Jasper will be buzzing with all sorts of sights, sounds and tastes for the next couple of weeks as part of the Arts with Altitude festival.

The festival runs Sept. 23 to Oct. 2 and will feature a wide variety of events and activities, beginning in earnest this Saturday with Artcetera, a day that will bring artists to the streets to perform.

Musicians, painters, poets and more are welcome to contact the Jasper Habitat for the Arts to register for a chunk of sidewalk. This will be a one-time deal only, as busking is not normally allowed on the streets of Jasper. In this case  however, the registered artists will be able to perform.

Throughout the festival artists and businesses will also be teaming up to create art and make the streets a little brighter. Awards will be handed out for the best display.

On Sept. 25 at 7 p.m., the Habitat will be showing a film on Canadian slam poet Darek Dawda. 

On Sept. 27, a celebration of the famous celebrities who have spent time in Jasper for films will be held. Touched by a Star will feature Marilyn Monroe and Bing Crosby’s movies, followed by a presentation from Sandy Robinson, who will have photos and stories of the days when the two celebrities were in Jasper. River of No Return will be shown at 2 p.m. followed by Emperor Waltz at 4 p.m., and The Railroader at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m. Robinson will speak. Admission is by donation to the Habitat. 

From Sept. 28 to 30 the Jasper Film Club will launch their season with three nights of films. See page 9 for more information on the film nights and the new season ahead for the club. 

For the first time in Jasper, a celebration will be held to honour area artists at the Raven’ About the Arts Awards. On Sept. 30 at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre, an awards ceremony will celebrate 10 different artists. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, and the ceremony will get under way at 6 p.m.

On Oct. 1, Robson Park will be packed with music, kids and crafts for the Robson Fair. The event starts off with a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by a drum circle at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and bang on a drum or two.

At noon the Folk and Blues Stage will feature Ray Elliott, Dayna Manning and Dave Tolley. Throughout the day there will be a children’s area with puppet and mask making, and chalk art. A craft area will feature local artists and artisans.

The Jasper Library is also hosting a “Living Library.” See page 9 for more on this exciting and new idea. 

On Oct. 2, the third annual Variety Show and Bowls With Souls will start at 5:30 p.m. Bowls will be made locally by Dish Pottery. More than 100 bowls will be available to choose from and take home after enjoying dinner. At 6:30 p.m. the ever-popular Cake Off will take place, and professional and non-professional bakers will compete for the title of best cake. Cakes must be submitted to the judges by 5 p.m. The judges will decide based on taste and design.

At 7 p.m. the Variety Show will start with an open stage for musicians, dancers and more. The free family event is open to anyone with a talent to step on stage. Contact the Habitat at 780-852-4747 to book some stage time.