Autumn officially arrives later this month and with it comes the start of new fall programs and activities for Innisfail families.
Hundreds of local residents filled the Innisfail Twin Arena for the 2016 Fall Registration and Information Night on Sept. 6.
“It's been an awesome turnout. It seems like every table here has had a few people stop by every once in a while, “ said Kane Williams, recreation program coordinator for the Town of Innisfail. “I'm estimating that we're going to have over 500 people here tonight.”
The added space was a big reason why the town held the annual fall event at the arena.
“When we were in the Innisfail Library and Learning Centre in the spring we had I think about 26 different vendors and for this fall registration night we've been able to bring in 55 different vendors,” said Williams. “All sorts of different people are coming in, looking around, saying hi and talking to people a little bit.”
Families had the opportunity to speak with dozens of local organizations, clubs and groups before registering their children into fall programs and activities. Several area vendors included First Innisfail Scouts, the Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Alberta Health Services: volunteer resources, Innisfail Minor Football and the Penhold School of Dance.
“We have roller derby, different vocal artists, minor hockey and different schools of dance here tonight,” said Williams, noting at the start of the evening residents enjoyed a fundraising barbecue, thanks to the efforts of the Innisfail Kinsmen Club and members of Innisfail council.
“The Kinsmen Club are out there too and they're accepting donations for the new skatepark,” he added.
Williams said like most years Innisfail and area families appreciate an event like the annual fall registration and information night.
“The feedback's been really positive,” said Williams. “It's a really exciting time of year and it's great to see everybody from the community come out.”
The Lowe family was one of several at the arena on Sept. 6.
“I think it's good to have it all in one place and to get all the information instead of trying to hunt it all down yourself. It's nice to have it all right here,” said Alicia Lowe, noting her young children were registering for programs.
“We're just getting into this and a lot of them we wouldn't have known about if they didn't have a registration night with everything set up like this.”
