The 39th annual Active Living Fair took over the Lacombe Memorial Centre, with nearly 60 groups in the Lacombe area being able to sign-up, register and interact with community.
“It’s a evening for people to check out activities, programs, events, courses classes and anything else they may want to participate in over the fall and winter months of 2019/2020,” Dani Ducross, executive director of the County of Lacombe Lifelong Learning Association, said.
Ducross said this event has grown leaps and bounds in the 20 years since she moved to Lacombe.
I came in and it was basically three groups. You came in and registered for either skating or karate and that was it. In 20 years, it has evolved to five to 10 groups; then 10 to 20 groups; and now we are up to 40 to 60 tables at our event. It has changed along with the community,” she said.
In that time, groups have continually provided positive feedback and have returned year after year.
“We have fantastic sponsorship from the community for door prizes like Reds Sports, Tangerine Curls, Snap Fitness, the Lacombe Hobby and Gift Shop all donated prizes. Lifelong Learning also gave some door prizes as well,” she said.
Ducross said her group and others she has spoken to sign up more people to their events than through any other platform.
“We get a lot of our classes at Lifelong Learning attended after they come here looking for information. I know a lot of programs do a lot of their registration through here or at least their initial contact with participants,” she said.
The event is also run through the help of volunteers — something that is also needed by many groups attending the fair.
We have volunteers helping with our front desk, getting the tables all set up, going to get stuff during the evening,” she said. “Not only for the event, a lot of the other organizations look for volunteers on this evening.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteers and the Lacombe Scouts are looking for volunteers. A lot of groups are looking for help”
Ducross said they are always looking to grow the Active Living Fair.
“It’s a vibrant and fun evening and we look forward to it every year. If anyone has any interest in participating — they can contact Lifelong Learning. We would love to see it grow even more next year,” she said.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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