A Moment with the Mayor: Welcome to Summer

We have reached that favourite time of year that many of us look forward to, as the longest day has arrived, and the dog days of summer are beginning. Students have wrapped up the school year and are busy dreaming and planning for summer. That includes summer jobs, vacations, and time with friends. Parents, of course, are trying to schedule vacation days and find ways to keep everyone happy and healthy.

I wanted to use today’s article to highlight some of the many events happening in and around our community over the next couple of months.

Canada Day is Monday, July 1, in Lloydminster, with festivities beginning at 1 p.m. in Bud Miller All Seasons Park. The day includes activities for all ages and wraps up with fireworks at 11 p.m. A free shuttle service will run between the Servus Sports Centre and Bud Miller All Seasons Park from noon to 7 p.m. Walking or biking to the park is also a great option. For more information, visit Lloydminster.ca/CanadaDay.

On Wednesday, July 3, we will host the grand opening of the Aurora Community Space. This 2,840-square-metre park features a large play structure and a 12-feature splash pad. The celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. at 4114 31 Street and includes a community barbecue, outdoor movie screening of Inside Out 2, Cenovus Energy Block Party trailer and games, and live DJ entertainment. 

The Co-op Community Outdoor Pool and the Bud Miller All Seasons Park spray park are also open and ready to help you cool off.

The annual Lloydminster Fair begins Tuesday, July 9, with the parade. This year’s parade route can be found by visiting Lloydminster.ca/Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. from the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds. Be sure to find a good spot for your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show. The full fair includes food, rides, music, and entertainment. For more information, visit lloydex.com/lloydex-fair.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the free pancake breakfast at City Hall on Thursday, July 10, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Several powwows will take place across the region this summer, celebrating Indigenous culture, food, and dancing. Two of the closest are in Onion Lake from July 18 to 20, and Frog Lake from August 15 to 17. Both events are free and open to the public.

The Vermilion Fair runs from July 24 to 26 and features many great events. Details are available at vermilionag.ca. That same weekend, the Lloyd Ex will host more events, including the Indian Relay Races and the RCMP Musical Ride on July 26 and 27.

As we head into the August long weekend, plan to attend Boundary Auto Wars on Saturday, August 2. On Monday, August 4, head to Heritage Day at Weaver Heritage Park for another free pancake breakfast. The afternoon includes a tractor parade and a chance to celebrate and enjoy our local history. For more information, visit Lloydminster.ca/HeritageDay.

August also brings the return of the chuckwagon races, with the CPCA Finals taking place at the Lloyd Ex from August 20 to 24. Championship Sunday is scheduled for 2 p.m. on August 24.

On behalf of City Council and Administration, I wish you a safe and fun-filled summer. I hope to see you out and about at one of these great events.

I will be back with another article in September. Enjoy the break!

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster