Hometown Hockey kick-off party at Strathmore Centre

By Christine Foshaug Times Contributor

Strathmore will be buzzing with activity on the weekend of Dec. 21 and 22 when Rogers Hometown Hockey takes over the Family Centre. There are events and activities planned in downtown Strathmore and Gleichen/Siksika as well.
The celebrations will begin on the night of Wednesday, Dec. 18, when the CP Holiday Train pulls into Gleichen/Siksika. It should arrive around 9:40 p.m., and there will be fireworks and live music performances by Meghan Patrick, Tanika Charles and Kelly Prescott.
The Strathmore and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a kick-off party at Strathmore Centre (the old Co-op building) on Dec. 21. Local businesses are invited to help “paint the town red” by decorating their storefronts. Participating businesses will be judged between Dec. 15 and 20, and the winner will be announced at the kick-off party on Saturday morning.
The party will include a free pancake breakfast by the Strathmore Lions from 8-10 a.m., a hockey skills competition for all ages, a smore tasting and judging, and a sidewalk sale. There will also be celebrities and dignitaries in attendance for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.
“I am really just thrilled to see how the community has already come together,” said deputy mayor Melanie Corbiell. “Everyone has been doing their part to make sure this is a successful event. I hope it is an amazing weekend.”
Rogers will be closing off the Family Centre parking lot and hosting events and activities for the whole family. On Saturday, the fire department will play in a hockey game against local female hockey and ringette players, and they’ll be joined by NHL hockey alumni. There will also be music, entertainment and food.
A highlight of the weekend will be the parade of champions, which is being organized by Strathmore Minor Hockey. The parade is open to all clubs, teams and service organizations, and will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Participants will meet in the parking lot north of the Civic Centre at 3:45 p.m.
“To register, send an email to suzyq334@hotmail.com and also send your team’s accomplishments in the email,” said Corbiell. “This is a great way to showcase what Strathmore and area has to offer.”
For more information, visit strathmore.ca.