By Sheldon Spackman/ Photos and Video by Lindsay Wiebe

The City of Red Deer will join other communities throughout the world today in marking International Women’s Day March 8th. Among the activities slated for our city, a “Reflection Event” taking place at the old Sport Check location at the Parkland Mall from 9 am to 4 pm.

Red Deerians are encouraged to drop in and take some time to reflect on women who have been murdered and ones that are missing. The event is being hosted by the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre where staff plan on showing the missing and murdered women’s absence by displaying many pairs of shoes in a room. Those shoes will be accompanied with a short description of the women and children that once filled our lives with love, happiness and joy. In their absence, it’s hoped you will have the chance to reflect on their lives.

Later this evening, it will be “Celebration of Women Around the World”. The Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E.) and Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG) are inviting you to celebrate local and international women at this cultural café. There will be short presentations, social conversation and treats at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery as International Women’s Day is celebrated. It’s run from 6:30 – 8 pm, is free to attend and everyone is welcome.

Also on Wednesday night, it’s an International Women’s Day Concert at the Hub on Ross Street. Justine Vandergrift, Randi Boulton, Liz Stevens, Erin Kay and Billi Ziz will perform Songs in the Round from 7 until 9 pm. The concert is suitable for all ages. Admission is $20.