Dan Davidson and The Watchmen rock the stage at Party in the Park

What a perfect weekend for the 11^th Annual Party in the Park two-day festival extravaganza! Rotary Park was transformed June 16 and 17 with food vendors, a massive stage, and countless activities to get into. Live music played throughout both days from rock to pop to country, something for everyone. Hundreds of spectators set up little spots around the park field with chairs, tents, and umbrellas to enjoy the performances.

Saturday was chock full of performers including Danielle Knapp who put on a wonderful set strumming her guitar to several country hits. Siblings Adam and Katlyn Szybunka teamed up for a couple of songs, and the blues echoed around Rotary Park during the performance of Sheldon & Lee. Their guitars and harmonica playing was perfection. A bit later in the afternoon Whitecourt’s own rockers, The Murms, took the stage cranking the sound level up and raising the pulse of everyone within earshot.

Paul Woida used his voice as the beat and all sorts of background noises that he created live and on the fly to accompany him in his act. His unforgettable version of Crazy by Gnarls Barkley will definitely be one of the musical highlights of the weekend. To the right of the audience area was a full line of food trucks providing sustenance to event goers. All the favourites were available including ice cream, fries, and the ever-popular mini donuts.

Towards the back end of the field children were lined up all day long waiting to get a face painting or body tattoo from Stardust Designs. Even further down the field were all the inflatables also known as the fun zone. From slides to bouncy houses, combat games, bubble balls and, brand new this year, a laser gun course had kids and adults running and hiding behind inflated barricades. Just beside the games area were local vendors selling all kinds of handmade things from jewelry to knits, pottery, paintings, handbags, and more.

Also, to top it off, walking out amongst the festivities were thrilling circus performers including a beautiful ballerina on stilts and a juggler who mesmerized children with his quick hands. This year’s party was moved from September to June, becoming a kick off to summer rather than an ending to it.

Both Friday and Saturday featured live music from local talents, and each day had an opener followed by a headliner. Dan Davidson followed The Orchard on Friday and The Watchmen closed out the show right after Punch Drunk Cabaret.

Moments before The Watchmen’s performance, the Whitecourt Fire Department accompanied by the old fire engine “Beulah” that was parked out front, joined Mayor Chichak and Mayor Rennie on stage for a moment of silence for Captain Larry Lopes who recently passed. The rowdy crowd became muted as residents stood together in silence to honour a man who touched so many. Larry devoted over 30 years of his life to the department and loved every minute of it.

Mayor Maryann Chichak said this year’s Party in the Park has been the most amazing one that she has attended since being elected. “The weather co-operated, the crowds have been amazing, and the entertainment has been out of this world. We’ve had something here for people of all ages, from toddlers to adults.”

Big shout out to the organizers who worked long hours to put on this free event for the community and for continuing to raise the bar higher each year.