INNISFAIL – Calling all escape artists.
The Innisfail Public Library is hosting its first escape room.
Feeding Time, a circus themed event, takes place at the library from Aug. 20 to 24.
“It ties in with our summer reading program which is all circus themed and our summer reading wrap-up is with Flying Bob the week after. We’re trying to bring it all together (with the circus theme),” said Lindsey Budd, assistant manager at the library.
Library manager Tara Downs said she thought of the idea for an escape room several months ago, with a focus on older children and teens, as a way to continue community programming for all ages.
“We have the summer reading program for the younger kids so this will be more geared towards teens and families,” said Downs, noting children ages 10 and older can take part in the escape room with a family member, while children 13 years and older can participate in the escape on their own.
Budd said the escape room will be a challenging but fun activity for youth and families with puzzles and riddles to solve.
“There will be four different time spots every day. Each escape room session will take about 45 minutes,” said Budd, noting participants must pre-register for the event.
About four to six people will be able to participate in an escape room session at a time, she added.
“There will be multiple puzzles and things for people to do in the room, so the more brains (they have working together) the better,” said Budd. “Even if they don’t get out and escape we want families to have a good time.”
Session times for the Feeding Time escape room include 4 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 20 and 22, 1 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 21, and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 24.
Downs noted support from the community for the escape room, including contributions from Innisfail’s Fourlane Ford Sales., which donated money collected from an office fundraiser to help cover costs of the event.
In staying with the circus theme, the library will also welcome Flying Bob (of Centrefest in Red Deer), on Aug. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m.
“He’s going to do a three-hour-long event. We’re starting at 5 p.m., so there’ll be an hour of circus arts so people can come in the first hour and the performance will be from 6 to 7 p.m., with more circus arts at the end of the evening from 7 to 8 p.m.,” said Downs, noting there will also be face painting and other activities available that evening.
“We usually have to travel at least into Red Deer, to find stuff like (Flying Bob) but it’s coming here to us,” said Downs. “It helps support the library.”
“It won’t just be the kids enjoying it,” added Budd. “Flying Bob is also for adults so there’s something for everyone.”
Tickets for Flying Bob are available at the library, and are $5 for individuals and $10 for a family of four.
Participants who want to try the escape room must pre-register prior to Aug. 20. To register or for more information call the Innisfail Public Library at 403-227-4407.
