Looking to heat up your summer plans? Edson and area are rolling out a red-hot lineup of events this August! From family-friendly fairs to exciting seniors' excursions and everything in between, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Read on for 13 sizzling summer events that will make your August unforgettable. Get ready for some serious fun in the sun!
1. Teddy Bear Picnic
Bring your little ones down to RCMP Centennial Park on August 1 for Early Childhood Matters’ 4th annual Teddy Bear Picnic! Explore early childhood services and programs available in Edson and area while letting your kid(s) loose in a variety of fun activities.
Designed for children ages 0-7, this event attracts over 300 families who come for the kid-friendly activities and to learn about local opportunities. Kids can enjoy inflatables, balloon twisting, a petting zoo, face painting, BBQ snacks, treats, giveaways, and more!
The Galloway Station Museum will also be in attendance to share information on our Community Welcome Project and baby bags, family-friendly events coming up in the area, school tours and more!
RCMP Centennial Park (223-55th Street, Edson)
August 1 | 1-7 pm
2. Peers Gold Dust Daze
Head down to the McLeod Valley Recreational Grounds from August 2-5 for the 46th annual Peers Gold Dust Daze – a beloved Edson area tradition packed with fun and free activities!
Since its inception in 1977, the Peers Gold Dust Daze has grown to include exciting river races, fast-paced slo-pitch tournaments, a unique parade, the exhilarating ranch rodeo and much more!
The event kicks off on the evening of August 2 with the start of the annual slo-pitch tournament.
On Saturday, August 3, start your day off with a free pancake breakfast at the Peers Multiplex. Then, head outside to enjoy the annual parade featuring homemade floats and the Show & Shine showcasing vintage cars and trucks. The day will also include horse pulls, mounted shooters, a silent auction, a steak fry, the ranch rodeo, and will conclude with an 18+ dance.
Sunday, August 4 begins with another free and delicious pancake breakfast at the grounds. In addition to the Saturday's activities, Sunday will also feature a kids' slo-pitch game, a family dance and the highly-anticipated fireworks display.
The final day, August 5, will feature an exciting tube race, the slo-pitch finals, a duck race and the ranch rodeo/ranch broncs.
Throughout the weekend, younger children can enjoy the Kids Daze zone, offering activities like bouncy castles, cookie decorating, sack races, a colouring contest, crafts and more.
Quench your thirst at the on-site beer gardens and grab a bite from the concession.
Camping is available for the weekend at $60 per trailer or $20 per tent.
Don't miss out on this incredible weekend of fun and community spirit at Peers Gold Dust Daze!
McLeod Valley Recreational Grounds (54521 Range Road 142B, Yellowhead County)
August 2-5 | Various times
3. Youth Interagency Olympics
In celebration of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, youth ages 11-17 are invited to join Edson Youth Interagency for their own Olympic-style tournament!
Like the Olympics, participants will be divided into countries, create their own flags, and compete in a variety of traditional and non-traditional events, earning points for high scores, team spirit, and sportsmanship.
This free event will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring awards and prizes.
Celebrate the spirit of the Olympics with Edson Youth Interagency during this day of fun and friendly competition!
Edson (exact location TBD)
August 14 | 1-4 pm
4. Wildwood Fair
Experience Wildwood like never before with the Wildwood & District Agricultural Society's annual Wildwood Fair on August 16!
Kick off your day with a hearty pancake breakfast, then dive into the action with a lively parade, thrilling gymkhana, and impressive bench show. Get ready for some serious fun with a jelly and watermelon eating contest, a sheepdog demo, and jaw-dropping tricks from riders Reese and Ashley. Channel your inner cowboy as you try to catch the greased pig and test your skills with log sawing and nail pounding.
Enjoy live music from The Singing Sawyer & Friends and dive into the fun with bouncy castles, Choo Choo the Clown, wheel of fortune, face painting, chicken poop bingo, a money pit, a petting zoo, a climbing wall, a cake walk, a mechanical bull, sumo suits, money axe, and basketball free throw.
Cap off your day with a delicious dinner hosted by the Yellowhead Central Santa’s Anonymous group at the Wildwood Community Hall, and stay for the grand finale: a spectacular fireworks show!
There's so much to do at the Wildwood Fair - don't miss out!
Wildwood Agricultural Grounds (5530-50th Street, Wildwood)
August 16 | 8 am - 9:30 pm
5. Rank Mini Pony Reunion
Curious about the journeys of former Rank Mini Pony riders? Find out at the Rank Mini Pony Reunion on August 16, hosted by Element Zone 13! This under-21 rough stock event showcases the rising stars of rodeo and offers an exciting glimpse into the future of the sport.
Rank Mini Pony is Canada’s leading youth rodeo sanctioning body. Over the past six years, they’ve developed top talent, including two Junior World Champions. Their base in Edson has been a catalyst for rodeo growth, inspiring young riders with passion and skill.
Rank Mini Pony also made history as the first Canadian organization to qualify contestants for the JR NFR in Las Vegas and has proudly crowned World Champions along the way, highlighting the exceptional talent they nurture.
Don't miss this chance to witness the future of rodeo and celebrate the remarkable achievements of tomorrow’s stars!
Element Zone 13 (54011 Range Road 171, Yellowhead County)
August 16 | 7 pm
6. Alberta Open Farm Days
Meet local farmers, shop local retailers, sample farm-to-table meals and more at the 12th annual Alberta Open Farm Days on August 15-16, featuring the best Alberta agriculture has to offer.
This two-day, province-wide event encourages residents (and travellers!) to visit Alberta’s diverse farms and connect with its local farmers and producers. Not only will you be able to discover the different locally-made/harvested products offered in Alberta, but you will also have the opportunity to learn more about how your food is made.
This year, Alberta Open Farm Days is shining a spotlight on the Alpaca, an important part of Alberta’s fibre industry. Alpacas, a recent addition to Alberta farms, arrived by plane in the late 20th century from South America. Since then, their numbers have soared to 28,500 across Canada, with 40% of them residing in Alberta! Alongside cashmere, sheep wool, and hemp, alpaca wool has become a vital component of Alberta's thriving fibre sector.
Additionally, 2024 has also been designated as the International Year of the Camelid, which, alongside the Bactrian camel and llama, includes alpacas. This makes it the perfect year to spotlight alpacas at Open Farm Days!
Several Yellowhead County-based farms will be participating in Alberta Open Farm Days this year, including:
5S Farms (livestock, butcher shop, and farm store)
Wild Country Gardens (orchards and gardens)
Wild Ventures Game Farm (bison, elk, longhorn, beef, wild boar)
The Yak Ranch (large yak ranch)
For more information about Alberta Open Farm Days and other participating farms, visit here.
5S Farms (14215 Range Road 544, Yellowhead County)
Wild Country Farms (10118 Township Road 550, Wildwood)
Wild Ventures Game Farm (55017 Range Road 100, Wildwood)
The Yak Ranch (53032 Range Road 103, Wildwood)
August 16 | Various times
7. Custom Cruisers' Car Show N' Shine
Attention vintage car lovers! The Edson Custom Cruisers are revving up for their annual Car Show & Shine at RCMP Centennial Park on August 19 - it's sure to be a wheely good time!
This year, the Car Club will showcase a stunning array of vintage trucks, cars, bikes, and more in the park for a full day of viewing. Meet the passionate owners and dive into the stories behind their beloved vehicles.
For just $25, you can enter your vehicle and support local charities, as all proceeds will be donated. Plus, entrants have a chance to win $500 (excluding car club members)!
A concession will also be available courtesy of the Holy Redeemer High School.
Don’t miss the chance to win one of the trophies for Best Motorcycle or one of three People's Choice awards.
RCMP Centennial Park (223-55th Street, Edson)
August 17 | 10-4 pm
8. Seniors at the Fringe
Hey Seniors! Want to attend the Edmonton Fringe Arts Festival but need a ride? The Town of Edson has you covered!
For a one-time fee of $80, enjoy transportation to and from Edmonton, admission to two Fringe Arts Festival plays, and access to all the street performers in between. There will be lots of free time in between to check out the food vendors, artisan market and other on-site activities.
For more information, call 780-725-0582 or visit here.
Griffiths Park Centre (5414-6th Ave., Edson)
August 20 | 9 am - 9 pm
9. Red Brick Children's Carnival
Come one, come all to the Red Brick's 9th Annual Children's Carnival on August 21!
Step back in time for a day filled with old-timey carnival games, delightful treats, and exciting prizes - all for FREE! Kids can enjoy a variety of crafts, indulge in sweet cotton candy and freshly-popped popcorn, and participate in a host of fun activities designed just for them.
Join the Red Brick for a day of laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories at this beloved community event!
Red Brick Arts Centre & Museum (4818-7th Ave., Edson)
August 21 | 1-4 pm
10. Mayor's Golf Tournament
Get ready to tee off at Edson Mayor Zahara's Annual Charity Golf Tournament on August 23!
Join Mayor Zahara for a day filled with friendly competition and lots of fun all while raising funds for a great cause. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this tournament is perfect for golfers of all skill levels.
The proceeds from the 2024 tournament will benefit the Edson & District Public Library, who have been undergoing a renovation expansion over the past few months. The library plays a crucial role in providing educational resources, fostering literacy, and serving as a hub for community engagement.
The registration package includes 18 holes at the Edson Golf Club, a power cart, a continental breakfast, and a steak dinner. Plus, you'll have the chance to participate in raffle draws, a 50/50 draw, and exciting hole contests.
Tickets are nearly sold out, so be sure to sign up now to register your spot!
Edson Golf Club (3905B Golf Course Road, Edson)
August 23 | 9 am - 7 pm
11. Alberta Outdoor Adventure Expo
The Alberta Outdoor Adventure Expo is coming to the Medicine Lodge Rodeo Grounds from August 30-September 2 to elevate, educate, and inspire outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds!
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or curious about a new hobby, this incredible weekend event has something for everyone. Explore industry-leading outdoor vendors from across Canada, try a wide range of outdoor activities without committing to expensive purchases, listen to guest speakers share their outdoor experiences and knowledge, and mingle with fellow adventurers.
This exciting three-day event will also feature fishing, a climbing wall, driver training, live music, paddleboarding, classes, campfire talks, product and gear demonstrations, giveaways, evening movies, beer gardens and much, much more! Food trucks will be available be on site, and there will be plenty of entertainment to keep your little ones busy.
Weekend camping passes are available for $50, with the option to choose your camping spot from one of three unique sites; in the forest surrounded by trees, on the waterfront or in the expansive open area. Day passes are also available for $20, granting you access to all vendors and activities for the day.
Whether you're an experienced trailblazer or just starting to explore outdoor adventures, this weekend is for you!
Medicine Lodge Rodeo Grounds (1.6 km south of Highway 16 on Range Road 213)
August 30 - September 2 | 10-6 pm
12. Wop May Day
Each year, the Galloway Station Museum and the Town of Edson proudly present the annual Wop May Day celebration, honoring the legendary RCAF and bush pilot Wilfrid Reid 'Wop' May.
In 1919, Wop May was hired by the Edmonton Police Service to fly a detective to Edson in pursuit of a wanted murder suspect, marking the first aerial police chase in Canadian history.
This fun-filled event features a variety of activities, including picnic races, inflatables, crafts, and family entertainment by Beth Portman. Don't miss the always popular pie-eating contest, open to all ages and sure to be a hit with both participants and spectators. Kids will have a blast with old-timey carnival games, where they can exchange their tokens for fantastic prizes at the end of the day.
Additionally, an artisan market inside the museum will showcase the talents of local artists, offering unique creations for sale.
Make sure to grab a bite at one of the many on-site food trucks before you leave!
Join us in celebrating Wop May at this free, family-friendly event! Stay tuned for more details at facebook.com/GallowayStationMuseum.
RCMP Centennial Park (223-55th Street, Edson)
August 31 | 1-5 pm
13. Edson Hillbilly Demolition Derby & Mud Bogs
Get ready for the Edson Hillbilly Demolition Derby & Mud Bogs, the ultimate family extravaganza featuring adrenaline-pumping mud bogger races, a classic demolition derby, and a whole lot of muddy mayhem!
Taking place on August 31 & September 1, witness cars and trucks catching air on the Tuff Truck track, feel the ground shake with the roar of engines, and watch in awe as metal meets metal in spectacular crashes.
Onsite camping is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to grab your spot early.
Gather your friends and family, pick your favorite driver, and dive into the muddy madness for a weekend of unforgettable fun!
15311 Township Road 542A (8 km north on Rosevear Road, turn right onto Peers cut-across road)
August 31 - September 1 | 1 pm
Which events will you attend in Edson & area this August?
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