PENHOLD – You know autumn is just around the corner when the Penhold Fall Festival comes to town.
This year’s event takes place at the Penhold Regional Multiplex from Sept. 7 to 9.
“We’ve had people from all over Central Alberta come out. It’s a relatively cheap (event) for some good rides at the fair for the kids, good food with a nice parade,” said Mike Yargeau, Penhold mayor. “It’s a great event.
“It’s always held the weekend after the long (Labour Day) weekend in September.”
Yargeau said they used to hold a summer event, but decided to move it and hold an end of summer celebration instead.
“Years ago we used to have our Penhold Days in June, the same time a lot of other municipalities have (a summer event),” explained Yargeau. “This was just a good idea to separate ourselves from everyone else.
“So we moved it to the fall festival and it’s been a great success every year,” he added. “It’s the last parade of the year so we always get a huge turnout.”
There are some new items on the Friday evening this year, including mobile lockdown rooms and virtual reality, and for the adults, there is a craft beer and wine festival.
“It’s a good chance for the parents to come out and it’s still a family friendly environment. We have kids' activities all evening too on Friday,” said Yargeau, noting the event is well supported by visitors, families and community organizations.
“Our community groups are always out in full force volunteering for it,” he added.
Each year the three-day festival includes midway rides, games, food trucks, kids' activities such as a free movie, face painting, hat making, an indoor market, community ties pancake breakfast, a parade, food trucks, a family skate, a hockey tournament and fireworks.
“We don’t do the Canada Day fireworks. This is our one big show of the year,” said Yargeau.“It’s a great way to get ready for the new school year and to close off the summer.”
