Centennial Park will be full of activities during the Tour of Alberta festival in Olds on Sept. 2.
The festival, which starts at noon, includes four parts, says Olds Institute executive director Mitch Thomson.
There will be a focus on arts, culture and heritage; agricultural producers; healthy living and a showcase of attractions in Olds and the surrounding area.
There will also be mascot races and live entertainment, concluding with fireworks in the evening.
"We've had a tremendous amount of support from the community and people willing to participate. It's really shaping up to be a really tremendous event," Thomson says.
The elite cycling race, which commands international television coverage is also among one of the biggest events Olds has ever hosted.
"It is in that range. We've been fortunate to host big events over longer periods of time -- you look back to the Olds College centennial and the world ploughing match, some of these other great events we've hosted," he says.
"In this instance … it's probably one of the largest events the community has hosted in a single day."
"We're encouraging businesses throughout the community to roll out the red carpet, whether they want to put out an extra rack or demonstration outside of their store, to do something to welcome the spectators that will be coming to the community, and athletes and support people."
Stage 2 of the race starts in Kananaskis, passes through Mountain View County and ends in Olds. The route spans 182 kilometres. Cyclists are expected to arrive in Olds anywhere between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., depending on variables like wind.
They enter town eastbound on Highway 27, south on 65 Avenue, east on 55 Street past Deer Meadow School, continuing on 54 Street.
Thomson said they are close to reaching 100 volunteers for the event.
"We've had a tremendous amount of support from the community and people willing to participate. It's really shaping up to be a really tremendous event." MITCH THOMSON
