Riverboat Daze brought three days of summer events, live music and downtown activity to Slave Lake from July 3 to 5.
This year’s Riverboat Daze included the familiar mix of a parade, carnival rides, food, music and community activities.
Downtown Slave Lake was barricaded for portions of the event, with live music and a block party taking place downtown.

Local musician Berlyn Broadhead was featured this year. The downtown setup also included a Saturday market.

The Slave Lake Farmers’ Market Riverboat Daze market ran Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Downtown Main Street. The downtown area also featured food trucks throughout the weekend as well as vendor tables set up by local business such as Creative Goods and Co and The Fix.

The midway was also back in its usual spot. The carnival operated through the weekend on Highway 88, across from 6 ave.
The parade remained one of the main attractions. This year’s theme was “Happy Campers,” inviting entries to lean into a camping-inspired look as the parade rolled through town.

The parade boasted a variety of unique floats and features including a pink Volkswagon Beatle owned by Alessia Bathgate.

Mr. Mike’s served burgers during Riverboat Daze in support of Movember, adding a charitable element to the festival food options.

With downtown streets closed for parts of the festival, residents had to plan around parking and travel changes. Between the parade, market, music, midway and food fundraisers, Riverboat Daze brought a busy start to July in Slave Lake.

Sara Driedger
Lakeside Leader