Hundreds of Cold Lake residents went out to learn more about what’s available for their families in their own backyard.
The Cold Lake Community Registration Night saw 78 organizations sharing information about their services and how people can get involved on Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Energy Centre.
This was the first time it was held during the week in an effort to bring more families through the door. Booths ranged from local sports teams and volunteer groups, to local businesses and non-profits.
Theresa Nickel, organizer and community events programmer with the City of Cold Lake, believes the decision to host the community registration night on a Thursday was a good move.
“We had suggestions of people over the years wanting it to be on a week night, so we thought we’d give it a try and it was a success.”
When attendee Shannon Bilodeau originally heard about the change, she wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to go with her family.
“I wasn’t thinking it was a good idea, but it seems to have worked out for the better for us having it on a week night. Especially on a Thursday, because I don’t work on the Friday,” she exclaimed.
Nickel described the event as a “one-stop shop for community members to come and see what Cold Lake has to offer for every member of their family.”
“It’s a transient community, so we have a lot of new people here every single year. It just gives them a place to see what Cold Lake is all about and what we have to offer instead of trying to find everything.”
Bilodeau agreed.
“It’s easier than trying to find different places online or on the phone.”
Bilodeau looked into what activities were available for her children, while her 12-year-old son, Noah Anderberg, was able to look around to see what peaked his interest.
“He didn’t know what he wanted to do, so that’s another reason why I like them all here. Then he can maybe see something that he’s interested in that he’s never heard of.”
Everyone was able to find something that caught their attention.
“We’ve got a lot of people interested in diving, and we’ve also got a lot of divers that already live here who just found out that we have a club,” explained Matthew Graham, chief instructor for the Cold Lake Scuba Club.
The group shared information about what they do, and received a lot of positive feedback.
“We want to get as many people interested as possible, and to just try scuba for themselves and their kids to kind of create a family activity as well.”
Local organizations, such as Fame Dance Studios, were kept busy all evening registering people for their upcoming programs.
“This was a really great event to come to, and it feels good because it showcases what the entire community has to offer,” noted Sarah Makins, owner of the local dance studio. “For parents, it’s absolutely incredible. Instead of going to 10 different businesses they can just go to one event and all of the businesses come to them.”
By the time the evening was over, residents got to see what Cold Lake has to offer and local groups had new members.
Nickel hopes to continue to host the community registration night on a weekday due to its success this time around.
