In 2012 we shall celebrate 250 years since
the De Beer brothers: Zacharias, Mathys and Johannes arrived to
establish their farm de Queekvalleij at the foot of the Zwartberg.
Please bookmark this page as we shall be loading details of special
events as we near the start of what promises to be a bumper year of
celebrations and festivity for
Prince Albert
.
Plans so far include:
January:
our Mayor Councillor Goliath Lottering will launch the year of
celebrations as our Municipality commemorates 110 years since its
inception.
February
is dedicated to our young people with drama, colouring-in competitions
and story writing at all our schools. Our Garden Club have invited
Ernst van Jaarsveldt to present a slide show to celebrate their
birthday. During the year they plan to establish a new garden in the
village. The Kieliebeentjies band
celebrate their 10th birthday with a Valentine
Dance in the school hall.
March
focuses on the 100th anniversary of the ACVV and the 40th
birthday of Huis Kweekvallei, whose residents will host tea parties
for locals.
April
is always Olive
Festival month and we'll also raise a glass at the 'Witblitz
Stoking' as the Friends of the Museum mark their 30th
birthday. An exhibition of photographs of
Prince Albert
architecture - then and now, will be lauched during the month.
May
finds us looking at the stars with Astrotours and exploring Creative
Prince Albert with a nine day Arts and Crafts
Fair which will include displays, workshops and
storytelling.
June
- our Library celebrates 150 years - much to celebrate in this warm,
welcoming space. Patchwork Theatre are planning to stage Oliver,
particularly appropriate since Charles Dickens published the first
instalment of his famous serial 175 years ago. A moonlit market will
complete the celebrations.
July
will be a taste sensation with a Winter Feast and a Victorian Market. Will
locals don Victorian costumes? We hope so!
August
brings the NG Kerk's 150th bazaar with boere sport en
lekker kos and the congregation celebrates 175 years since it was
established.
September
is the jewel in the crown as De Beers from around South Africa
gather for the de
Beer Re-union to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of
Zacharius, Johannes and Mathys and their families. An Art Festival
will bring art into Kerkstraat. Heritage Day and National Braai Day
will be celebrated in true
Prince Albert
style.
October is dedicated to the centenary of our newspaper, The Prince
Albert Friend. The Patchwork Dolls, our busy patchwork club are
creating a Heritage Quilt, which will be on display at the
St John's
Flower festival (6th - 7th October 2012). The Thursday Club will serve
an International Tea Party in St John's Hall while the Flower Festival
takes place in the church.
November
brings us our eighth Oktoberfest on the 4th and more stars and stories around
campfires.
December
- our Saturday Market stallholders invite everyone to mark 15 years
since they opened for business - Christmas fare will fill the stalls.
A Carols by Candlelight Service will take place on the Day of
Reconciliation, bringing our year of celebrations to a joyful
conclusion.
The Writers Guld and one of our book clubs are also planning
events...
Full details and
specific dates for all the 2012 events will be added as more
information becomes available
