What residents may not know about Lacombe Days is that all of the activities are not organized by the City, but by a group of committed volunteers.
Thanks to the dedication and time put forth by the small Lacombe Days Association Committee, Lacombe Days is about to roll out for residents to enjoy from July 17-20th.
“We’re trying to enhance it a little bit more at a time. We want to accommodate all ages.
“We have lots of ideas, but it takes groups coming together and volunteers to pull it off because it’s a lot of hard work,” said Chris Ross, chair of the Lacombe Days Association Committee.
“We want to draw more people to town and show that we are a beautiful community. We want them here in a relaxed setting, not coming to businesses to do business and leave or just pass through. We want people here for the day and to see it all and enjoy it.”
The weekend-long event will also feature barbecues, pancake breakfasts, children’s entertainers, beer gardens, live local musicians, a show and shine car show, a drive-in style movie night and much more. New this year to Lacombe Days will be a softball tournament lasting through the weekend and a steak fry and cabaret event.
“We’re trying to enhance the amount of street performers and children’s activities to entice the families to stay the afternoon in the community. We’re trying to get people to stay for the duration of the day, instead of just heading home after the parade.”
The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on July 19th, following a pancake breakfast at the Lacombe & District Historical Society.
The Lacombe Days Association went through much deliberation after last year’s event, and sent out questionnaires and studies to the residents to see what was most sought after.
“The street performers were a pretty common response from the studies we did. People want to see more remaining in the afternoon.”
The street performers mentioned include a one-man band, stilts walkers and a magician. These performances are geared toward younger audiences and are designed to be fun family entertainment.
Events are spread throughout the City and range to suit the interests of the many citizens in Lacombe. There are free tours at museums, a guided walking tour, a car show, a youth street festival, local musicians, a trade fair and even a ‘jumping jack carnival.’
All of the funding for Lacombe Days is either donated or raised by volunteers. This means that to expand the festivities, citizens can speak to organizations or make personal contributions for future years.
“I think to keep enhancing Lacombe Days, we have to advocate for more community involvement. Lacombe has a tonne of history and some beautiful historical buildings. We have a wonderful community that unfortunately a lot of people don’t see.”
Volunteers are still needed for organizing the morning of the parade, and to assist with the steak fry cabaret. Ross is asking for those willing to help to contact him at 403-357-8810. He said he will accept calls until the day before the events begin.
The vast majority of the events are free, but some events are paid. All details regarding times and pricing for events are available on the Lacombe Days web site, www.lacombedays.ca/events.