The Bonnyville Community Learning Council (BCLC) enjoyed their most successful Community Awareness and Registration night to date.
Held at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre on Thursday, Sept. 7, the event attracted over 80 local organizations.
The field house could barely hold all of the attendees, eager to get a look at what each group was all about.
“We have a lot of brand new participants this year, and it's just growing exponentially. There were over 85 booths. We were really pleased because there is something for everybody here,” detailed Nicole Ferbey, program director for the BCLC.
There was no shortage of activities for attendees to choose from. Booths ranged from various martial arts, such as karate, tae kwon do, and jiu jitsu, to competitive swimming or music lessons.
Residents were given the chance to see some of the local options for recreation, business, education, and even parenting assistance.
For organizations still looking to establish themselves in the community, the event was an excellent way to gain exposure.
This is especially true for clubs in less than ideal locations, who normally wouldn't interact with a large number of residents.
“It puts a lot more eyes on us than we would normally get. We're still a growing club. Our location is in the Hi Energy Fitness Studio across from Mr. Mikes, so it's not exactly like we have a neon sign out front,” explained Landon Boser, coach at Bonnyville Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Long-standing community groups also enjoy the boost they received from registration night. The Bonnyville Community Band used the opportunity to introduce their new conductor, Crystal Zaugg, after the retirement of founder Walter Boldt.
Many liked that instead of spending lengthy amounts of time researching groups, they could make informed decisions on the spot.
“It's cool, because you get to come to one place, and you don't have to do any research. Everything is right at your fingertips and you get to see what everyone has to offer. It's nice to be able to get all of that done in one night,” expressed Bonnyville resident Alisha Timmerman.
When the night wrapped up, hundreds of residents went home having signed up for a new community group. Those who didn't left with a much better understanding of what Bonnyville has to offer.
