In just one week, the Summer Sizzler will be upon us and bring with it four days of food, amusement rides, cabaret performances, and more.
Unlike previous years, the event will begin on Thursday and will have more fun activities for teenagers, including a 80-foot drop tower. Friday night will have the usual JCI cabaret, during which the band Longshot from Saskatoon will be playing. This time, there will also be a free “Teen Zone” for teenagers to enjoy while their parents are at the cabaret. It will go until 11 p.m. and will include laser tag, teen-sized bouncers, and a big ball challenge. There will even be a big photo booth for people to take pictures that can include up to 20 people so that they can take home a keepsake.
“One of the biggest things we saw from last year’s survey was that there wasn’t much for teenagers, so that’s what the big push was for the Friday night teen zone,” said Mike Ulriksen, the City of Humboldt events manager and the Sizzler’s main organizer.
Saturday morning will have the usual pancake breakfast kickoff and float parade, but this year will also feature the Saskatchewan Roughriders drumline.
Following the parade, they will be going around and playing on the grounds.
The day will have the Safe Communities Humboldt & Area bike rodeo as well as an art market where local vendors will show off handcrafted products.
Since it’s the first year for this kind of trade show, all artisans, pottery makers, painters, etc. are invited to put their wares on display for free.
Visitors can come take a look at the open car and truck show and parents can bring their kids to enjoy the petting zoo and pony rides. The animal attraction had to be cancelled last year due to the rainy weather.
As usual, the more adult-friendly events will take place Sunday, starting with the Sizzler Strut, followed by the demolition derby and ending with the tractor pull.
“I think (the most challenging thing) is just trying to figure out what to do differently while keeping it in line with our budget,” said Ulriksen. “We’ve been trying to figure out how to build on that and make it bigger and better.”
Weekend passes for the West Coast Midway Amusements Midway can only be purchased at the Uniplex until June 17, although day passes can be purchased at the event.
