Voting has ended in the great Hockeyville quest but the Spirit of Sylvan Hockeyville committee isn’t done yet.
They’re planning a spectacular celebration to coincide with announcement of the final winner on Saturday, Apr. 5.
Members of the committee met with representatives from Hockey Night In Canada and Kraft on Wednesday, showing them the community and discussing plans for the evening, which are still being formulated.
Several projects are underway.
A ‘people parade’ is being planned by Brenda Dale. It’s proposed to start at 2 p.m. from Centennial Park and head west along Lakeshore Drive then south on 50th Street, before turning east towards the multiplex. At press time, Graham Parsons, chairman of the committee, said he was pretty sure the Red Deer Royals would commit to lead the ‘pied piper’ style parade where everybody will be encouraged to join in as it passes by. Other dignitaries, including possibly some Olympic athletes, will also be involved.
Hockey teams from Central Alberta communities that have helped Sylvan since the arena roof collapsed will also be invited to the parade and recognized during the day.
A road hockey tournament is being organized by Darcy Rosie. Again details are still being worked out but those interested in helping or participating may contact him at 403-302-1216. It would run from about 3-5 p.m.
The multiplex will be the site of a huge celebration from 5-9 p.m. approximately.
Several bands have been approached about providing entertainment during the evening’s festivities and will be confirmed in the next week.
Large projection screens will be set up so people can watch Hockey Night In Canada that evening and see the Kraft Hockeyville announcement of the winner.
CBC TV crews will be in town to broadcast live during the day’s events and to portray the reaction when Sylvan Lakers learn the fate of their energy in the final voting round.
Another feature of the celebration is a decorating contest. All businesses are encouraged to decorate their storefronts and interiors, especially along the parade route, in the Hockeyville colours - red, white and blue with yellow accents.
Recognizing that there will be national television coverage, portraying our enthusiasm is one of the requests of the committee, said Parsons.