Hype for Hospice kicked off at Kinsmen Park on Sunday, May 4.
The event featured a firetruck pull, a wine raffle, and a hike around Kinsmen Lake.
"It's to raise funds and awareness for a hospice that we're building here in Kinsmen Park," said Joni McNeely, chair of the Wheatland & Area Hospice Society. "This is our eighth year doing the hike, but a few years ago we changed it to include all three events."
There were also live musical performances, face painting, and other activities. Several high school mascots and rodeo queens also attended the event, along with local Olympic medalist Jessica Sevick.
"A benefit of this is that it's also a friend-raising event. We're hoping to get partners and new people coming out, and to raise awareness in the community about the hospice and what we can provide in palliative care."
According to McNeely, the society has already raised around $6.8 million since forming a decade ago. This money will be going towards the construction of the hospice. However, McNeely added that they're looking to raise another $1.5 million for furniture and fixtures.
For the event itself, the society expected to raise around $20,000 through the hike pledges, donations, and the wine raffle.
"We'll probably exceed that target as well," added McNeely.
The firetruck pulls, one of the events most popular attractions, began as McNeely looked for ways to bring more people out to the park.
"What attracts people more than a firetruck?" added McNeely. "It adds a whole new dimension and a younger crowd as well."
The Strathmore Fire Department and the Strathmore Spartans senior boy's rugby team were just two of the groups that took part in the firetruck pull.
You can see a gallery from the 2025 Hype for Hospice event below: