The circus is coming to town, just in time for Langdon Days.
Thanks to some perfect timing, there is an added bonus to the yearly celebration of the hamlet with three shows from Dr. Von Houligan’s Carnival of Calamities, all of which wrap the weekend on Sunday, July 23.
The circus performance is a highlight of the three-day event that starts Friday, July 21 with a slo-pitch tournament.
“I think it’s going to be something great for Sunday all around,” said Jeff Kearns, one of the co-organizers of Langdon Days. “Saturday is always great with the parade and the kid’s festival, but Sunday there wasn’t much for families and people to do.
“It generally quieted down on Sundays. To have the circus come in there is great for families.”
Dr. Von Houligan’s Carnival of Calamities promises to bring old-school travelling circus features such as juggling, magic, acrobats and clowns. There is a cost to attend, with $5 for kids, $10 for adults and $20 for a family pass, and there are shows at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the Sunday.
All the same features of Langdon Days are back too, with a Vendor’s Village, children’s festival, beer gardens and car show all highlighting the celebration.
The volunteers of the year awards will be handed on Saturday, July 22, at the South Ball Diamond. Of course, the weekend really gets going that day with a breakfast and parade that is a big boost to community spirit.
“It brings everyone together,” Kearns said. “There is a festive air in Langdon. We bring friends out from Calgary and around other areas. It’s a day of fun at our house and then head over to Langdon Days, hang out, listen to the music and then head over the kids festival.
“This year we’re looking forward to the circus. It’s not just us. There a lot of people who have parties at their places. It really brings everyone together who lives in Langdon.”
This is Kearns’ first year as a organizer as he has teamed up with last year’s Volunteer of the Year Chrissy Craig to shoulder the load of bringing together this ever-growing weekend.
Craig is also being acknowledged at Langdon Days for her efforts. Craig has been awarded the sovereigns medal for volunteers, issued by the Government of Canada, for outstanding volunteerism.
Although the weekend is fast approaching, there is still a need for more volunteers as there is a shortage to pull everything off.
“That’s our big push right now,” Kearns said. “From what I’ve been told, it’s always last-minute to get more volunteers. We’re trying to get the word out any way we can to get more volunteers.
“We want to fill up all the spots because it takes a lot of people to put something like this on. We’ve always made do with what we’ve had so we could always use more.”
