Yellowhead County, AB (July 16, 2025) – On July 12, 2025, the Yellowhead County Heritage Program commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Evansburg Cemetery. The event, called Kindred Spirits, invited visitors to stop by and take a self-guided tour of the cemetery, enjoy some beautiful views, buy flowers to place on loved ones’ graves, and more.
The self-guided tour led people to new features of the cemetery including the lookout, walking trail, and the wind phone, which is a phone “connected only to the wind.” Visitors were also asked to ‘name the trail’ that featured information panels on overcoming grief, which were created in partnership with Yellowhead County FCSS.
The self-guided tour also involved informative stops by historic gravesites, such as Charlotte Arnup who died on February 5, 1925, although the exact date of her burial is unknown. The next burial after Charlotte’s was Aldina Harke in the fall of 1926. Aldina is the first record in the cemetery register
“Each cemetery in the municipality has a unique history,” said Madison Sharman, Yellowhead County’s Heritage Coordinator.
“The Evansburg Cemetery is the only one that was a subdivision before it became a burial ground.” That subdivision, called Arnupville, was started by Charlotte Arnup’s brother and is now entirely taken up by the cemetery.
Another interactive aspect of the event asked visitors to count butterflies that were hidden throughout the trail for a chance to win a prize pack. Staff and volunteers were on site to answer any cemetery questions, and a board showcased recent cemetery upgrades and provided a place for visitors to share their thoughts.
One of the board’s prompts asked, “What are your best words of wisdom to live a happy life?” Visitors shared advice such as “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” “Stop and smell the roses,” and “Go fishing.” The question “What advice do you have for someone experiencing grief?” inspired answers such as “Remember them in their good light,” and “It gets better over time. Time heals.”
Throughout the day, approximately 100 people came to the cemetery to celebrate the anniversary and participate in the activities. “I’m so happy with the turnout. Everyone was so happy and lovely,” said Sharman. “This was definitely a highlight for me since working at the County.”
Guests enjoyed the event and seeing the beautifully-maintained cemetery. Visitor Joan Melvin said, “A great big shoutout to Yellowhead County for the heartwarming and informative event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Evansburg Cemetery! The new lookout, walking path, wind phone, and restoring of the headstones have made it a most welcoming place to come visit loved ones who are no longer with us! The Melvin and McGowan families are very appreciative!”
“By far, the best part of the day was seeing people reconnecting at the cemetery,” Sharman said. “Giving each other hugs, talking about loved ones, and celebrating all the life the cemetery represents.”
Kindred Spirits was possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of several departments across Yellowhead County, including Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Agricultural Services, FCSS, and Corporate Services.
The self-guided tour is available by QR code (at bottom of page) which will soon be posted at the cemetery, and can also be found here. The Tipple Park Museum is also currently featuring an exhibit called A Century of Rest, which highlights the history of the cemetery and is available for viewing until August 31.
the self-guided tour.
Self-Guided Tour QR Code | Or Click Here
