Is there a better way to close out summer than with the biggest outdoor festival southern Alberta has ever seen?
In celebration of the University of Lethbridge’s 50th anniversary, and in partnership the Enmax Centre, the City of Lethbridge and presenting sponsors Lethbridge Lodging Association and TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, the Shine On Summer Festival promises a weekend of music, culture and community, Sept. 1 to 3 at the U of L Community Stadium.
“This festival is built around our Alumni Homecoming and will not only celebrate the University’s 50th anniversary, but the southern Alberta community of which we are so proud to be a part,” says University of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “It’s the last weekend of summer and an old-fashioned festival is the perfect way to bring everyone out to the stadium for one last summer party.”
The weekend opens with a host of Alumni Homecoming events, including the annual John Gill Memorial Golf Tournament, followed by a live concert event and community fair in the U of L Stadium. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a summer evening of outstanding music from award-winning artists, capped off with a spectacular fireworks show featuring the Canadian National Fireworks Team. On Sunday, a free day of arts, culture, food and drink, song and dance and sporting events for all ages will round out this one-time-only festival.
“We’ve never done anything this big before but we’ve never turned 50 before either,” adds Mahon. “With our alumni coming back to campus, our students just beginning to arrive for the fall semester and the lineup of artists and activities we have planned, I expect this weekend will be talked about for years to come.”
The U of L, along with the Enmax Centre, will reveal the all-star lineup of musicians for the concert event at a special announcement on Friday, March 24 at 11 a.m. in the Enmax Centre Lounge. Special pre-sale tickets will then be available to U of L alumni, students, faculty and staff before full ticket sales commence on Monday, March 27.
“The Enmax Centre is proud of its partnership with the University of Lethbridge, and excited to be celebrating its 50th anniversary with the largest outdoor celebration Lethbridge has seen,” says Kim Gallucci, Enmax Centre general manager. “This weekend will have something for everyone, and we look forward to being a part of it.”
Following is a look at the Shine On Summer Festival community events:
Friday, September 1 – Alumni Homecoming
John Gill Memorial Golf Tournament at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort
Saturday, September 2 – Music Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza
University of Lethbridge Community Stadium
3 to 11 p.m.
Sunday, September 3 – Community Fair
University of Lethbridge Community Stadium
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Multicultural showcase, round dance, rugby 15s tournament, artisan market, beer gardens, family activities, inflatable obstacle course, battle of the bands, more!
