INNISFAIL - Escape artists in town are finding their way out better than anybody thought.
And they are having plenty of fun doing it.
The first ever activity of its type, promoted as Feeding Time - a circus-themed event, and developed by the Innisfail Public Library began on Aug. 20 and continues until Aug. 24. The unique event, which is free of charge for participants, received community support, including from Fourlane Ford Sales, which donated money collected from an office fundraiser to help cover its costs.
So far, the escape room event has been a success with the public; a pleasant surprise for library organizers.
"It's been fun. It seems everybody has been really enjoying it so far, which we loved because we did not know how it would be received. But all our times are basically filled up," said Lindsey Budd, the library's assistant manager, adding quite a few participants have figured out a decisive way to escape. "Even the ones who haven't escaped have had fun, which is what is important."
Participants have 45 minutes to figure out their escape. Four to six people are able to participate.
Kristen Kronebusch brought her three children to try out the escape room on Aug. 21. She said her family was looking for something fun and interesting to do in the summer months and thought figuring out the challenging complexities of an escape room would be a fun way to fill the time.
"My husband and I had done escape rooms. Our family likes them a lot," said Kronebusch, adding her kids were familiar with escape room "type of things" from school. "I think they make use of the brains in a way that they don't necessarily use on a regular basis. They get them thinking outside the box, which is good. Problem solving skills are really good. I think you need them when doing escape rooms."
Budd also noted the activity's educational factor and that it requires participants to put a lot of pieces together to figure out a solution for the necessary escape.
Library manager Tara Downs added that escape rooms are also known for their team building component.
"They have to work together to get out and then there is communications skills. There is all kinds of skills that come to play when you are doing one of these rooms," said Downs.
There is one more escape room day left at the library and it will be held Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The library is also welcoming Flying Bob of Red Deer's Centrefest on Aug. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tickets for Flying Bob are available at the library, and are $5 for individuals and $10 for a family of four.
For more information call the Innisfail Public Library at (403) 227-4407.
