Hype for Hospice is returning to Strathmore.
The event will take place May 4 at Kinsmen Park which also extends to Grey's Lake Park.
"This is our eighth year of running this, so it's a wonderful event and it always takes place the first week of May to celebrate the Canadian National Palliative Care Week," explained Dr. Joni Mcneely, chair of the Wheatland & Area Hospice Society.
Although the event has ran for nearly a decade, Mcneely shared that most of the planning is done on the fly.
"A lot of times we try to plan ahead, but a lot of times it's flying by the seat of our pants."
At this year's Hype for Hospice, registration will open at 11 a.m. with the opening ceremony starting at 12 p.m.
"This year we've got some musical performances by local kids, as well as some pretty famous people that I can't talk about at this point. Following the opening ceremonies, there's a warm up by Kelly Montford and then we'll walk four times around the lake." said Mcneely.
Three years ago, the Wheatland & Area Hospice Society added the fire truck pull to the event.
The pull showcases a team of eight to 10 people.
"We're pretty excited that the Calgary Fire Department is sending their honour guard. We'll likely have about eight fire departments rurally and from Strathmore participating. We've also invited Siksika Nation as well as Nutrient, their emergency response team." said Mcneely.
Mcneely told StrathmoreNow that hospice is nothing without community support.
"One of the aspects of the Hike for Hospice is the community engagement. It is a fundraising event, but we're so proud to be able to bring the community together where we can stand on one spot at one day of the year, specifically within the Canadian National Palliative Care Week."
The event will also feature cornhole from the Mad Hatters Cornhole League, face painting, and musical performances.