Established in 1966, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village was created to preserve southwestern Alberta’s vast pioneer heritage. Thanks to the efforts of staff and volunteers alike, the museum has grown to feature over 30 buildings and more than 30,000 artifacts.

Most of the buildings found in the pioneer village are authentic and restored, but maintaining these structures isn’t cheap. The museum has elected to run a progressive 50-50 fundraiser to support its continued efforts to preserve the region’s vibrant history.

“There’s plenty of grants to construct buildings, but there aren’t a lot of granting or funding opportunities for building repairs, especially if it’s a heritage building,” says office administrator Janelle Harris.

“We have limited access to funding, so it falls on us to keep these buildings in good condition and preserve them for generations to come. If we don’t, who will?”

Janelle says the goal is to raise $20,000 for repairs. 

“The community has always supported us, and this is just another way of doing so while having a chance to maybe help yourself at the same time, so we hope that everybody buys a ticket.” 

The lucky winner will be drawn Dec. 3, when KBPV hosts its 11th annual Largest Christmas Cookie Sale in Pincher Creek History.

One of the museum’s major fundraisers, the sale offers over 1,000 dozen cookies, along with pies, tarts, breads, squares and more for those looking for delicious, homemade Christmas treats.

People interested in supporting heritage conservation can visit the museum’s website at www.kootenaibrown.ca to purchase 50-50 tickets. You can also phone the museum and Janelle can take a credit card for ticket purchase.

Available to those 18 and over, each ticket is $5, and there is no limit to the number an individual can purchase.