It’s back! Following a one-year, pandemic-related absence, Coulee Fest returns to Lethbridge College’s campus on Sept. 18.
This will be the fourth iteration of Coulee Fest, Lethbridge College’s free family festival, which will once again feature live music, family entertainment, food trucks, a marketplace, beer gardens and a showcase of all that Lethbridge College has to offer. Launched as part of the college’s 60th anniversary celebrations in 2017, Coulee Fest has turned into an annual celebration for the college and the entire community.
“Coulee Fest has always recognized Lethbridge College’s place in the larger southern Alberta community and the role we play in this region,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “Over the past 18 months, our campus has been quiet, but our students and employees haven’t been. They have all worked so hard to create new ways of learning, working and teaching, and to keep each other safe. As restrictions loosen and we bring life back to our campus, this is a chance for us to come together and celebrate these successes.”
More details will be released in the coming weeks, but Coulee Fest is already beginning to take shape. The first confirmed band is Nova Scotiables, a party band that is in high demand to play its Celtic-infused rock across Western Canada, who rocked the Coulee Fest stage in 2019. The popular beer gardens return, this year sponsored by Hudsons Canada’s Pub. And the family fun and entertainment will once again include the always popular petting zoo.
In addition to celebrating the beginning of the academic year with students, employees and the wider southern Alberta community, Coulee Fest will have a focus on bringing alumni back to campus, with special features planned specifically for those who got their starts at Lethbridge College.
“We have learned our alumni create strong, memorable and lasting bonds with Lethbridge College and welcome the opportunity to return to campus, and we are excited to bring them back,” says Stephanie Savage, Lethbridge College Alumni Engagement coordinator and Coulee Fest organizer. “I believe this year’s Coulee Fest will have an added energy following everything we have gone through over the last 18 months and I look forward to seeing our campus celebrating once again.”
Coulee Fest 2021 planning is in its early stages, so food trucks, entertainment or vendors interested in being a part of the festivities are welcome to contact the college to talk about possible involvement. Event organizer Stephanie Savage can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at 403-329-7220.
Check out couleefest.ca for all the updates leading up to the big day.