CALGARY - More than one thousand people gathered to help Bow Valley College celebrate turning 50 at a free block party, at Olympic Plaza on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

The highlight of the day was when our tuition contest winner was revealed to an excited and expectant crowd. The lucky winner was BVC student Victoria Tenthorey, who is in the Practical Nursing Program. Tenthorey was very thrilled to have won, and said she looks forward to putting the prize towards her remaining courses.  

The event featured a concert by Calgary singer and songwriter Michael Bernard Fitzgerald (MBF). His lively set included old favourites and songs from his new album "Yes" such as Firecracker, and Man Overboard. MBF's fans enjoyed the concert, and even took the opportunity to cool off in Olympic Plaza Lake, which became an impromptu dance floor.  

Another great moment took place when the public helped to paint tiles for a new Dean Stanton mural for the College. This art work will be in the College's North Campus for students and the public to enjoy for many years to come.

The block party also had food trucks, free Fiasco Gelato, a DJ, and a hoop dancer. And there were plenty of kid friendly activities including balloon artists, stilt walkers, a magician, air brush tattoo artists, and face painters.

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Editor's Notes   

For video of Victoria Tenthorey's win please go to the BVC Facebook page.   

Artist Biographies  

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald (MBF) is a 29-year old singer and songwriter from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His most recent studio release, "YES", is an eclectic, pop- driven, soul-fueled record produced by Jon Levine (Serena Rider) and Brian West (K'naan, Nelly Furtado). Inspired by Motown, Paul Simon, Springsteen and A Tribe Called Quest, "YES" is a lyric driven, moog heavy, body of work.

Dean Stanton has been wowing clients and customers alike in Calgary and across the country for over 20 years.  A graduate from ACAD (Alberta College of Art & Design), Stanton has made a name for himself with landmarks such as the Sunalta School Mural under his belt.

Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 15,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in business and health career training, adult upgrading, and English Language Learning. BVC's Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), workplace training for immigrant professionals and employment services provide a wide range of services for businesses and professionals.