, we have to do what is right and best for the people and businesses in our community. I am looking forward to a fabulous event next year. Take care and stay safe.’

“It is unfortunate that we can’t celebrate our amazing business and tourism community, but we want to be able to properly make a big splash when it’s safe to do so with everyone” states Ryan Semchuk, chair of Travel Drumheller.

‘The Rotary Club supports the decision of the COE Committee to cancel the event for 2020 and that nominations be carried over until next year. We look forward to an even greater celebration in 2021’ noted Helen Peers of the Drumheller Rotary Club.

“On behalf of the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit nominations this year. While the current circumstances are unfortunate, I look forward to celebrating businesses, organizations and individuals in person next year!” expressed Heather Bitz, Executive Director.

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For more information, please contact:

Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce, Heather Bitz or Marley Henneigh, 403-823-8100
Drumheller Rotary Club, Tania Johnson 403-820-2661 or Helen Peers 403-823-3578
Town of Drumheller, Mayor Heather Colberg 403-823-0811
Travel Drumheller, Ryan Semchuk 403-823-2242

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