Grand Prix of Edmonton
This weekend marks the 3rd annual Grand Prix of Edmonton. I won’t be in town to cover this event, and don’t have tickets even if I were going to be in town. I can, however, provide you with a brief list of things that you might want to do this weekend, if auto racing is your thing.
In addition to the race itself, there are a number of supporting events going on around Edmonton.
Things start off with a bang tonight at the track. The entertainment tent is going to be having a variety of drink specials until 8pm. Tonight’s musical entertainment includes ZOO 2K, the ultimate U2 tribute band. I’d link to them, but the only link I can find leads to a Geocities site that doesn’t appear to exist anymore.
Saturday has a much wider variety of events going on. DJ Kwake is playing a retro/old school party in the track tent at 6:00pm. Jamie Murray’s #26 Crown Royal NASCAR will be at O’Byrne’s on Whyte from 4-7pm. Finally, at Overtime South, there will be a BBQ honouring the NASCAR Canada drivers following the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. This event starts at 7pm.
Keep in mind that these are only the official events. It’s likely that half the bars in the city are putting on Grand Prix-related events. The One on Whyte has hosted events for the past two years, with a Champ Car on display in the dining area, so I’d be surprised if they weren’t doing something again this year. I know they already had an event on Thursday, but I’m sure there will be more this weekend.
Sunday caps off with a Post-Grand Prix Patio Party at Overtime’s downtown location (10304-111 Street) starting at 3pm. This event includes a BBQ, prize giveaways, and race replays.
Additionally, all weekend long, Smitty’s/Shades Lounge Kingsway will be giving all customers an opportunity to win tickets to the races[1]. If you don’t have tickets, grab a bite to eat at Smitty’s and you might win some. Besides, Smitty’s is a decent place to eat. They manage to have a bit of that small town diner feel, even though they’re a large franchise chain. Plus, the food is good, if somewhat unhealthy.
If you’ve got the inside scoop on any Grand Prix-related events that I haven’t mentioned, please leave the details in the comments section.
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[1] Please note that the picture on that site is completely inaccurate; the restaurant is inside the mall.