Lethbridge jam-packed with summer events ahead of Canada Day
With ribs smoking on the grill, dragon boats making waves in the water and residents parading for their beliefs, Lethbridge, Alta., is chock full of events leading up to Canada Day.
Ribfest has once again stopped in Lethbridge, but this time the trucks are here for five days, wrapping up on July 1.
Meanwhile, the 25th Rotary Dragon Boast Festival is set to entertain thousands just across the street at Henderson Lake. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the annual Lethbridge Pride Parade will liven the streets downtown.
All this combines for a busy weekend and it doesn't even include the weekly events and activities, such as the summer farmers markets, Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens and more.
'We're super excited to be back in Lethbridge. It's such a beautiful city and the community here is always so welcoming,' said Kelsi McInnes, festival director for the Western Canada Ribfest Tour.
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Ribfest has become a summer staple in the southern Alberta city and McInnes says the fact it lines up with the Dragon Boat Festival, Pride and other events is great for each activity.
'I think (patrons) are kind of hopping from event to event. They're going to hopefully go support the dragon boat races, but then they might come here and grab some ribs and grab a beer and listen to the music.'
At the water's edge, Steven Urquhart, event chair for the Dragon Boat Festival, agrees the events only compliment one another.
'I think it's great for people to sort of circulate between these events. Of course, you can't be everywhere at once but I think it's wonderful to have these big events, it helps the city feel alive and also shows how much is going on.'
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For a quarter century, the dragon boats have entertained the masses, becoming one of the largest annual events in Lethbridge. However, Urquhart says there's a whole lot more happening at Henderson Lake this weekend than just some skilled paddling.
'There's a whole festival side, you see all the food trucks, the beer garden. It's a whole weekend in and of itself and I think that's wonderful.'
He says the economic impact of the festival surpasses on the million-dollar mark every year, making it crucial to hotels, restaurants and other industries.
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'We have teams that come from out of province, teams from (British Columbia), Saskatchewan, then from the United States, from Montana,' said Urquhart.
The events aren't just for Lethbridge or southern Alberta residents, either.
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'We're going to Ribfest, the dragon boat festival, (the farmers' market),' said Susan Thompson.
Out enjoying Henderson Lake with her niece, Abbey Zellmer, Thompson recently travelled from out of province to take in everything Lethbridge has to offer this weekend.
'It's the perfect time we came,' said Thompson.
For Zellmer, it's an exciting way to launch the summer, which she says is her favourite season.
'I feel really lucky because I just graduated and now I get to enjoy the summer break. My aunt (Thompson) and uncle just came in from B.C., so it's really cool that they get to experience this all too,' said Zellmer.
For some of the youngest residents in the city, Canada Day itself will be the highlight of all upcoming events.
'Last year there was a dance and I liked watching the dances and there's really fun things to do,' said Isabela Morgado.
She wasn't the only kid eagerly awaiting a chance to celebrate Canada's birthday.
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'I like seeing all the celebrations and I love to taste the food,' said Justin Soares.
However, no food is worthy of tasting if it isn't made with love. Luckily, for guests at Ribfest, a chance meeting in 2022 means the food should be worth the wait.
Ned Simpson and Brooke Weir both currently work for Blazin' BBQ, but three years ago they were on opposite grills, though nothing could keep them apart.
'We owe a lot to the ribs and the people who came out and supported us, kept us going throughout the years. So, it's fun to be here. We put a lot of that love we have for each other into our food,' said Simpson.
For Weir, barbecue represents far more than great-tasting food.
'We're very lucky that we got so much out of barbecue that wasn't just barbecue. We've gotten so much out of this, it's fantastic.'
Now she says Ribfest has transformed from a community event into something that feels a lot more like a family gathering.
'We cook dinner for everyone and you look out in the parking lot and everyone's eating the food you made for them. It's almost like one big family meal sometimes. It feels really good, really special,' said Weir.
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Global News
3 hours ago
- Global News
Lethbridge jam-packed with summer events ahead of Canada Day
With ribs smoking on the grill, dragon boats making waves in the water and residents parading for their beliefs, Lethbridge, Alta., is chock full of events leading up to Canada Day. Ribfest has once again stopped in Lethbridge, but this time the trucks are here for five days, wrapping up on July 1. Meanwhile, the 25th Rotary Dragon Boast Festival is set to entertain thousands just across the street at Henderson Lake. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the annual Lethbridge Pride Parade will liven the streets downtown. All this combines for a busy weekend and it doesn't even include the weekly events and activities, such as the summer farmers markets, Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens and more. 'We're super excited to be back in Lethbridge. It's such a beautiful city and the community here is always so welcoming,' said Kelsi McInnes, festival director for the Western Canada Ribfest Tour. Story continues below advertisement Ribfest has become a summer staple in the southern Alberta city and McInnes says the fact it lines up with the Dragon Boat Festival, Pride and other events is great for each activity. 'I think (patrons) are kind of hopping from event to event. They're going to hopefully go support the dragon boat races, but then they might come here and grab some ribs and grab a beer and listen to the music.' At the water's edge, Steven Urquhart, event chair for the Dragon Boat Festival, agrees the events only compliment one another. 'I think it's great for people to sort of circulate between these events. Of course, you can't be everywhere at once but I think it's wonderful to have these big events, it helps the city feel alive and also shows how much is going on.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy For a quarter century, the dragon boats have entertained the masses, becoming one of the largest annual events in Lethbridge. However, Urquhart says there's a whole lot more happening at Henderson Lake this weekend than just some skilled paddling. 'There's a whole festival side, you see all the food trucks, the beer garden. It's a whole weekend in and of itself and I think that's wonderful.' He says the economic impact of the festival surpasses on the million-dollar mark every year, making it crucial to hotels, restaurants and other industries. Story continues below advertisement 'We have teams that come from out of province, teams from (British Columbia), Saskatchewan, then from the United States, from Montana,' said Urquhart. The events aren't just for Lethbridge or southern Alberta residents, either. Related News Pickering Rotary Ribfest returns for 2025 'We're going to Ribfest, the dragon boat festival, (the farmers' market),' said Susan Thompson. Out enjoying Henderson Lake with her niece, Abbey Zellmer, Thompson recently travelled from out of province to take in everything Lethbridge has to offer this weekend. 'It's the perfect time we came,' said Thompson. For Zellmer, it's an exciting way to launch the summer, which she says is her favourite season. 'I feel really lucky because I just graduated and now I get to enjoy the summer break. My aunt (Thompson) and uncle just came in from B.C., so it's really cool that they get to experience this all too,' said Zellmer. For some of the youngest residents in the city, Canada Day itself will be the highlight of all upcoming events. 'Last year there was a dance and I liked watching the dances and there's really fun things to do,' said Isabela Morgado. She wasn't the only kid eagerly awaiting a chance to celebrate Canada's birthday. Story continues below advertisement 'I like seeing all the celebrations and I love to taste the food,' said Justin Soares. However, no food is worthy of tasting if it isn't made with love. Luckily, for guests at Ribfest, a chance meeting in 2022 means the food should be worth the wait. Ned Simpson and Brooke Weir both currently work for Blazin' BBQ, but three years ago they were on opposite grills, though nothing could keep them apart. 'We owe a lot to the ribs and the people who came out and supported us, kept us going throughout the years. So, it's fun to be here. We put a lot of that love we have for each other into our food,' said Simpson. For Weir, barbecue represents far more than great-tasting food. 'We're very lucky that we got so much out of barbecue that wasn't just barbecue. We've gotten so much out of this, it's fantastic.' Now she says Ribfest has transformed from a community event into something that feels a lot more like a family gathering. 'We cook dinner for everyone and you look out in the parking lot and everyone's eating the food you made for them. It's almost like one big family meal sometimes. It feels really good, really special,' said Weir.
CTV News
4 hours ago
- CTV News
What the four major cities in the north will offer for Canada Day
Communities in northeastern Ontario are holding drone and fireworks displays – some are having both – to celebrate Canada's birthday. Communities in northeastern Ontario will have many offerings for residents July 1 to celebrate Canada Day. Last year, Sudbury and Timmins introduced drone shows instead of fireworks for the first time – with decidedly mixed reaction. Canadian flag Communities in northeastern Ontario will have many offerings for residents July 1 to celebrate Canada Day. 'We had a great turnout, however, the feedback from the community was not the greatest,' said Lacey Rigg, coordinator of meetings, conventions and sports tourism with the City of Timmins. 'They really wanted fireworks back. So as a result, our council had put forward a motion to put a budget of $100,000. So this year, the committee has decided to go with a larger fireworks show. And we are doing it in the centre of our city at Gillies Lake Conservation Area.' Drones and fireworks Officials in Sudbury, however, said the drone show was well-received – but fireworks are also making a comeback this year. 'This year we will have a 300-drone show lasting 15 minutes,' said Mitch Seguin, director of operations, adding the drones will be integrated with a sound show. 'What's also new is that immediately following our drone show, the City of Sudbury will be hosting a fireworks display, as well. So really, a combination of the two makes it, at least from my perspective, potentially one of Canada's longest evening viewings.' In Sault Ste Marie, officials said fireworks are a much cheaper option. 'A lot of people love the bangs, love the loudness and the kids love it,' said Rick Borean, the city's supervisor of community services. 'For us, our biggest thing is, location-wise, it would be hard to get enough drones in the area, fast enough. And ... we are sitting in pretty tightly restricted airspace, too, considering we are right next to the U.S. border.' In North Bay, Canada Day celebrations will also feature fireworks but officials say they have several drone shows planned throughout the summer to celebrate the city's centennial. 'We have a lot going on. For example, we have a zone. We have live music happening. There's also a Centennial station with lots of activities. And I know a lot of community partners also have a lot planned. So it's going to be good fun,' said North Bay Coun. Justine Mallah.
Global News
5 hours ago
- Global News
Mounties, experts urge Manitobans to be safe this Canada Day weekend
If you're taking Monday off to give yourself a Canada Day long weekend, you're not alone. Mounties are expecting it to be a busy weekend on the roads as people enjoy the expected sunny weather. Sgt. Paul Manaigre says officers will be watching highways all over the province, but especially in the weekend hotspots. 'Your busy highways, like 51, Highway 1, 75,' says Manaigre. 'It's cottage country, wherever there's lakes and people are going camping, going to their cottage.' Long weekends come with an increase in impaired driving, according to MADD Canada. The organization's CEO, Steve Sullivan, is asking vacationers to be extra careful and make a plan to get home in advance, if partaking in alcoholic beverages, to avoid a tragedy. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'For most of the people we work with, it just feels so meaningless that someone made a decision, where they could have easily made a different decision,' says Sullivan. 'So much would have been changed if somebody had just done the right thing.' Story continues below advertisement And it's not just on the roads. Eric Labaupa, ambassador for the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba, says boating under the influence can be just as dangerous as driving. 'Boating impaired causes a lot of mishaps on the water. So, I would suggest that if you were the operator, to not indulge,' says Labaupa. 'Maybe when you get back to the dock or get home or to the cabin, then party away.' Data from the Lifesaving Society also shows 20 per cent of drowning deaths occur in July. Incidents also tend to spike on long weekends. It's better to be safe than sorry, Labaupa warns. 'So many accidents happen where a life jacket is in reach. It could be in the boat, but it's no good to you if you aren't wearing it.' He also recommends having a first-aid kit, flares and a phone and charger to call for help in an emergency.
