Fort Macleod celebrates successful college bid

FRANK MCTIGHE MACLEOD GAZETTE EDITOR

More than 500 people packed the community hall Saturday night to celebrate Fort Macleod's successful bid for the police college.    They paid their way in with donations of food and cash to the Salvation Army food bank, dined on a meal served by Citizens On Patrol and tipped back drinks from a cash bar that raised money for the Santa Claus Parade committee.    "This evening, the program is to support our community," said Gordon MacIvor, economic development officer for the Town of Fort Macleod. "I want to thank each and every one of you."    As people entered the hall councillors presented them with new Fort Macleod pins.    The crowd was treated first to a Travel Alberta video filled with images on the scenic province, and then viewed the DVD prepared as part of Fort Macleod's bid package.    "This is the presentation that I hope was one of the main factors in our winning the bid," MacIvor said.    The DVD contained interviews with Fort Macleod residents speaking in support of the bid, as well as colourful images showing the town at its best.    That was followed by a slide show of photographs by Harley Brown and Mike Harris during the July 25 visit of the MLA site selection committee.    Video from the Aug. 30 press conference at The Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police to announce the decision was then shown.    That video was followed by a slide show of photographs from that event with the song We Are the Champions providing the sound track.    "Celebrate, Fort Macleod," MacIvor urged the crowd.