WATCH ABOVE: Some big names and fresh faces are headlining at K-Days this summer. As Fletcher Kent reports, it comes as Northlands undergoes somewhat of a transformation itself.
EDMONTON — Northlands is pulling out all the stops this summer, hoping to keep numbers up and the buzz going while the new arena continues to take shape downtown.
On Wednesday, it announced its headliner lineup for K-Days, which includes Lights, Arkells, Trooper, Phillip Phillips, Headstones, Theory of a Deadman and Brett Kissel.
K-Days will run from July 17 to 26 on Northlands’ south grounds.
“As residents of the festival city, we know Edmontonians are constantly seeking more opportunities to make the most out of the short summer months,” said Tim Reid, president and CEO of Northlands.
“We’re giving our community the chance to enjoy their summer holidays at Northlands and from now until September, you can come on site almost any day and find something for the whole family to enjoy.”
This year, Edmontonians will have the chance to nominate individuals they feel are community champions, and deserve to be recognized as honorary parade marshals in the K-Days Parade on Friday, July 17.
Northlands is partnering with Global Edmonton to find six honorary parade marshals through the Local Hero Contest. Edmontontians are encouraged to go online between May 20 and June 19 and nominate their local heroes in six categories – anyone from a great neighbour to a community ambassador.
“We’re going to pick the best that Edmonton has to offer in terms of local, everyday heroes,” explained Reid.
“We’re looking forward to having our honorary parade marshals this year being average, everyday folks who don’t get the recognition they deserve but do great things.”
Each honorary parade marshal selected will also receive $500 to donate to a charity or community cause of their choice. Click here for more information and to nominate your local hero.
WATCH: This year, Northlands and Global Edmonton want your help choosing six honorary K-Days parade marshals. Six community heroes will be selected. Emily Mertz explains.
Northlands is also partnering with the Edmonton Eskimos to host a Park and Party ahead of the September 12 Labour Day Rematch between the Green and Gold and the Calgary Stampeders. The Park and Party runs from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by a Fan March at 5 p.m. and Molson Fan Fest at Commonwealth Stadium at 5:30 p.m. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
“The Eskimos are a great community organization – very similar to Northlands – and it just seemed like a natural fit to find an opportunity to partner,” said Reid. “We know that there are parking challenges at Commonwealth Place and …we may be able to help with that.
“We’re going to try it through the course of the year and we’re really going to bring it to head with this fantastic event on September 12.”
READ MORE: Rexall Place to be repurposed or demolished
With the new Edmonton arena slated to open next year, questions were raised about the viability and sustainability of Northlands’ Rexall Place.
Earlier this month, after consultation and review, Northlands agreed to either repurpose or demolish Rexall Place.
“I think the future without the Oilers is just a reality we had to realize,” said Reid. “We came up with an outcome that was based in fact and just recognized we have to get a plan.
“I think life after the Oilers will probably be better than ever before.”
READ MORE: New Edmonton arena on time and on budget: city
The decision is in agreement with recommendations made in a Northlands Arena Strategy Committee Report. The first option is to work with partners to repurpose the arena. If Northlands can’t find partners, the arena will be demolished and the land will be developed.
Edmonton’s new arena downtown is expected to be open by September 2016.
READ MORE: SONiC BOOM music festival moving to Edmonton’s Borden Park
In April, Edmonton’s Alternative Music Festival SONiC BOOM announced it would move from Northlands to Borden Park. Festival organizers said, after seven years at the first venue, attendees were asking for a more comfortable spot to take in the shows.
“Our fans asked for it, and we listened,” said Dave Johnston, Creative Director of Union Events, on April 27. “So bring your blanket, have a sit in the grass, and enjoy two days of amazing music.”
The grassy park, located across 112 Avenue from Northlands, will host the two-day rock music festival on September 5 and 6.
Comments