Slave Lake residents will have an extra hour this year to discover activities, support services, and volunteer opportunities available in the community.

The fourth annual Parade of Programs will be held Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Multi-Rec Centre (MRC) field house in Slave Lake.

Organizer Pearl Lorentzen says the event has been extended by an hour this year after receiving feedback from people who wanted more time to explore the booths.

“If you’re just going to wander through and grab pamphlets from like a few tables, you can do it in 15 minutes,” says Lorentzen. “If you’re going to actually sit and or stand and talk to people and whatever, we recommend at least an hour.”

The Parade of Programs brings together recreation groups, community organizations, and support services in one location, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about what is available in Slave Lake.
Lorentzen says 39 organizations had already registered, with space available for up to 60 tables. Lorentzen says previous years have had around 50.

Organizations registered so far range from the Lesser Slave Lake Multicultural Association, and Lakeside Figure Skating Club to the Lesser Slave Lake Forest Education Society, Cadets, Slave Lake Airsoft Group, 211 Alberta, and GriefShare.
The Beach Fest Society and Iris Project are among the organizations new to the event this year. FireSmart is also expected to participate.

The event isn’t only for children. Lorentzen says there are activities, programs and services for people of different ages and interests.
There will also be free demonstrations or classes during the event. Zumba and CC Fitness are confirmed to return, while organizers are working on adding other demonstrations.

Lorentzen says people should watch the Parade of Programs Facebook page for the demonstration schedule.
While the event helps people find programs and activities, Lorentzen says organizers are putting an increased focus on another way to get involved in Slave Lake: volunteering.

“Volunteering is a really good way to get involved in the community and get to know people,” she says.

Lorentzen moved to Slave Lake seven years ago and says her experience as both a journalist and volunteer helped her become involved in the community.

“There are a lot of really interesting people in Slave Lake, and one of the best ways to get to know them is by volunteering with them,” she says.

Lorentzen says one of the things she has enjoyed about organizing the Parade of Programs over the years is watching the event become smoother and hearing positive feedback from participating organizations.

For her, getting involved is also an important part of making a community feel like home.

“A community does not feel like home until you’re involved in it,” says Lorentzen.
Tables are free for participating organizations. Anyone interested in registering can email slavelakementalhealth@gmail.com.

Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader