It may be over a month away, but organizers are putting the final touches on the plans for Lacombe Days. The annual City celebration is set for July 23rd to 26th and features many new events including a slo-pitch tournament.
Lacombe Days Committee Chairman Chris Ross said that the classic slo-pitch tournament will be held at Michener Park, taking advantage of the ball diamonds for a three-day tournament.
“Teams are guaranteed at least four games and there is free camping around the diamonds,” said Ross. There will also be bat raffles and beer gardens set up nearby.
Also new to Lacombe Days this year are hot air balloon rides, a Friday night jam session and two new barbecues, to name a few events at the expanding celebration.
On Thursday night, the hours of the Youth Unlimited Street Festival have been expanded from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“They will be hosting a drive-in movie and also have road hockey and a mechanical bull,” said Ross.
On Friday morning, AFSC will be hosting their annual breakfast from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Fortis will be hosting a free lunchtime barbecue at noon on the eastside of the parking lot of the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC).
The tethered hot air balloon rides, embarking from Michener Park, will start on Friday and run through until Sunday. That night will mark the debut of Jammin’ in the Park also at Michener Park. From 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. there will be free music courtesy of a few local bands.
On Saturday morning, a pancake breakfast will be held in downtown Lacombe at the Michener House Museum from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Lacombe half marathon will also start off at 9 a.m. in advance of the parade from the arena with runners going through the route before the floats.
The Lacombe Community Market will also be joining the Lacombe Days festivities and setting up shop at the LMC from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At 6 p.m. Music in the Park will kick off at Michener Park. This year the Youngfellas, the Dean Ray Band and the Township will keep attendees dancing all night.
On Sunday, a heavy horse pull will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Central Alberta Agricultural Grounds. Japanese drummers will perform at the LMC from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. courtesy of the Rikubetsu Friendship Society of Lacombe.
Lacombe Days is a volunteer-run celebration that would not get off the ground without community support, said Ross.
“We’ve had excellent support from the business community,” he said. “Everything is offered free of charge or at a minimal donation.”
To enter a float in the parade or to get more information about the 2015 parade route, visit www.lacombedays.com.
For more information or to join the Lacombe Days Slo-pitch classic, contact Ross at 403-357-8810 or email info@lacombedays.ca.
news@lacombeexpress.com