While summer hasn’t officially arrived yet, in the Slave Lake area we have one big reason to start celebrating early — the wildfire danger has been LOW to MODERATE.
For most of us in Alberta, the normal to well-above-normal precipitation levels in May came at the perfect time. The highest wildfire risk in our province usually happens around the end of April – early May when moisture levels are low, and trees and foliage have not budded out yet. Add to that the low snowfall winter we had, this years’ spring winds dried out the forest even faster creating an even bigger risk.
The increased moisture in the ground is also good news for our tree planting program which starts the last week of June. This year we’re planting 4 million seedlings.
And for everyone who likes to get outside and enjoy summer with family and friends, there’s no need to worry about the air quality affecting our health.
Here are some of the many activities happening in our region over the next few months.
The first annual Slave Lake “Cash for Cash” Demolition Derby takes place from June 14 to 16. With major cash prizes, we’re attracting people from across North America to participate. As one of the event sponsors, Vanderwell contributed the lumber for the bleachers.
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In late June, we have two rodeos happening in our area!
On June 28 from 5:00 to 10:00 pm, the 6th annual “Riden 4 Reed” memorial event takes place with lots of fun for the younger crowd.
On June 29 and 30, the 7th Annual Wild Rose Rodeo happens at the Spruce Point Park Rodeo Grounds in Kinuso with a family dance and fireworks planned in the evening of the first day.
On July 1, Canada Day, many communities in our area are hosting events.
- In Slave Lake, from 11:00 to 3:00 pm at Hilda Eben Park, there are food vendors, entertainment, face painting, and many more activities for the whole family.
- Kinuso and Canyon Creek have Canada Day Parades, followed by other events.
Check out https://slavelake.citylive.com/events closer to July 1 on what other communities have planned. (If a fire ban isn’t in place around that time, there will also likely be fireworks.)
The Second Annual Summer Kids Can Catch event is scheduled on July 6. Check with Lesser Slave Watershed Council for more details.
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From July 5 to 7, the Slave Lake Riverboat Daze arrives with lots of fun activities for all ages! Check out the Facebook site for more information.
Festivities include the Summer Parade on Friday, July 5 and this year’s theme is “Boats”. From sailboats to pirate ships, let your nautical imagination run wild. There will be boat-themed floats, live music and entertainment, and different food stalls. As part of Riverboat Daze, West Coast Amusements is back from July 4 to 7. You can purchase advanced tickets at a special price until July 3 or until they sell out.
Children and youth ages 5 to 18 can sign up for the Spruce Point Park Junior Rodeo events from July 16 to 30. Activities include barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway, team roping, and goat tying. To register, email:l sppjrrodeo@gmail.com or text 780-849-1115.
From everyone at Vanderwell, we hope you have a great summer and remember to be safe and look out for each other!
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The Flatbush Festival is on June 15 at the Flatbush Community Complex.
The 46th Annual North Country Fair runs from June 21 to 23.
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In August for the best summer beach party, join the 2nd annual Slave Lake Summer Beach Fest on Lesser Slave Lake’s Devonshire Beach. There’s lots planned for all ages, including a sandcastle competition, a volleyball tournament, the Island Cup — battle of the paddle, SUP, canoe or kayak, and a relay race (trail run, swim, crawl, and beach run.)
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The Smith-Hondo Fall Fair and Rodeo occurs over the Labour Day weekend, August 30 to September 1 at the Smith Community Complex and rodeo grounds. Closer to the date, check here for more information.
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