Although it's the dead of winter, this weekend is a busy time for many St. Albertans.
The Family Day weekend, which has been enjoyed in Alberta since 1990, is upon us and with it are various opportunities to spend quality time with family.
It's certain that many will head out of town for a winter road trip and take advantage of the long weekend. With the Olympics going on a lot of us will be gathered around TVs, cheering for Canada's athletes – including our local representatives. And for those sticking around town and hoping to get outside, Family Day is marked with the ever-popular Fire and Ice Festival.
On Monday afternoon at Lacombe Lake Park there will be skating, pond hockey, fire performers, sleigh rides, ice carvers, hot chocolate and more, all free of charge and hosted by St. Albert Firefighters Local 2130. St. Albert Transit will have free park and ride service to get everyone to the event as there is no parking on site. It's always a great time and it's for a great cause. The firefighters will be collecting donations for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, a cause they have supported for many years, which helps support people with neuromuscular disorders and advances research. Fire and Ice is considered the kickoff for the firefighters' Rooftop Campout campaign, which this year hopes to raise $45,000 for the cause.
Fire and Ice is just one stop in the firefighters’ campaign. On Thursday the firefighters will wait tables at East Side Mario's from 5-9:30 p.m. with all tips going toward the campaign. On Feb. 24, they'll be at Sturgeon Heights for a wheelchair basketball tournament, promoting and raising more money in the drive. That same weekend they'll be taking donations in their boot drive at Inglewood Safeway and they'll cap off the campaign from Sunday, March 4 to Wednesday, March 7 with the annual Rooftop Campout at Fire Station #2.
The firefighters really go all out in this campaign that benefits so many. If you have the means to give, please do so. As you can see, the firefighters are making it convenient for you to support a worthy cause.
In many ways, Fire and Ice is a prime example of the idea of Family Day. Not only is it a family-fun event, it’s also a chance to help out other families who are dealing with loved ones suffering from Muscular Dystrophy.
Have a happy and safe Family Day weekend.
