Help Light the Midway at Fort Edmonton Park

This Yegventures post is sponsored by the Fort Edmonton Foundation.

Latest update: There are less than 1000 bulbs left to purchase, with a deadline of May 31, 2021. Help them get to $1 million!

You’ve probably seen a few ads or posts regarding the Fort Edmonton Foundation’s Light the Midway campaign. However, this campaign is only one component of many enhancements being made currently at the site.

We had the opportunity to look into depth about this exciting project of a larger campaign to raise $11 million to transform one of the most beloved landmarks in the city.

Who is the Fort Edmonton Foundation?

The Fort Edmonton Foundation is a charity in Edmonton that raises funds, with community support, to bring capital projects and other initiatives to Fort Edmonton Park. 

Light the Midway

The Fort Edmonton Foundation is looking to raise $1 million by selling symbolic bulbs for very ambitious improvements and the expansion of sites at Fort Edmonton Park. These 20,000 ‘symbolic’ bulbs represent actual lights which will ‘Light the Midway’, one of several enhancements to the visitor experience when Fort Edmonton Park re-opens in 2021.

The 1920s Johnny J. Jones Midway

If you’ve ever visited Fort Edmonton, you will know that the 1920s midway is the first visual aspect to Fort Edmonton Park as you step into this premier cultural attraction. This historic amusement park brings back great memories for adult visitors of their childhood and sparks wonder and amazement for children who come to visit.

The midway currently includes a Ferris wheel, indoor carousel, wood workshop to view carousel pieces being built for both Fort Edmonton Park and Edmonton Valley Zoo, and various midway game kiosks.

Fun fact: Johnny J. Jones was the owner of a travelling exposition company which was only exceeded in size by the Ringling Bros, and Barnum and Bailey Circus. His exposition of concessions and amusement rides came to Edmonton regularly during the 1920s

Expansion of the Midway

Light the Midway will of course add lights to light up the midway for evening events at Fort Edmonton Park, but to accommodate more visitors, the midway will also be expanded to include more games, rides, an event tent and other offerings for everyone to enjoy.

Say hello to an even bigger Ferris wheel, a walk-through maze, a games alley, funhouse, and the Cabinet of Curios exhibit – a collection of novelties intended to surprise and delight – with this expansion.

Supporting Light the Midway

Supporting Fort Edmonton Foundation’s Light the Midway campaign is simple – buy a symbolic lightbulb for $50 each. With the donation, you’ll receive a commemorative certificate with your name, or a name of someone whom the bulb was purchased on behalf of.

People are buying bulbs for members of their family, dedicating them in memory of a loved one, in honour of someone special, or giving them as gifts for special occasions.

So far, the campaign has reached nearly 15% of the $1 million goal, so there’s still over 85% of bulbs available to buy!

Rewards & Awards for Donors

Donors in this campaign will first of all receive certificates with the name of the individual whom the bulb is purchased for. They will also receive a tax receipt as the Fort Edmonton Foundation is a registered charity.

There are also exclusive Light the Midway t-shirts for those who raise a little bit more. For youth under 18, raising donations for a minimum of 2 bulbs ($100) will get you a t-shirt, while adults only need to raise a minimum of 4 bulbs ($200) to receive a t-shirt.

There’s many more rewards for various donation amounts, with each category receiving all rewards from lower donation amounts: under $500 includes a special gift from Fort Edmonton Foundation; under $1000 includes a family day pass in 2021; under $2500 has more merch, a sneak peek of the park group tour before the reopening, and family invite to the illumination event; $2500 or more includes a $100 gift card, social media recognition, annual family pass, and stage introduction at the illumination event.

There are additional reward categories for those under 18: under $500 includes an invite for 2 to the illumination event; $500 or more includes a sneak peek VIP tour before the grand re-opening!

Beyond rewards, there are also awards which recognize individuals, teams, schools, and organizations which raise the most during the campaign. The top three in each category will receive an invitation and recognition at the illumination event.

Buy a bulb today!

To buy a bulb or a string of lights to Light the Midway, visit lightthemidway.ca

Other projects at Fort Edmonton Park

Light the Midway isn’t the only project currently being supported by the Fort Edmonton Foundation. Stay-tuned for a separate post highlighting all the projects Fort Edmonton Foundation is fundraising for including the new Indigenous Peoples Experience, Front Entry Plaza and Guest Services Area, and much more.