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Plenty Of Local Options This Family Day Long Weekend!

Published

8 years ago

7 minute read

By Sheldon Spackman

The Family Day long weekend is upon us and there are plenty of activities in and around Red Deer to keep families entertained over the next few days.

In Red Deer, you can kick-off the Family Day long weekend Friday, February 17th with an old-time multi-generational community dance with live music by Jukebox Rock and a D.J. You can learn the Bunny Hop, dance to a variety of music and enjoy refreshments and door prizes. Admission for a family of four is $20, Adults $10, Youth $5, Children 3 and under are free. The event is presented by the Country Pride Dance Club, Red Deer Arts Council, Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society, City of Red Deer Culture Services and Peavey Mart. The All ages event will be at Festival Hall on 58th Street and runs from 6:30 – 11:00 pm.

On Family Day itself, Monday, February 20th, kids get in free at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. There are interactive exhibits, hot chocolate will be available, as well as family friendly crafts to do. Entry for Adults is $5, with the facility open from 10 am to 5 pm.

In Penhold, the town is holding it’s annul Winterfest from 1 – 3 pm on Monday, February 20th. Residents are invited to the Lincoln Street Recreation Center for the event There will be hot dogs and marshmallows to roast, hot chocolate to drink, skating, games, and Emmett from The Lego Movie will come between 1:30 and 2:30! This is a FREE family event but if the weather is too warm, the skating portion may be cancelled.

In Blackfalds, the town’s annual Winterfest is also on Monday, February 20th. Family oriented events will be taking place between 9 am and 5 pm around Town.

New to the lineup of events, Winterfest will begin with the Dual Ice Development Society (D.I.D.S) serving up a pancake breakfast by donation at the Community Hall (4810 Womacks Road). The Blackfalds firefighters will be hosting a fundraiser barbeque at noon at the Abbey Centre (4500 Womacks Road) and appreciate your donations to this extremely valuable volunteer service.

FREE Winterfest activities include horse drawn sleigh rides; an ice slide and snow maze; games and bouncy castles in the Servus Kidz Zone; and cheering on the brave Penguin Dippers making a splash for charity in the 10th Annual Penguin Dip – with trophies for best costume and funds raised!

Returning again this year, are the world renowned Ice On Whyte ice carvers, who will be carving some amazing ice sculptures, and hosting the Li’l Chippers learn to ice carve program. Juiced Audio’s family skate party and the family bingo, both held at the Blackfalds Multi-Plex Arena (5302 Broadway Avenue), will conclude the fun-filled day.

Parking is very limited, so BOLT Transit will be providing FREE bus service around Town throughout the day – view the BOLT schedule for the day along with the full schedule of events at blackfalds.com/events.

In Lacombe, “My Beach Bash” will be held on Saturday, February 18th from 5 – 8pm at the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre. Tickets include games, prizes, sno-cones and swimming.

Then, there will be a free family fun skate on Sunday, February 19th at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex – Can Pak Arena 2 from 1 – 3pm. There will also be free hot dogs and hot chocolate, courtesy of Central Alberta Co-Op and the City of Lacombe. The event is being hosted by Lacombe and District FCSS and Central Alberta Youth Unlimited.

In Sylvan Lake, there will be a Lion’s Pancake Breakfast from 9 am – 12 pm at the Lion’s Hall on Saturday, February 18th. Then lots of family fun east of the Pier from 12 pm – 3 pm. Activities include sleigh rides, bonfire and s’more roasting, coffee & hot chocolate, hockey shoot outs, mini-golf, a petting zoo, picture board, snow painting &  skating. There will also be a Farmer’s Market from 12 pm – 4 pm at the Community Centre Gym, a Polar Bear Dip on the west side of the Pier starting at 1:00 pm. Free hot chocolate with candy sticks in front of the Stone House on 46th Street. Plus fireworks at the Pier starting at 7 pm.

On Sunday, February 19th, there will be more free hot chocolate with candy sticks in front of the Stone House on 46th Street between 1 – 3 pm. However, a snow-shoe event planned for this day has been cancelled due to the warm weather.

On Monday, February 20th, it’s Family Day Fun Day at Bonavista Fine Art between 12 – 4 pm.

Please note, some of the above mentioned activities come with an admission fee.

Finally, in Innisfail, The Boys and Girls Club of Red District is holding a family fun day at the Innisfail Aquatic Centre on the Family Day Weekend. There will be free drop-in swimming, as well as free food and drink on Saturday, February 18th between 3 – 5 pm. Plus, the Boys and Girls Club will be handing out information about some new programming and will be onsite to register youth for summer programs at Camp Alexo.

Then on Monday, February 20th, the schedule of events includes Family skating (at the skating loop behind the Arena) and a BBQ between 12 – 3 pm. From 2:30 – 4:30 pm –  a Family swim (at the Aquatic Centre — admission by way of Food Bank donation). Food bank donations in the form of a non-perishable item will be accepted at both locations to help families in need!

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Community

Festival of Trees tickets on sale! Update from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation

Published on October 28, 2024

By

Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
If you want to taste all the flavors at Festival of Wines & Spirits, experience the enchantment of Mistletoe Magic, or treat your family to a morning of fun at Festival Pajama Breakfast, it’s time to buy your tickets!

Learn all about Festival of Trees and purchase your tickets at reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca!

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation Announces Cath Lab Opening 5 Years Ahead of Schedule
The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, in collaboration with AHS, is proud to announce the fast-tracked opening of a Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. With a permanent facility scheduled for completion in five years, this critical fixture will allow for care on an accelerated timeline, offering life-saving cardiac care to the residents of Central Alberta.

Manon Therriault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, emphasized the significance of this development. “In cardiac care, time isn’t just money—it’s muscle. The earlier patients receive treatment, the better their chances of recovery. This Cath Lab, coming approximately five years earlier than expected, could save up to 160 lives.”

The Cath Lab, which will be housed in a retrofitted space within the current hospital, will allow local cardiac patients to receive urgent care in Red Deer instead of requiring transfers to hospitals in Calgary or Edmonton. In the future, the lab will be transformed into a cutting-edge Vascular and Neurology Lab, going above and beyond the broader Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Redevelopment Project, which represents a $1.8 billion investment—the largest hospital expansion in Alberta’s history. The ability to support projects of this importance would not be possible without our donors.

The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation is providing financial support for the essential architectural, mechanical, and electrical upgrades. “This Cath Lab represents an immediate leap forward in improving local healthcare. We’re not waiting to make a difference in the lives of Central Albertans,” said Therriault.

“Through this Memorandum of Understanding with our Foundation partners, we’re underscoring our commitment to enhancing the cardiac care available at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre,” says Karen Foudy, AHS Senior Operating Officer for Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. “By establishing an interim catheterization laboratory, we will be able to provide a new service to patient’s years ahead of the completion of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Redevelopment Project which will help reduce the need for cardiac patients to travel to other facilities.

This will also support our efforts to recruit and retain the talented healthcare professionals needed to provide care every day to our patients.”

Women Leading Philanthropy Event Supports Mothers Through the EMBRACE Program
On October 9th, Women Leading Philanthropy (WLP) hosted an invigorating gathering of 60

attendees, all coming together for a meaningful evening in support of the EMBRACE program.

The event highlighted WLP’s dedication to empowering women and making a difference in the

lives of those who need it most.

The EMBRACE program is a vital initiative aimed at supporting women with a history of

substance use during pregnancy. EMBRACE stands for Empowering Mothers and Families,

Mentorship, Building Healthy Relationships, Respect, Actively Listening and Learning,

Collaboration, and Engagement. At the heart of the program is a collaborative care approach,

ensuring that mothers receive comprehensive support throughout pregnancy and into the

postpartum period. The ultimate goal is to empower these mothers to be the primary caregivers

for their babies, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.

During the evening, a guest speaker moved the audience with personal stories of her own

journey and that of another mother’s experience with EMBRACE. She shared how the program

had been a source of strength and guidance during some of the most difficult moments in their

lives, underscoring the powerful impact of community support.

As part of the fundraising efforts, EMBRACE totes—special bags given to mothers during their

stay in the hospital—were auctioned off. Each tote is filled with approximately $100 worth of

essential items for both mother and baby, including personal hygiene and comfort items, snacks,

things to pass the time in the hospital, and baby necessities like sleepers, sleep sacks, and

soothers.

Looking ahead, WLP is excited to grow its membership and continue selecting impactful causes

to support. The energy and passion shared at events like this are a testament to the power of

collective philanthropy.

Reflecting on the event, WLP member Sara Gerrard shared, “Being part of a group that

empowers women through philanthropy is incredibly rewarding. Events like ‘Connect for a

Cause’ in support of the EMBRACE program not only showcase the collective impact we can

have but also inspire us to strive for even greater change. Together, we’re making a difference,

one initiative at a time.”

With such a strong start, WLP is eager to see what the future holds as they continue to engage

in meaningful causes and strengthen their impact on the community.

VIEW OUR IMPACT REPORT

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation raises and disburses funds for programs, services, and the purchase of medical equipment for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and other health centres in Central Alberta.

Click here to view a list of some of the equipment recently funded by our generous donors.
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Community

First Battle of Alberta this NHL season to bring big boost to Child Advocacy Centre!

Published on October 13, 2024

By

From the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre

The Edmonton Oilers MEGA 50/50 is BACK in support of three amazing organizations 💙🧡

By purchasing your Oilers MEGA 50/50 tickets today, you’re helping to support the CACAC, along with Little Warriors and Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre .

Purchase before 1PM to be eligible for all 4 early bird prizes, including a $500 Esso card, 2 PCL Loge Arkells tickets for November 1, $1000 for Alberta Beef, and $10,000 CASH!

Early Bird draws!

Buy before 1:00 for $500 Esso card

Buy before 7:00 for 2 PCL Loge Arkells tickes

Buy before 7:30 for $1,000 Alberta Beef

Buy before 8:00 for $10,000 Cash!

THANK YOU EDMONTON OILERS!

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