What is
Ed fest?
Ed Fest Arts & Music Festival is a two-day free to attend celebration of creativity and expression held at Rotary Park on September 6th and 7th, offering an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
The festival boasts a dynamic lineup, including performances by Leonard Sumner, Souls in Rhythm, Derina Harvey Band, and Tonye Aganaba. In addition to musical acts, there will be circus performers, interactive art installations, and a mesmerizing lantern parade. Did we mention food trucks and beer?
The festival features workshops and an art competition organized by Cranbrook Arts. An artisan market, in collaboration with the Cranbrook Farmer’s Market, will offer local crafts and goods, providing a perfect spot to discover unique items and support local artisans.
This year’s festival embraces the whimsical history of Ed the elephant, who famously escaped from a traveling circus in Cranbrook nearly a century ago. Festivities will include a downtown “stampede” with a large puppet of Ed, and attendees are encouraged to wear carnival-themed costumes to join in the fun.
The community showcase stage will highlight local talent in dance, music, and other performing arts, showcasing the rich cultural fabric of Cranbrook. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a family-friendly event, Ed Fest 2024 promises something for everyone.
Mark your calendars for September 6th and 7th at Rotary Park, Cranbrook, and join the celebration of community and creativity.
In August 1926, the tranquil town of Cranbrook, British Columbia, was jolted into excitement by an unexpected event: the arrival of the Sells-Floto Circus. This American circus, renowned for its spectacular animal acts, brought with it a parade of elephants. However, the situation quickly turned chaotic when 14 elephants stampeded out of their enclosures.
Most of the elephants were swiftly recaptured, but one elephant, later named Cranbrook Ed, managed to evade capture. Ed's escape captivated the town and the surrounding areas for more than a month. The elusive elephant roamed the forests and hills, becoming a local legend as residents reported sporadic sightings.
During his time on the loose, Ed traversed a variety of terrains, from dense woods to open fields. People were both fascinated and fearful, as it was not every day that an elephant wandered the Canadian wilderness. Efforts to capture Ed included organized search parties, the use of tracking dogs, bait and traps, aerial searches, and the involvement of local law enforcement and wildlife authorities. The community played a crucial role, reporting sightings and helping to track Ed's movements.
Ed’s adventure came to an end on September 12, when he was found near Jim Smith Lake, feasting on local produce. His capture marked the conclusion of a remarkable saga that had gripped Cranbrook and made headlines.
Ed’s story has since become an integral part of Cranbrook's cultural heritage, symbolizing a spirit of adventure and resilience. Today, Ed Fest celebrates this unique history, inviting the community to come together in a joyous and creative celebration. The idea of Ed's escape has become a lasting image of breaking free. We celebrate this metaphor as we break free of the usual and allow our imaginations and creativity to soar. Importantly, Ed Fest does not celebrate animals in captivity but rather honours the spirit of Ed’s adventure and the community's unity during that extraordinary time.