There is plenty of fun awaiting the community via Lacombe Days, slated to run July 14-16.
“Lacombe Days is a community festival which we’ve put on every July for as long as I can remember,” said Jess Zylstra, festival coordinator.
“This year, we are running from July 14th to the 16th,” she said, adding the event is essentially planned and executed thanks to the dedicated efforts of a committee and volunteers.
“I love Lacombe Days for so many reasons - I like to say it’s my favorite holiday! It’s a time to see the community out and about.
“You see neighbors gathering at the parade, you see families greeting each other at community barbecues. you see businesses donating their time and money to help make the community a better place and to help make sure everyone has fun.
“It’s a great weekend for everyone to kind of re-set after the stress of the school year and work - just to get out and have fun,” she said, adding that it’s estimated about 10,000 people take in the wide range of events over the weekend.
“We have people that will plan their holidays around it,” she said.
“It just feels great to be able to do something for your community and to see everyone smiling and having a good time.
“This is a fun job - it’s basically just making sure everyone in town has a great weekend, and I think that is pretty cool.”
Things kick off on July 14 with the free AFSC pancake breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m.
The FCSS-hosted Lunchbox Theatre and Family Expo runs July 14 at the LMC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well.
Another Friday highlight is the Retro Jam Fest, put on by Journey Youth Creative.
“It’s an opportunity for parents and their teenage kids to experience the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s,” explained Zylstra.
“It’s also a fundraiser for Journey Youth Creative. Kids from the Creative each get to play DJ for a while. There will be retro gaming around the room, plus selfie stations and lots of things for visitors to do,” she said.
On July 15th, the BrokerLink Parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and will run throughout the downtown area.
Other Saturday highlights include a Show & Shine at the LMC throughout the day as well as a huge book sale.
The Lacombe Days Market will also be held on July 15 from 11 to 4 p.m. at the LMC.
The Blacksmith Shop Museum and the Flatiron Building Museum will be offering tours and demos throughout the day, and visitors will want to see the Epic Lacombe Cake prepared by Mission Cakes at the LMC at 1 p.m.
“There’s much to highlight this year, including Weidner’s Hometown concert - we have Harlequin and Honeymoon Suite coming,” she said, adding that the show will be held at the Gary Moe Sportsplex on the evening of July 15 and is thanks in large part to the City of Lacombe’s Community Builder Fund.
“They were a major contributor to us (being able) to host the concert.”
Concert tickets are available on the Lacombe Days website (lacombedays.ca), or by following the link which has been shared on their Facebook page as well.
After Harlequin and Honeymoon Suite wrap up. Dean Ray will be performing a cabaret.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity for the community - we are really pumped about it,” said Zylstra.
Finally, Sunday morning features a pancake breakfast and a community worship service at the MEGlobal Athletic Park from 8 a.m. through to 11 a.m.
For complete details about everything that is happening during Lacombe Days, check out www.lacombedays.ca.
