Organizers are declaring the 2017 Lac La Biche Winter Festival of Speed a success with more than 200 ice racers in cars, motorcycles, sleds and quads taking part in the action.
During an entire weekend in February, the surface of Lac la Biche lake became the racing circuit for the 43rd annual Winter Festival of Speed. Drivers took home the hardware for the Western Championship and Alberta Championship for Ice Racing. The local flying club also created a runway on the lake to host Canada’s only ice fly-in.
The event was for a good cause too. Ten local community clubs will each get a piece of 18,000 dollars in money raised.
“Giving back to the community is what it’s all about!” says Ken Staples Festival Event Coordinator. “We have always partnered with local groups to help us run certain events. For their sweat equity each organization is rewarded with funding that they are able to invest in their own special events or programming. But above all, we believe the Winter Festival of Speed is about much more than ice races. It helps showcase our community to racers and spectators from across western Canada and creates a sense of pride right here at home.”
They are: École Beauséjour, Lac La Biche Lions Club, Lakeland Scouting Association, Plamondon Volleyball Club, Lac La Biche Aboriginal Headstart, PAL(Program for Adult Learning), Lac La Biche Antique Society, Lac La Biche Army Cadets, Lac La Biche Kinsmen and the Alberta Job Corp.
There will be an event this Friday at 11:00am at Community Futures in Lac La Biche to present the money and give thanks to each group.