The Trees of the Passion Play

Last year we planted 5 Schubert chokecherry trees out in front of the  Jerusalem wall. The trees were sponsored by individuals to honour a friend or family member.

This year we are adding a number of new trees to the set area (as seen in a closeup of the set rendering below).

1 Russian Olive - a thorny tree representative of the crown of thorns Jesus wore. 

2 Spire Ash - These trees turn a beautiful red colour each fall before the leaves fall to the ground and die. The colour brings to mind the blood Jesus shed for mankind.

1 Buckeye -  This tree produces a fruit that was crushed by native americans to make a nutritious meal they called "Hetuck".  The tree speaks to the words of Jesus, "this is my body that was broken for you." 

1 Larch - This tree reminds us of the resurrection for it has the appearance of an evergreen tree but it looses its needles each fall. Many think the tree has died and find it incredible how it comes back to life each spring. 

5 Swedish Aspen - These tall columnar trees reach toward the sky pointing us to both the ascension of Christ and also the hope of his return.

1 Bur Oak - A slow growing tree that can live up to 300 years. the Bur Oak symbolizes the everlasting life Jesus promised us.

Making CENTS- Things to do in Drumheller that wont cost a penny!

We hope you will all be making it to the Canadian Badlands Passion Play this year, but just incase you decide to spend all your money on tickets to the show, I've gone undercover to find you some FREE FUN in Drumheller, Alberta.

                                          1. Rotary Splash Park

2. Drumheller Fountain (Behind the fountain by the bridge is an underpass where you can walk down and watch the river. (the kids always love walking "under the big bridge and coming out on the other side)     

3. Rosedale Suspension Bridge (also called the swinging bridge by locals) 4. Hoodoos
5. The views from Horsethief Canyon are priceless, (Most visitors visit Horseshoe Canyon, another wonder just outside Drumheller as well)
6. Midland Coal- There are 2 spots seperated by a gravel road when you turn right off of Dinosaur Trail on your way out to the museum. Be sure to stop in and check out the building to the right but there is also a walking tour and artifacts from the old coal mine that once sat there.
7. The Little Church-  The "Biggest Little Church in the World" seats thousands. . . six at a time. It is located on North Dinosaur Trail just past the museum.

8. Find all the downtown Dinosaur statues
9. Picnic at McMullen Island or Newcastle Beach (overgrown beach here, still usable if you bring some towels to sit on and shallow enough for the kids to walk around and play in the river)
10. Drive the 11 bridges to Wayne
11. The Bleriot Ferry-Named after famous French pilot and balloonist Louis Bleriot, this is one of the last remaining cable-operated ferries in Alberta.
12. Hill Climb- many a childs summer are spent in these hills if you are a local from Drumheller.

13. The Nature Trail- There is a walking path that spreads through all parts of Drumheller, but our favorite section is walking from in behind the splash park along riverside drive. Halfway through it connects to a beautiful treed path along the Red Deer River. (Great for pictures too).
14. Tennis courts near the pool
15. Farmers Market every Saturday

16. Volunteer- The Canadian Badlands Passion Play is a great way to camp for free, meet a community of friends, all while volunteering for 1 or 7 days during the summer performances.