Brad Pramberg, a spokesman for Jehovah Witnesses of Canada, speaks at an announcement that the church will hold two weekend conventions at Co-op Place in Medicine Hat this June.--News Photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
A population roughly equivalent to the size of Redcliff will come to Medicine Hat on separate weekends to take part in a Western Canadian conference of Jehovah’s Witnesses this June.
“Exercise Patience” – a program of religious instruction, presentations and testimonials – will fill the Co-op Place over two weekends, church officials announced Tuesday.
Local tourism and hospitality officials said the expected 8,500 visitors will also fill local hotel rooms and restaurants, bring with them an economic impact of up to $4 million.
The events come after a similar convention was announced in late 2019 ahead of the following spring, but was cancelled when large indoor events were ceased as a health precaution measure.
“We were very excited to come three years ago, and we’re very happy to be coming back,” said church spokesman Brad Pramberg, during an afternoon media announcement at Co-op Place.
Members will come from southern Saskatchewan, southern Alberta including Calgary, as well as the southern interior of British Columbia.
This summer the church will hold 49 conventions in 29 locations, including the two in Medicine Hat.
“The theme will be ‘Exercise Patience’, and we’ve all had to exercise patience in our lives,” said Pramberg.
“The last three years were tough, but tough for everyone. We still held conventions but online, and had good events and information, but nothing beats being together with friends. We have such and intimate relationship with our fiends. To have it here in this setting is a real privilege.”
The conventions will take place on consecutive weekends – June 16-18 and June 23-25 – after joint co-ordination between the church and local tourism officials, such as the sport and event council.
Jace Anderson, of Tourism Medicine Hat, said the parties had kept in contact since the 2020 cancellation in hopes of bringing the event to the local arena, which provides enough seating and modern event production facilities.
Now, his group is telling restaurants and other activity providers to expect a wave of visitors looking for evening options on those weekends.
“It is going to be significant, because it is a significant number of people coming,” he said.
Elisha Amman, of the Medicine Hat Accommodation Association, said blocks of rooms set aside for the event were booked quickly after the dates were announced internally to church members.
At one hotel, the vacancies were filled within 15 minutes, and now most hotels in the Hat and even Brooks, are getting inquiries.
In terms of the city’s facility, the organizers will be responsible for event production and concessions, and managers are encouraged to add dates and a different style of event to the calendar.
“We’ve had a very busy spring,” said Trampas Brown, the event director for the city.
“It’s another way to utilize the building. It’s very exciting for the community.”
Pramberg said the event is a church event but will be open to all members of the community free of charge. More information on the program, including testimonials, presentations and multi-media events, will be released closer to the event.
