Lacombe Days, set to run July 12-14, promises to be a jam-packed slate of fun for the community, organizers say.
"This is our 115th year this year," said Jess Zylstra, festival coordinator.
Returning this summer are all kinds of traditional favourites including the parade (July 13) and the fireworks at Cranna Lake (also on July 13 at 11 p.m.
Also, kicking things off will be the AFSC Pancake Breakfast on July 12.
It runs at 5718 - 56 Ave. from 7 to 9 a.m.
Zylstra estimated that last year, about 10,000 people turned out to watch the parade.
"We are very excited about it - we already have a ton of applications! And if everything goes to plan, we have three or four marching bands coming this year as well," she said. "We know that everybody loves a good marching band."
As to the fireworks display, she noted that there will be food trucks and live entertainment onsite before the big show itself.
"The main band for the fireworks event will be the Dean Ray band," she said.
Another huge highlight this year will be the Weidner Motors Hometown Concert, presented by Lacombe Days and Sunny 94.
Sponsored by the City of Lacombe Community Builder Fund, the show will feature Finger Eleven and Prism on July 13.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the concert to start at 7 p.m. at the Gary Moe Sports Complex. Tickets are available at lacombedays.ca.
"On July 12, we are also having a multi-cultural market at the Lacombe Memorial Centre courtyard from 3 to 9 p.m.," said Zylstra.
This event, which runs from 3 to 9 p.m., will be hosted by the Lacombe Filipino Community Association.
"This will be brand new this year. We love the diversity in Lacombe, and we want to highlight it. So we feel that this night market is a good way for the people of Lacombe and the area to see what our Filipino group is all about, and to also see a bit of their culture, too. There will be lots of music, food, and vendors to check out - it will be a really good time.
"For the older youth, we will also have a Nerf war set up with the Kiddie Corral at the Gary Moe Sportsplex as well."
Zylstra said that the committee opted for a re-brand this year, complete with an updated website which sports a new look as well. The schedule for Lacombe Days will be posted there, plus there are links for anyone looking to volunteer or to help out with sponsorship.
As to volunteering, there are many ways to lend a helping hand, said Zylstra, adding that typically, between 150 to 200 volunteers sign on each year.
"With the concert, that is where the majority of our volunteers help out. But we have groups that assist with setting up, taking down, or who might do security for us. They can also help run the information booth."
For Zylstra, the upcoming festival marks her second stint as coordinator. She started out volunteering for the event a few years before that.
Meanwhile, this year's planning committee, which includes Sherry Vink, Chris Ross, Robyn James, and Jen Steil, is a powerhouse group, she said.
"We have meshed perfectly, and everything is working really well. Everyone has found their place and what they are good at."
The hard work pays off, as reflected in the festival's immense popularity, she added.
"We have people that plan their vacations around Lacombe Days. We see them come from B.C., northern and southern Alberta, and Saskatchewan."
For Zylstra, serving the community in this way feels like a terrific means of supporting the community.
"I love Lacombe! It's an all-around good community. It's full of helpers, it's full of businesses that care. If you look on the community page and someone needs a hand, or a meal, they can usually find those kinds of things fast here," she said.
"I appreciate Lacombe, and I've always had a passion for volunteering. This is the best way for me to give back to my community."
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