What better way to dive into the spring season than by attending the annual Spring Fest - set for May 3 in the Peter Lougheed Community Centre.
Hosted by the Wildrose Yodel Club, doors for the event open at 5:30 p.m.with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The concert starts at 8:30 p.m. followed by a dance.
"It's our 27th annual event this year," said Heini Hehli, one of the choir's members. "Basically, it's a great supper, and our performance, and then a dance after that," he said, adding an Alphorn player will be featured as well.
"We also always invite someone else to come in, and this year we invited Edwin Erickson who is an accordion player from Buck Lake."
Over the years, the club has also welcomed musicians ranging from fiddle players to classical artists - just to add more variety to the event as well.
The Wildrose Yodel Club was formed in 1997 by 10 immigrants from Switzerland with a passion to sing and yodel.
"Right now, we have 11 singers along with the director," Hehli said. Members practice every Thursday evening at St. Andrew's United Church in Lacombe from mid-October until the end of May.
"I was raised in Switzerland, and came here when I was 20. I always liked singing, and there were some really good choirs over there," he recalled.
"So we came here, met a few Swiss people, and any party we would go to, we would sing."
Eventually, the decision was made to launch the Wildrose Yodel Club. And they've been sharing their gift for music ever since - far and wide.
During November and December, choir members often visit local long-term care facilities and hospitals.
"We are also doing a performance here in Rimbey on April 13 at the hospital, and the manor, during the afternoon. It's also a preparation for our program on May 3."
As to yodelling itself, Hehli said it's about moving from your 'chest' voice to your 'head' voice. "It's that constant change - up and down," he explained.
Meanwhile, the May 3 concert promises to be a terrific time of enjoying some first-rate music, not to mention an excellent meal - plus it's an ideal time for community members to join for what has become a popular local springtime tradition.
"It's a fun time - people love to get together."
Their harmonies themselves are impressive to listen to, showcasing the skills that these singers have honed over the years of practicing and taking their shows across the region.
Hehli noted new members are always welcome to join the Wildrose Yodel Club, too.
For Spring Fest ticket information, call Heini Hehli at 403-704-5716.
