Right from the get-go Penhold's Fall Festival was a success.
From the well attended “burger bash” at the new Penhold Crossing Secondary School, to the battle of the bands and the headline concert with Shane Chisholm in the Penhold Regional Multiplex gymnasium, the first day of events was a hit.
“The battle of the bands was enjoyed by the kids and the evening concert struck a chord with attendees,” said Penhold councillor Sharolyn Sanchez. “Chisholm put on a good show.”
Saturday started off with a pancake breakfast put on by Community T.I.E.S. which started at 8:30 a.m. and the parade started its progression down Robinson Avenue to the end of Hawkridge Boulevard at 11 a.m.
The Fall Festival parade featured nearly 80 floats with representation from 12 communities and the Innisfail Legion Pipe Band #104 following the Penhold Peace Officers. Sylvan Lake, the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Bowden, and Innisfail councils sent representatives to pass on their greetings. Wildrose MLA Kerry Towle, and Red Deer MP Earl Dreeshen rode along with their fellow administrators throwing out candy to the waiting children.
Penhold councillor Cory Kingsfield wowed the antique car buffs with his custom hot rod ride while Palliser Chevrolet of Innisfail supplied sparkling new wheels for the dignitaries. The Penhold Fire Department brought out its fleet of pumpers and emergency vehicles to wow the citizens.
“It's been a great Penhold Fall Festival so far,” said Danielle Klooster. “I love seeing all the action at the Mulitplex and there was a great turnout for the parade and for the activities at the Multiplex.”
Up and down the parade route, hundreds of excited children and smiling parents enjoyed the 30-minute display of civic pride.
The parents of eight-year-old Brook Whitecotton brought their entire family to the parade.
“The parade was awesome,” said the young Whitecotton of her candy haul and the floats that drove by.
Meanwhile, the parents watched their two other children scamper back and forth towards the “candy lane.”
Further down the road, two-and-a-half-year-old Keegan MacDonald was less verbose in his commentary on the parade.
“It's fun,” he said as he smiled with candy melting in his hands.
After the parade, the Multiplex sprang to life with the fair rides in the parking lot, Kidz Corner, a trade show with more than 40 exhibitors, a library activity, and a mini-hockey camp in the arena. A free family skate was scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
Coun. Sanchez noted that the all you can ride for $20 was popular with the kids and that the rides were busy the whole afternoon.
“There was something for everyone throughout the weekend,” said Julie Dallaire, community services manager. “The highlight of the weekend was the fireworks on Saturday night which everyone enjoyed.”
