EDMONTON - Visitors, start your engines!
A revamped IndyCar race at the downtown airport of Alberta's capital city highlights a summer of vacation fun in what is known as the province's "Festival City."
"Bring your earplugs and bring your sunblock," said Anne Roy of Octane Motorsports, which is overseeing the July 22-24 Edmonton Indy.
It's the sixth open-wheel race to run in the city but the first on a revamped 13-turn circuit that features a straightaway rivalling the super-oval track at the famed Indianapolis Speedway.
"I'm excited to go out and see exactly where the track is going to lay out," said Toronto's Paul Tracy, one of three Canadian drivers who will suit up for the race against high-profile rivals including Will Power, Dario Franchitti and Danica Patrick.
"The old Edmonton track was one of the toughest and most physically demanding tracks you come across, (but) it was time for a change," he said.
"I'm confident the new track will be even more exciting. It's going to be better for passing."
Joining Tracy will be fellow Canadians James Hinchcliffe of Toronto and Alex Tagliani of Lachenaie, Que.
The Indy race is just one of the premier events taking place in Edmonton this summer.
The festival season kicks off with The Works Art and Design Festival from June 23 to July 5.
It's the largest art and design festival of its kind in North America and will showcase the work of artists from around the world in more than 250 exhibits, workshops and performances in sites in and around the downtown core.
Those who want to bask in buskers can stay in the heart of the city and enjoy the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival from July 8-17 in Churchill Square, beside the glass pyramid roof of City Hall.
It's a pass-the-hat payment system for the impromptu crowds expected to watch an international band of jugglers, acrobats, hip hop musicians and sword swallowers.
Events really heat up in late July with the Indy, a Taste of Edmonton and Capital EX.
Capital EX is Edmonton's long-running midway carnival, the successor to the old Klondike Days. It's famous for its carnival rides, midway, casino, parades, concerts and nightly fireworks.
The show this year is from July 22-31.
EX-fans will also be able to watch youth between ages five and 21 sing, dance and act on stage in the 25th annual Northern Star Talent Search.
The popular Taste of Edmonton event runs July 21-30. Downtown visitors with a sweet-tooth or simply with a taste for adventure can sample food from a variety of city restaurants set up in booths in Churchill Square.
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival hits the stage from Aug. 4 to Aug. 7 in Gallagher Park, just south of downtown. Music lovers can recline on blankets on hillside and soak in the sounds. Confirmed artists for this year include k.d. lang and Joe Louis Walker.
From July 30 to Aug. 1 is the long-running Heritage Festival at William Hawrelak Park, just west of the core. It's an annual celebration of the city's multicultural heritage. There are 63 pavilions set up on the grass representing 85 cultures from around the world. There are dance performances, food, crafts, and story tellers. Admission is free.
The capstone to the season is the widely acclaimed Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival.
This year is the 30th anniversary of what has become the largest theatre event of its kind in North America.
It will take place Aug. 11 to Aug. 21, and promises a range of works from the endearingly kitschy to unforgettable moments of theatre magic.
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If you go . . .
For more information: www.edmontonindy.com, www.eventsedmonton.ca, www.edmontonstreeetfest.com, www.fringetheatre.ca, www.capitalx.ca, www.heritage-festival.com, www.theworks.ab.ca, www.efmf.ab.ca
The Canadian Press, 2011