The Tour of Alberta is set to roll through Drumheller in two days. Though most of the attention will be on the racers, who will make the trek from Strathmore, the day will be a chance to shine for Drumheller. 
Already, plans are being made to give international and local audiences a peek at what makes Drumheller so unique. The Town of Drumheller has organized a festival for race day, featuring volunteers from the Atlas Coal Mine, staff from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Cat Country Cougar Hunters, and Jenn Beaupre.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Judy Quinten-Arvidson, administrative assistant with Town of Drumheller Community Services.
As the racers are crossing the finish line, the Atlas Coal Mine volunteers will debut the Wheelbarrow Waltz at the race stage next to the finish line. Following them will be the Royal Tyrrell Museum story time and science break.
At the same time, the Cat Country Cougar Hunters will be on the entertainment stage, followed by Jenn Beaupre.
The finish line area, next to the Badlands Community Facility, will be filled with activity.
“The Tour of Alberta brings their own entertainment and booths, but we’ll have quite a few local booths as well,” said Quinten-Arvidson. “There’s going to be a children’s bike race around 3 or 3:30 p.m., whenever the race is over, at the finish line and they might do some chalk art as well.”
Norrep Funds will be riding the Orkney loop ahead of the racers and a few Olympians will be joining them. There is a chance, after they finish, to meet former Canadian Olympians and some up and comers.
“They’re bringing some Olympians with them, some former and others competing in the next one. They’ll be around to visit and meet with people. That should be a lot of fun,” said Quinten-Arvidson.
Unlike most other towns in the Tour of Alberta, Drumheller will have two chances to see the race go by. Racers will arrive in Drumheller via Highway 9 South, proceed north through 5th Street East and Riverside Drive, and then they will head north on Highway 9/56 to the Morrin Corner. From there, they head west to the Morrin bridge, then back to Drumheller via Orkney.
The result will be Drumheller featured twice in domestic and international media coverage.
“It’s going to be exciting, because we’re a double pass town. It gives us two shots at it, because the international media will be following them. It looks great for the international media if we have a lot of people cheering and the racers love it,” said Quinten-Arvidson. “We’re trying to get the schools to let out for the afternoon so the kids can see this world class sporting event.”
It is expected roughly 10,000 people could visit Drumheller for the race.
Everyone is encouraged to drop by the finish line in the afternoon and partake in the Tour of Alberta festivities.
“There will be a lot of things to see and do, and they encourage people to come down and meet the racers after the race is over. They are very open to signing autographs, talking about the race, and meeting people,” said Quiten-Arvidson. “It’ll be great. It’s about as close as you can get to the Tour de France without leaving town!”