Humboldt's annual Summer Sizzler is coming and the show will be better than ever, organizers claim.This year's Summer Sizzler takes place June 25-27 at the Uniplex.According to Jason Blechinger, Special Events and Programs coordinator for the City of Humboldt, the event has a little something for everyone.As it has in past years, the Sizzler kicks off with a Special Olympics barbecue in Civic Park on June 25. The barbecue is followed by the city-wide parade at 6 p.m. The parade's theme this year is "Communities in Bloom."The parade route will be the same as last year, said Blechinger. It starts on Main St. by the Humboldt Post Office, travels down to 11th Ave., then west to 16th St., and up to 7th Ave before ending at the Uniplex grounds.Two other events take place Friday night as well. The Jack Pot team roping and barrel racing will be at the Elgar Petersen Arena (EPA) and the Metro Comedy Show will be under the Big Tent on the Uniplex grounds.The comedy event includes comedian Metro, as well as Cash Back, a tribute to Johnny Cash, and comedian Jake Kulak. The show should run about two hours, Blechinger noted.The Sizzler continues on Saturday with events for all ages, including the CCA sanctioned rodeo, followed by the rodeo dance.Starting at 10:30 a.m., the EPA will see stick horse races, the greasy pig event, pony rides, and simulated bull riding. All these events will take place indoors, Blechinger noted."We've moved all the events from the Uniplex grounds into the arena," he said. "We're trying to make it more of a rodeo-based event."The pony rides and greasy pig events are $2 per entry, Blechinger noted. But the city is trying something new this year. For every family admission pass sold at the Co-op C-store in Humboldt, people will receive four coupons for a free entry into those events, he explained.The rodeo dance, presented by the city and JCI Humboldt will feature two bands doing two 60-minute sets.Kal Hourd, a Saskatoon-based singer/songwriter, was the recipient of the SCMA video of the Year award in 2009 for the heartfelt When Pink Is Just A Colour Again, a song dedicated to those affected either directly, or indirectly by breast cancer.The Honkin' Chadillacs from Manitoba are the second band that will grace the stage in the curling rink that night.The rodeo dance moved from Jubilee Hall to the curling rink at the Uniplex this year because of space reasons."Last year we turned 150 to 200 people away," Blechinger explained. "We didn't want to have to turn anyone away this year."The rodeo dance is an adult dance with a liquor permit, so no minors will be allowed, Blechinger added.Sizzler events continue Sunday with a second greasy pig event and pony rides starting at 10 a.m. The second performance of the rodeo takes place at 1 p.m. and the JCI Demolition Derby and entertainment gets under way at 5:30 p.m."This will be a good show," said Blechinger of the weekend event.
