Lac La Biche Winter Festival Of Speed

Join them in Lac La Biche on February 25th & 26th for a full-throttle weekend.  It’s the Festival’s 40th Anniversary, and this lineup will not disappoint.  There is something for everyone at this family-friendly event.  PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A CASH ONLY EVENT.  Entry onto the ice is $10 per person/day or $40 per carload/day.  Kids under 5 are free.  For more details, click on the links.

Saturday, Feb. 25

8am  Gates open – Check out the map for location of events & activities. Winter Festival of Speed 2023 Map

8–5pm Aircraft Fly-in – Hosted by LLB Flying Club. Eyes to the sky! Watch the planes fly-in all day…over 100 aircraft are expected this weekend.  Catch the shuttle to the ice “runway” to meet the pilots and check out the planes.

9–4pm Concessions Open, including Cabane a Sucre!

8–12pm Race Registration, Cars, Snowmobiles, Cars Solo Event – Look for the registration trailer.

10-5pm Trappers Display & Axe Throwing – Hosted by Alberta Trappers Association. Trapper’s display showing humane trapping practices.  Try out some axe throwing (fee applies). AB Trappers Website

10-4pm Solo Ice Slalom – Hosted by ERC (Edmonton Rally Club). One car at a time racing the clock.  Open to local drivers, including a pickup class.  $20/day gets you 2-3 laps.  $50/day gets you laps and in the competition on Sunday.  You must register to participate; look for the registration trailer. Edmonton Rally Club Website

10–4pm Trade Show – Hosted by the LLB Chamber of Commerce

10–4pm Ice and Snow Sculpting – Hosted by the Sculptors’ Association of Alberta. Watch as 5 ice and snow carving artists create 4 racing themed designs and one Indigenous themed. They will be carving a “throne” for you to sit and take your picture on. Sculptors Association of AB Website

10–4pm Introduction to snowmobile rider training – Hosted by the LLB Back Country Riders. Your chance to try snowmobiling, no experience necessary.  Both kids and adult sleds are available to try.  You will learn how to operate and basic safety on our closed course.  Safety gear is supplied as well.  There is no fee, but donations are accepted.

11:15–12pm Car Race Practice

12–5pm Snowmobile Drag Races – Hosted by SSRA (Straightline Snowmobile Racing Association).  Riders from Western Canada in a number of classes, fastest speeds will top speeds up to 240km/hr.  Want to race your sled?  Participants are welcome, but you must register.  Look for the registration trailer. SSRA Website

12–1pm Lunch break; Car Racers & Drivers Meeting

1-4pm Kids Carnival, McArthur Place – Hosted by Aboriginal Headstart – Get your face painted by “Clown Mingle”, complete all the fun activities and win a prize!  Ring toss, bowling, duck pond, mini golf and a guessing booth.

1-4pm Car Races – Hosted by NASCC (Norther Alberta Sports Car Club).  It’s the Western Canadian Ice Racing Championships.  This is the anchor event with drivers from across Canada. High octane, fast pace…not to be missed.  Watch both days from 1-4pm. NASCC Website

2:10-2:40pm Race Car Ride Alongs – Always wanted to ride in a race car? This is your chance.  Strap in for charity.  $50 gets you 3 laps (don’t worry safety gear is included).  $25 goes to the car owner and $25 to local charities.

4:20-4:40pm Car Charity Race Practice – Want to be a race car driver?  This unique opportunity may not be for everyone, but for those that love speed, this is for you…and your supporting local charities too!  $600 fee + $400 damage deposit.  Drivers give up their cars to amateur drivers and teach you a thing or two.  Includes practice  and Sunday’s final race for charity against the other charity racers. Interested in participating, contact Ken Staples at 780-404-3183.  Number of entries are limited.

6pm Dinner & Entertainment, Bold Center – $40 Dinner & Music in the Devon Room.  Music by local talent Girz with Guitarz.  Supper catered by Shelley Nahorney of We Cook LLB.  Bar hosted by Royal Canadian Legion LLB.  Tickets available at the door.

Sunday, Feb. 26

8am Gates open -Check out the map for location of events & activities. LINK MAP

8-5pm Aircraft Fly-In – Hosted by LLB Flying Club. Eyes to the sky! Watch the planes fly-in all day…over 100 aircraft are expected this weekend.  Catch the shuttle to the ice “runway” to meet the pilots and check out the planes.

9-4pm Concessions Open including Cabane a Sucre!

9-10am Registration, Vintage Sled Trail Ride – Hosted by LLB Back Country Riders.  No registration fee, but donations are accepted.  Vintage and non-vintage sleds welcome.

10am Vintage Sled Trail ride to the LLB Mission – A chance to get bring out your good ol’ sled and go for a leisure ride with other vintage sleds.  Travel to the LLB Mission on a groomed track. Lunch is included.  See all the Sunday Vintage Sled Event details here Vintage Ride & Show

10-4pm Trappers Display & Axe Throwing – Hosted by Alberta Trappers Association. Trapper’s display showing humane trapping practices.  Try out some axe throwing (fee applies)

10-4pm Trade Show -Hosted by the LLB Chamber of Commerce

10-4pm Ice & Snow Sculpting – Hosted by the Sculptors’ Association of Alberta. Watch as five ice and snow carving artists create 4 racing themed designs and one Indigenous themed sculpture.

10-5pm Snowmobile Drags – Hosted by SSRA (Straightline Snowmobile Racing Association).  Riders from Western Canada in a number of classes, fastest speeds will top speeds up to 240km/hr.  Want to race your sled?  Participants are welcome, but you must register.  Look for the registration trailer.

10-4pm Car Races – Hosted by NASCC (Norther Alberta Sports Car Club).  It’s the Western Canadian Ice Racing Championships.  This is the anchor event with drivers from across Canada. High octane, fast pace…not to be missed.

10-4pm Solo Ice Slalom – Hosted by ERC (Edmonton Rally Club). One car at a time, racing the clock.  Open to local drivers, including a pickup class.  (More details on Saturdays info)  You must register to participate; look for the registration trailer.

12-12:45pm Lunch break

12-12:30pm Race Car Ride Alongs – Always wanted to ride in a race car? This is your chance.  Strap in for charity.  $50 gets you 3 laps (don’t worry, safety gear is included).  $25 goes to the car owner and $25 to local charities.

1-4pm Kids activities & LLB County Fun Van – Lac La Biche County’s Park & Play Fun Van will be out on the ice providing free activities for kids, adults and families!  Winter themed-based activities may include (weather & site permitting) snowshoeing, curling, ultimate frisbee, possible winter obstacle course and more games and activities that will keep you warm, engaged and build upon physical literacy skills.  Come out and join us for fun on the ice.

2-4pm Vintage Sled Display & Show’n’Shine – Hosted by LLB Back Country Riders.  Have a machine pre-1995? We want to see it, and vintage fans do too!  Vote on your favourites.  If it’s not vintage, you can still enter your sled in our Show’n’Shine.

2-4pm Vintage Sled Fun Events (on the training track) –  Snowball Race.  Vintage sleds with 2 riders needed for this fun race.  Contact Rob at 780-689-8190 for more details.

2:10-2:40pm Race Car Ride Alongs – Always wanted to ride in a race car? This is your chance.  Strap in for charity.  $50 gets you 3 laps (don’t worry, safety gear is included).  $25 goes to the car owner and $25 to local charities.

4:20-4:40pm Charity Race – Watch the charity race drivers go full out for bragging rights. Come out and cheer them on.

5:30pm Dinner & Awards; Car, Solo & Snowmobile Racers, Bold Center