Each year volunteers from around Lacombe come together to create a weekend of events, music, fundraisers and more – Lacombe Days 2015 promises to be no exception to the legacy.
This year an official committee of three members reached out to various community groups to help facilitate the events. With the assistance of the Lacombe Volunteer Fire Fighter Department, the Lacombe Walking Group (Lacombe Regional Tourism), the Rotary Club and many more, several new events will occur this year.
Event staples such as the parade, the marathon, the AFSC pancake breakfast, Art in the Park and the Show n’ Shine will all be present. New events include hot air balloon rides on Friday and Saturday evenings, a slo-pitch tournament, theatre productions and a walking trail scavenger hunt.
“Every year we try to encourage more community interaction, because there is no way we can do more for the event without more organizations who can help with events. In the summertime it can be difficult to get volunteers because people are busy. It’s a great time to attract tourists, but it can be difficult to get groups and organizations to be a part of the events,” said Lacombe Days Committee Chairman Chris Ross.
“There are several significant people and groups who have stepped up to the plate to put on more activities. It’s been great. We’d always like to do more and share more volunteerism. We hope the people of the community see that we’ve tried to make Lacombe Days bigger.”
Most of the events are free, but some activities will collect a small fee to fundraise for the groups hosting the events.
“It’s coming together well. We wanted to try to enhance it and were successful with some sponsorship. With Lacombe Days, everything is little or no cost. If there is a cost, it’s because there are volunteers from an organization who are working an event as a fundraiser. There are barbecues, two or three of them, that are a minimal charge and are a bit of a fundraiser,” Ross said.
Ross was also pleased for the participation of the Lacombe Walking Group, who will host an Amazing Trail Hunt activity on Sunday that encourages use of the walking trails that line the City.
The slo-pitch tournament and parade activities are still seeking participants, and will accept applicants until July 21st. For all contact inquiries - either for Chris Ross or any other registrations - go to www.lacombedays.ca/contact for full details.
“We tried to keep the costs very minimal so that all families can attend the events. We’re trying to encourage more parade participants; we’d like to expand that. There is still time to accept registration until July 21st,” Ross said.
As well, on the same web site a full list and schedule of activities is easily available.
kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com