Morinville Insight

The Bob Foster Extreme Sports Park will be the most rocking place in the Town of Morinville when the annual Rock the Rails event takes place on Friday, August 18 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Youth, aged six to 17 are invited to bring scooters, skateboards, bikes, and roller skates to sharpen their skills, show off hops, jumps, tail whips, wheelies, and other tricks off the jumps and half pipes. This high-energy event will also include great prizes, food trucks, and incredible demos from House of Wheels, an indoor skate park with locations in Edmonton and Calgary, that will be a hit with parents and youth alike. The event, organized by the Town of Morinville, will colourfully wrap up when participants will be invited to show off their softer, artistic side with some legal graffiti.

“We are excited to, once again, be hosting the Rock the Rails event,” says Barb Adamson, Community Development Supervisor. “This event is a great opportunity for youth to learn some tips and tricks from each other as well as some of the best.”

This year, Rock the Rails is being proudly supported by Vicious Cycle and Snow which opened its doors in St. Albert this spring. Nic Lemont, their Service Manager, was eager to lend his support to the annual event because an indoor skate park in his hometown of Thorsby has had a profound effect on his life. As he explained, “I started biking when I was 13 and haven’t stopped since. My small-town skate park saved me from some poor choices and set me on a better path in life. I’ve made lifelong friends and more than 20 years later I’m still doing what I love and inspiring others.”

He and others from his team will be at the event and have offered some great prizes, including a BMX bike, to support the event and encourage youth to take up the sport. Extreme sports, like these, encourage physical activity, dedication, and a sense of belonging for many youth helping keep them grounded. “At the end of the day,” Nic added, “we are here because we want to see the kids land a cool trick.”

This youth focused event will rock the Bob Foster Extreme Sports Park, or Morinville Skate Park as it may be better known. This local gem is one the biggest skateboard, scooter, and bike parks in the region offering 13,000 square feet of concrete, an 8-foot bowl, half pipe, ramps, and ample parking. More information about Rock the Rails 2023 and the skate park can be found at www.morinville.ca.

Spring is here and summer is upon us. As so many Morinville residents know, one of the surest signs of summer is our annual Festival Days celebration. This year, the Morinville Festival Days celebration includes a tribute to two of the most popular rock bands to grace a stage. Jersey Boulevard, Calgary's multi-tribute band, will be bringing the excitement of Bon Jovi and Journey's original live show to life. The show, scheduled for Saturday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre promises to take you back to a time when the Trans Am ruled the roads, spandex was all the rage, and hair that was long, wild, and free made Aqua-Net the hot hair commodity. At the show, you can expect to experience the sights and energy of both Bon Jovi’s and Journey’s greatest hits performed live, along with songs you know and love from the “B” sides of their hottest albums.

Robin Datta, the band’s lead guitarist has been active in the Canadian music circuit for more than 20 years and always looks forward to performing in smaller communities. As he explains, “There’s always a friendly welcome and the community spirit is electric.”

In addition to his passion for music and performing, Robin is keen to have a great time with everyone at the show. “We are ready to interact with the crowd, to take pictures, or to just cheer a cold beer,” he added.

Jersey Boulevard’s tribute to Bon Jovi and Journey promises to provide the passion and energy of two of the world’s biggest bands of all time, combined with a laid-back atmosphere of a smaller, more intimate gig. Whether you’re an experienced rocker dreaming about the glory days of rock, or you’ve never experienced the sights, sounds, and energy of these two classic bands, or you're just looking for a chance to let your hair down, you’re bound to have a great time with Jersey Boulevard.

With fewer than half the tickets remaining, get your tickets today. The fully licensed, 18+ event offers a cash bar, food trucks, and live music for just $30, plus G.S.T. and Ticketpro fees.

For complete Morinville Festival Days event details, including Jersey Boulevard show information, visit www.morinville.ca/festivaldays.