FAIR FUN - Organizers offered details about next month's Westerner Days during a recent press conference. The event runs July 20-24 at Westerner Park.

FAIR FUN - Organizers offered details about next month's Westerner Days during a recent press conference. The event runs July 20-24 at Westerner Park.

Westerner Days set to kick-off next month

Traditional favourites and new features offered this year

A family fun-filled tradition is set to take place next month in Red Deer.

Westerner Days takes place July 20 – 24 at Westerner Park.

The event kicks off with a colourful parade which takes place downtown at 9:30 a.m. on July 20. Entertainment, the midway and pony chuckwagons run through until July 24.

“We invite you to gather your friends and families and come down to the grounds,” said Roxanne Kirton, marketing manager for Westerner Park. “You’re guaranteed to have a good time.”

Last year, 92,000 walked through the gates of Westerner Park to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the fair grounds.

A number of attractions for young and old are slated for the week and include the Molson Canadian Ranch where a number of country artists will be performing, the 19th St. Market where a number of vendors will be on hand to sell their wares and a family fun zone where kids will enjoy a petting zoo, arts and crafts as well as various games.

Shows will also run throughout each day including DockDogs where spectators will see dogs do extreme agility, Spandy Andy and the Freddy Fusion Illusion Show.

A number of rides for kids, youth and adults will be found on the midway. This year, the Westerner is introducing three new rides to its line-up including Monster Truck, Alien Abduction/Starship and Mega Drop.

The popular pony chuckwagons also take place nightly at 6 p.m. with the finals getting started at 2 p.m. on July 24.

For those with an interest in agriculture, a variety of shows and competitions will also be held.

Westerner Days will host a miniature horse show, a miniature donkey show, the Alberta Goat Classic as well as beef shows.

A number of off-site events will also be happening over the course of Westerner Days including daily pancake breakfasts, a chili cook-off competition and more.

Ride All Day passes, formerly known as Ticket to Ride, will be sold at Red Deer Fas Gas locations beginning June 20 and ending July 19. This pas is $30 and includes the cost of the gate admission and gives purchasers unlimited rides for one day.

Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for youth aged 13-17, $5 for seniors and children aged six to 12. Children under the age of six are free.

A $6 parking fee will also apply.

For more information, check out www.westernerdays.ca.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com