Oops! We got bucked by the numbers!
In last week’s story about the Smith Fall Fair and Rodeo on Page 9, we reported that this year’s event would be the 45th. It should have read the 46th annual Smith Fall Fair and Rodeo. A little miscommunication slipped through between the reporter and the interviewee, but as every reporter knows, it’s always worth giving the facts one more ride before heading to print. Thanks to our readers for keeping us on our toes, and we’ll see you at the 46th annual celebration.

Heritage Days Festival returns Aug. 1
The Lesser Slave Lake Multicultural Association, in partnership with Northern Lakes College, will host the second annual Heritage Days Festival on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northern Lakes College gym in Slave Lake.
The event will celebrate the community’s cultural diversity through activities and opportunities for residents to connect and learn about different cultures.
The Lakeside Leader will be at the festival to cover the event. Watch for photos and a story in an upcoming edition.

Marten Beach Market debuts this weekend
The first-ever Marten Beach Market takes place on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visitors can explore a multi-family garage sale featuring 10 participating locations, along with two open pottery studios, handmade jewelry, crafts, baked goods, canned goods, and fresh B.C. fruit. Guests are also encouraged to stop by the Marten River Campground for ice cream during their visit.
The Lakeside Leader will also be on hand to cover the market. Look for photos and coverage in an upcoming issue.

Several ice programs at Slave Lake’s Multi Rec Centre (MRC) will be temporarily cancelled from Aug. 10 to 13 as ongoing work continues in Arena 1 (Secure Energy).
The Town of Slave Lake says Parent & Tot Skate, Parent & Tot Stick & Puck, and Adult Stick & Puck will be cancelled on Aug. 10 and Aug. 12. Adult Stick & Puck will also be cancelled on Aug. 11 and Aug. 13.
The temporary closures are required while improvements are completed in the arena. The Town apologized for any inconvenience and thanked residents for their patience and understanding while the work is underway.
Regular ice programming is expected to resume once the improvements are complete.

A young Slave Lake reader has reached an impressive milestone.
According to the Slave Lake Library, Romie has read 1,000 books before starting kindergarten, demonstrating an early love of reading and learning. Library staff congratulated Romie on the accomplishment, noting the milestone is a strong foundation for future learning in their Facebook page.
The Lakeside Leader will follow up with a feature story in an upcoming edition.

Adults looking for a creative evening are invited to an Adult Art and Craft Night at the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation.
Participants will create pressed flower lanterns using preserved plant samples, with all materials provided. The program is presented by the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory Society, the Lesser Slave Forest Education Society and Alberta Parks.
This will take place on August 6.
Pre-registration is required.
To register, call the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation at 780-849-8240 or email info@borealbirdcentre.ca.
Watch for photos and a story in an upcoming issue.