Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
It’s time to dig out your plaid attire and get ready for this year’s Rotaract River Days!
The festival is making its second appearance in Peace River, an event lovingly grown by the impressive Peace River Rotaract, a group focused on providing recreational and community-based opportunities to people in the region.
This year’s Rotaract River Days will be held downtown Peace River on June 20-22 in conjunction with the World Jet Boat Races.
“Rotaract River Days brings people together with something for everyone; live entertainment, fun for the kids, great food, and a chance to celebrate all the awesome things Peace River has to offer,” says Rotaract’s Rylee Labbe.
“If you’ve never been, you’re missing out. It’s a plaid-themed weekend packed with free, family-friendly fun, big laughs, and new experiences all organized by people who truly care about this community.”
Labbe says River Days will feature several exciting events including the new Plaid Parade, Riverfront Fun Fair, and other events during the weekend.
“We’re kicking off the weekend with a Plaid Parade on Friday evening starting at 5 p.m. on River Road, then we’ve moving the party over to 101st where there will be live music, a mechanical bull, beer gardens and food trucks, karaoke contest, art hub vendors, and much more! Saturday River Days activities are at Riverfront Park, featuring Mann’s Landing Market & Expo and the Riverfront Fun Fair,” says Labbe.
“We’re wrapping up the weekend fun on Sunday at Riverfront with the Flapjack Breakfast, Princess Picnic and Superhero Showdown.”
Labbe says this year they’re excited to host the River Days at the same time as the World Jet Boat Races, hoping that even more people go to Peace River to experience both events.
“The World Jet Boat Races bring locals and tourists from across the region to spectate, and we want to highlight the best of Peace River when they arrive,” Labbe says.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase our community spirit, support local businesses, and create fond memories of our hometown,” she adds.
River Days is meant to be a free or low-cost community event that everyone can enjoy, regardless of budgetary constraints. Any proceeds Rotaract raises go to helping to cover costs or to reinvest into next year’s event.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the amazing communities, businesses, and organizations who have invested in our dream,” exclaims Labbe.
“This year, we’re grateful to have received grant funding from the Town of Peace River, the County of Northern Lights, and Northern Sunrise County. We also have several businesses and organizations to thank so far for their gift-in-kind donations for this year’s event.”
Labbe says World Jet Boat Association, Rotary Club of Peace River, Manzer Environmental, Kenry Electric Ltd., Glen Armstrong Construction, Falcon Rentals, River Country & KIX 106, Peace Valley Inns, Smitty’s, Valley Printers & Signs, Tim Hortons, and Mathieu Hryniuk LLP have all given gift-in-kind donations to help with the event.
She adds it’s great to see the entire community rally around an event they were hoping would bring the community together, to celebrate Peace River’s identity, to support local talent and businesses, and to remind people why Peace River is such a great place to live.