More than 1,000 people joined in on the fun at Fort Steele Heritage Town June 30 during Rock the Fort.

The celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday included performances by Fernie’s Shred Kelly, David James and rapidly rising star Chad Brownlee.

Shred Kelly’s Tim Newton, Sage McBride, Jordan Vlasschaert, Ian Page-Shiner and Ty West opened the show at about 5 p.m., as a hot sun blazed down and the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop shone.

Winnipegger David James was next up, showcasing why he was nominated for the 2014 Canadian Country Music Association Discovery Award and two Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) award nominations in 2016.

Finally, Kelowna-born Chad Brownlee, 33, and his band nailed down the evening’s entertainment with a rousing tour through his recent radio hits.

Brownlee also noted he lived in Cranbrook for four years as a child, recalling a visit to Fort Steele at Halloween.

The former pro hockey defenceman (he was drafted 190th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2003 but never played in the NHL) has garnered multiple awards in his new career, including the 2016 BCCMA Male Vocalist and Album of the Year and 2017 JUNO nomination for his ‘Hearts on Fire.’

A fireworks display topped the family-fun evening.

Photos and videos by Carrie Schafer and Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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