Thanks to a Government of Alberta grant, visitors to this year’s Israel Pavilion at Heritage Festival will learn about the country through hands-on experiences. 

The Jewish Federation of Edmonton received over $20,000 from the Alberta Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grant Program. The program is intended to support community initiatives to increase cultural and cross-cultural awareness, and to educate Albertans to prevent and address racism.

One of the new exhibits is an archaeological dig where visitors will be searching through layers of sand to discover objects from Israel’s past. Participants may receive prizes if they find enough objects.

Another new feature that the grant is supporting is an immersive experience that showcases Israel’s technological innovations. Visitors will be invited to wear a virtual reality headset to explore 3D models of technology made by Israeli companies. 

Vish will be on-site preparing the pavilion’s food. The menu includes falafel or vegan shawarma pita pockets, Israeli salad, malabi (a vegan pudding), and a hummus bowl. 

The Israel Pavilion will be open on Sunday, August 6 and Monday, August 7. Heritage Festival is celebrating its 50th year but is in a new location due to the three-year closure of Hawrelak Park. The festival will be hosted in the Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park. The Israel Pavilion is located in the racetrack infield.