Steve Keddy and Theresa Lutz, and their children Lucas, 10, and Rachel, 11, were surprised by being pulled over on Hwy 2 and ‘detained’ for a stay in Red Deer to enjoy Westerner Days and an assortment of prizes.
Keddy said he saw the constable talking to Theresa and his first thought was to run.
“We only came out when we decided it was safe because they were all smiling.”
The family from Murphy Lake, Nova Scotia were pulled over and offered the stay yesterday and will enjoy two nights accommodation at the Red Deer Lodge as well as meals provided by an abundance of generous local businesses.
Keddy, Lutz and the kids will receive haircuts as well as clothing for the parade and the duration of their stay in the City.
“I am looking forward to getting all suited up in western gear and being in the parade,” said Keddy before his son Lucas pointed out that the parade is what everybody is excited for.
Const. Tom Harnum was joined by Westerner Park CEO and General Manager John Harms, seeking out-of-province license plates to invite the family to stay as special guests of the City of Red Deer.
“It was so much fun last year I wanted to do it again, I’m actually on my holidays but offered to come in for this,” said Harnum.
The family will take part in the Westerner Days Fair & Exposition Parade and the President’s Luncheon.
Previous ‘arrested’ families have come from as far away as Christchurch, New Zealand and as far north as Yellowknife.
In addition to the most popular tourism promotion, Arrest-a-Guest, there are many attractions and events taking part during Westerner Days at off-site facilities.
London Drugs will be hosting a pancake breakfast in the parking lot from Wednesday until Saturday (8 a.m. -11 a.m.) and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon in support of local charities.
Also in the London Drugs parking lot on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., BIG 105.5 and 106.7 The Drive will be hosting a Chili Cook-Off with all proceeds going towards the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Parkland Mall will be hosting a family-friendly event on Saturday at 8 p.m. by showing the movie Ghostbusters as a drive-in style theater on the east side of the parking lot.
And, in true summer fashion, Parkland Mall is also hosting a Show & Shine Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for automobile fanatics and collectors. Both Parkland Mall events will benefit STARS air ambulance.
kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com
