A Moment with the Mayor: Summer in Lloydminster

The long days of summer are upon us as school finishes for another year. The month of June was busy for many people as some events have finished, and July is ramping up as other events are just beginning.

I want to start by thanking all of you for coming out and attending events. The events that happened in June were many and wide-ranging, aimed at young and old. The recent high school graduations were a testament to our community what a fine group of young adults. Lakeland College’s convocation ceremonies also add to the list of outstanding academic achievements in our community.

We are blessed by numerous events scheduled in and around our city throughout the summer. As you read this article, Canada Day will have come and gone, but don’t worry; there is a summer filled with fun planned. I hope you make plans to attend the North American Chuckwagon Championships hosted here in Lloydminster at the Lloydminster Exhibition from July 8-16. The Lloyd Ex Fair is from July 13-16, with the parade and midway and a free pancake breakfast at City Hall from 7-10 a.m. on Thursday, July 14. The week would not be complete without the Onion Lake Cree Nation hosting its annual powwow from July 15-17. There are many opportunities to have a great time right here in Lloydminster. If you are up for the drive, Canada’s largest air show returns as the Cold Lake Air Show takes to the skies on Saturday, July 16-17, at CFB Cold Lake. Vermilion has its fair July 28-30, and those who have attended say it’s a “not to be missed, small-town fair.”

When you add ball tournaments, family gatherings, and reunions, July is shaping up to be quite the month. But what about August. The long weekend of August 1 finds us at Weaver Park for Heritage Day. This day will kick off with a pancake breakfast, numerous exhibits of the heritage way of life, and a parade of antique vehicles and tractors. Homemade ice cream is also on the menu. The Lloyd Ex will be hosting the CPCA (Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association) Chuckwagon Finals from August 17-21. The drivers and outriders will close the season and compete for the final dash on Sunday afternoon.

Numerous summer camp programs are also offered across the city and in the area. There is always the Splash Park, outdoor pool, and many other activities at Bud Miller All Seasons Park. There is a list of some area camps at Lloydminster.ca/SummerFunCamps.

I want to take the time to wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable summer, wherever your summer plans take you. I look forward to connecting with you in person this summer at various activities and again in September when my article returns.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster