Red Deer Advocate, July 25, 2016

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FOOD: FONDUE NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

CAMP TEACHES YOUNG REFUGEES ABOUT CANADA

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B9 MORTENSON BRINGS HEART AND HABS TO SET

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IN PICTURES: WESTERNER DAYS

ADAMSON WINS THIRD STRAIGHT PONY CHUCKWAGON TILE

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Strong turnout for Westerner Days BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF The milestone edition of Westerner Days Fair and Exposition did not disappoint. The five-day festival marked the 125th anniversary of the fair, which grew into one of the highly-anticipated events throughout Central Alberta. While the final tally was not available at press time, attendance was strong over the first three days. Organizers were hoping to surpass 100,000. Meghan Gustum, Westerner Park marketing manager, said organizers are pleased with the number of people flocking to the fair. “We are really happy with the turnout,” said Gustum. “Our attendance has been really strong this year. On Thursday we broke our daily record. On Friday we were at 20,227, up quite substantially from last year a bit but not a record.” Gustum said the concerts definitely help drive the attendance numbers. “That’s a part of it,” she said. “We had great weather. There’s so many different factors.” A total of 57,099 fair-goers attended the festival from Wednesday to Friday. Last year 99,614 people attended Westerner Days compared to 92,872 in 2014. The highest attendance for the entire festival was set in 2012 with 102,665. The first day of festival drew 13,739 fair-goers, just short of record attendance for the first day of 15,410, which was set in 2010. A new record was set on Thursday with 23,133 patrons streaming through the gates. Last year 21, 404 turned out on Thursday. Attendance was 20,227 (record

Photo by MARK BRETHERTON/Advocate staff

The Westerner Days Fair provided a colourful skyline on Saturday afternoon. 24,302 in 2010) on Friday. Last year 14,360 crossed through the gates on the third day. The fair and exposition featured the usual attractions – the midway, the racetrack and livestock, shopping and grub hub.

New this year were the fireworks every evening. Eight artists took over the main stage at the Centrium including Chad Brownlee and The Washboard Union, Salt ‘n Pepa with DJ Spinderealla, Prism and Stampeders and Moist and

USS. The first local fair was held in 1892 on Ross Street downtown, organized by the then Red Deer Agricultural Society. About 150 people turned out, according to local historian Michael Dawe.

Centrefest shaping up to be one of the best BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF Time to pass the hat. Central Alberta’s largest street performer festival is just days away from “wowing” the downtown crowds in Red Deer. Centrefest kicks off with a noon preview of the acts and a barbecue at City Hall Park on Friday. Janice Shimek, festival director, said every year is full of surprises and this year is shaping up to be one of the best. “There is no festival like this one unless you go to Edmonton,” said Shimek. “It’s there. It’s on the street. Other than putting money in a performer’s hat, it is a free festival. There is no admission to get in. There are things that you wouldn’t normally see anywhere else.” For the first time, there will be an adults only evening stage show on Saturday night. Shimek said the show will have a beer gardens-type atmosphere on the World Music Stage. Patrons must be over 18 to attend. The gates open at 8 p.m. and the show starts around 9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Purchase information is available on the festival’s website. It takes about 100 volunteers to put on the two-day show. Roughly another 30 volunteers are

Photo by Advocate Staff

Brayden Williams high-fives one of the Carisa Hendrix Stilt Walkers during the 2015 CentreFest Street Performer Festival. The stilt walking group will be returning this year to join many more acts from around the world that will perform at this year’s event.

needed, specifically men to do the heavy lifting, said Shimek. The jobs range from anything from hanging signs, unloading tents and weights, to putting up flags. There is an application form the festival’s website. Rain or shine, the show will go on. Some of the acts this year include Zap Circus (Australia), The Puppet RED DEER WEATHER

INDEX NEWS A1-3, A5, A7-8, B7 COMMENT A4 SPORTS B1-4 IN PICTURES A6 BUSINESS A9-10 FOOD B5 ENTERTAINMENT B9 ADVICE B10 COMICS B8

Guy (U.K.), Cirque No Problem (Israel), Flip! (Quebec), and Jugglemania (U.S.). Be on the look out for roving performers such as The Giant Magic 8 Ball (Edmonton) and Carisa Hendrix Stilt Walkers (Calgary) and Lothar Malmberg (Alberta). The music stage will feature artists such as Brad Abel, Ruined Escape

Local Today

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Plan, Ryan Carnduff, Jesse Roads and Randi Boulton. Performers take over Ross Street and 49th Avenue on July 30 at 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and July 31 from noon to 6:00 pm. For more information visit www. centrefest.ca crhyno@reddeeradvocate.com

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