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Family Guide to the YMM Food Fest
By Summertime – most will agree that it’s a relaxing break away from the busy school hustle and bustle: sleeping in with no routine for weeks on end, sounds like a dream. But let’s be honest, it’s not. The educators have had our children on a balanced schedule for the past ten months, so unless we have them in camps for the entire summer, it can be hard to keep them busy.
Thankfully, we have a lot to do in our region from skate and spray parks to afternoon walks in the Birchwood Trails. And even better, community event organizers know how to make the most of summer with plenty of ongoing events like how the 2019 Alcor Fort McMurray Food Festival is bringing ten days of family fun into the city from July 19 to July 28, and it’s all for a great cause to support Waypoints.
This year’s YMM Food Fest has much more to offer and great opportunities to explore for everyone. The event schedule is perfectly planned out to let guests choose their preference, and no events overlap. And because each event has its own date and time, guests can become the ultimate YMM Food Fest fan and take part in every single event.
The following lists are breakdown guides of what to expect before you go and what events you can attend on a budget. Whether you’re looking for an evening date night with your spouse or a reason to get the kids outdoors, check out what this summer’s favourite food festival has to offer.
Food Fest on a Budget
The Anzac Beach Party presented by Anzac Grocery in partnership with Fort McMurray Tourism, The District Recording Studio and UCB Radio 91.1 at the Anzac Day-Use Area (Saturday, July 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), YMM Block Bash presented by TELUS in partnership with Fort McMurray Urban Market, Mix 103.7 and 100.5 Cruz FM at Jubilee Plaza (Wednesday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), Annual Summer BBQ presented by ATCO in partnership with Fort McMurray Tourism, Your McMurray Magazine, Mix 103.7 and 100.5 Cruz FM at Oil Sands Discovery Centre (Thursday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and The Community Breakfast presented by Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo in partnership with YMM Parent and Mix 103.7 at MacDonald Island Park (Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) are all FREE events to attend with lots of activities planned for children to explore.
Photo by Fort McMurray Food Festival
Tips: Bring your umbrella to the beach for shade at the Anzac Beach Party. YMM Block Bash has washroom facilities inside Blue Mountain Bistro, and you can also bring the littles into McMurray Experience to check out their space if you need some time out of the sun. The Annual Summer BBQ guests will be able to sit outside or inside the Centre during the event, and the Community Breakfast will have a lot of space available inside to sit down with the entire family.
Date Night for Parents Only
Planning a parents’ night out can be easier said than done. There’s the effort of finding a sitter, paying for the sitter, and the additional cost of going out can add up. However, the 2019 Alcor YMM Food Fest has events planned during the festival that will make it all worth it. And the perfect date night costs can fit your budget as tickets range from $25 to $100 per event. After all, parents need time for one another and there are events on the list that can enhance the romance with theatre, laughter and dance.
Midnight Madness presented by Flett Manning Moore in partnership with Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre and Mix 103.7 at Keyano Theatre (Saturday, July 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) is $25 per ticket and offers an evening of song and theatrics. YMM Laughs presented by Finning Cat in partnership with Bailey’s Pub, Erica Moeskau Comedy, Country 93.3 and 97.9 Rock at Bailey’s Pub (Tuesday, July 23 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) is $20 per ticket for a night of adult humour. For $25 per ticket, you and your lover can test your music knowledge and listen to local musicians with Name That Tune with Open Mic Night presented by Enbridge in partnership with Tavern on Main, Country 93.3 and 97.9 Rock at Tavern on Main (Thursday, July 25 from 7 p.m. to 1 p.m.).
If you’re looking for couple nights out with friends, the Best Pub Food Club presented by S. Millard Chartered Professional Accountant in partnership with Country 93.3 and 97.9 Rock (Friday, July 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.) is a great evening venturing out and testing signature dishes and drinks from some of best restaurants in the city. Tickets are $100 per person.
The #WeLoveYMM Largest Outdoor Patio Party presented by Coldwell Banker of Fort McMurray in partnership with Mix 103.7 (Friday, July 26 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.) is a great way to escape and dance the night away. With the event’s backdrop showcasing Fort McMurray’s historic shipyard, it’s a unique way to experience the city’s summer night for $45 per ticket.
Photo by Fort McMurray Food Festival
The Boots N’ Brews presented by Service Master Restore in partnership with Prime Social Group and Country 93.3 (Saturday, July 27 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.) is another great event for a date night out with your partner or together with friends. As Fort McMurray’s hottest night in country music, the tickets are $45 per ticket.
Other great family outings include A Taste of Fort McMurray present by Suncor in partnership with Country 93.3 and 97.9 Rock at Fort McMurray Heritage Park (Saturday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for $45 for adults and $15 for children and The Food Festival Classic presented by A.P.E. Maintenance in partnership with Fort McMurray Golf Club and 100.5 Cruz FM on Monday, July 22 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Fort McMurray Golf Club.
For a full list of events and information, visit www.fortmcmurrayfoodfestival.ca.
