Hundreds of people came through the doors to see what Slave Lake has to offer during the fourth annual Parade of Programs.

The free event was held Sept. 12 at the Slave Lake Multi-Rec Centre fieldhouse, bringing community organizations, programs and residents together under one roof.
Parade of Programs was organized by the Town of Slave Lake Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Slave Lake and Area Mental Health Network, with support from local businesses.

Dancin’ Kids Slave Lake perform for attendees during the Parade of Programs on Sept. 12. The group showcased their dance skills as part of the event’s activities. Heather Auger (right) is the group’s teacher and works with the young dancers as they learn and develop their skills. Photos courtesy of Pearl Lorentzen

Organizer Pearl Lorentzen says 340 people attended this year, including 68 people volunteering at the different tables.

“It went very well,” says Lorentzen. “We had a really good variety of tables.”
A total of 48 organizations participated.

Lorentzen volunteered her time to help with registration and organizing, while Darcy Comeau worked on the event through FCSS. Lorentzen says FCSS funded the event this year. The event also received support from local businesses, helping bring the community-wide event together.

This year’s Parade of Programs ran for four hours, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving people more time to visit the different organizations.

“I think the extra hour was a good idea, because it gave us a little bit more time,” says Lorentzen.

Sara Coutts represents FireSmart at the Parade of Programs.

Some organizations were familiar faces, while others participated for the first time.
New participants included the Slave Lake Youth Advisory Committee, Canadian Red Cross, FireSmart, FutureWorks, the Iris Project, CASA Mental Health and Iron Swan Acupuncture.
The Youth Advisory Committee also helped set up tables before the event.
Along with information booths, Parade of Programs offered six mini-classes and presentations.

Zumba, Ceili Fitness, Dance Creations and Dancin’ Kids Slave Lake offered short exercise classes. Standing in Unity and Native Counselling of Alberta also gave brief presentations.

Other organizations made their booths interactive.
The curling club offered curling shuffleboard, while gymnastics had activities for people to try. Lorentzen says one of the biggest benefits of Parade of Programs is the opportunity for organizations to connect with each other while introducing residents to what is available in Slave Lake.

“The networking value is always excellent,” says Lorentzen.

From left, Shane Rebryna, Ellen Criss and Kim McConnell represent Stage North at the Parade of Programs.
They showcases the fall and winter performances in Stage North

She says it also helps remind people about the many activities, programs and services available locally.

“I think it’s very valuable in building that sense of community among the organizations, as well as getting the word out and reminding people that there are things to do in Slave Lake,” says Lorentzen.

Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader