Cirque de Smoky Lake a family day highwire act

By Brandie Majeau

Despite the biting cold that enveloped much of Alberta, Smoky Lake brought to
life its festive Family Day event, uniting families, children, and children at heart. This day
was not merely an escape from the winter chill; it blossomed into a celebration of
laughter, joy, and a multitude of opportunities for families to forge deeper connections
through a medley of engaging activities.
A standout attraction was Flyin’ Bob Circus Experience, where families were
invited to unleash their inner circus performers in a unique Circus Drop-in Area. With a
sense of wonder and excitement, both children and parents tackled stilts, embraced the
challenge of tightrope walking, and attempted to master unicycles, crafting an
atmosphere brimming with attempted performance creativity.
Bundled up against the crisp air, skaters also glided effortlessly across the arena
ice with free skating as part of the afternoon, or if one wanted an alternative, the face
painting and games section was a huge hit. Eagerly forming long lines, little ones
beamed with anticipation as they awaited colourful designs that transformed their faces
into whimsical canvases. Interactive games and delightful prizes fueled the afternoon’s
excitement. The circus aura was topped off with goodies and treats from corn dogs, to
french fries to perfectly popped popcorn. Every bite pulled guests further into the
atmosphere of Cirque de Smoky Lake.
A meaningful addition to this year’s festivities was the involvement of Healthy
Families, Healthy Futures, who graciously shared invaluable insights about their free in-
home visitation services designed for families in the Smoky Lake region. This initiative
emphasized a profound commitment to enhancing community well-being and support.
The day also served as a catalyst for community engagement, with four new
volunteers joining the community volunteer bank, showing a growing interest in local
involvement. The clever idea of a Graffiti Wall provided families with a creative outlet to
express their thoughts and feedback. And in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day on
February 17th, a special jar filled with inspiring ideas for positive actions was
prominently displayed, encouraging families to embrace kindness and spread goodwill
beyond the confines of the event through small, thoughtful gestures.
Braving the chilly air, approximately 150 spirited attendees gathered to
interweave wonderful memories at the Family Cirque de Smoky Lake. The event’s
success was bolstered by the generous support of local sponsors, including Smoky

Lake County, ATB, Kinettes, and the Smoky Lake Agricultural Society, whose
contributions turned this celebration of family and community into a remarkable reality.
The Family Day Cirque de Smoky Lake encapsulated the very essence of
community spirit and so much more. It was a testament to the joy, fun, and excitement
that foster connections, demonstrating that even in the midst of winter’s chill, families
can unite to create cherished memories.

Photos courtesy of Smoky Lake FCSS