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"Explosions and Celebrations: Taber Hockeyville and Lethbridge Woodshop Reopenings + Local Events & Weather!"

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"Explosions and Celebrations: Taber Hockeyville and Lethbridge Woodshop Reopenings + Local Events & Weather!"

"Explosions and Celebrations: Taber Hockeyville and Lethbridge Woodshop Reopenings + Local Events & Weather!"
Don't miss out on the latest updates in our community! Learn about the Taber arena explosion, Woodshop reopening in Lethbridge, and upcoming local events. Plus, get ready for some thrilling weather ahead!

Jim Brown

Jan 20, 2026

Taber, Alberta is rallying after a powerful explosion closed its Community Centre, launching a bold bid for Kraft Hockeyville 2026.

 

The December 17 blast, triggered by a propane leak in the Zamboni room, left the arena and adjacent curling rink severely damaged, but thankfully, no injuries were reported.

 

The facility remains closed as crews assess major structural repairs, with the explosion prompting urgent conversations about the future of the decades-old landmark.

 

Meghan Brennan, Taber's communications manager, is urging locals and anyone touched by the rink to share stories and rally support.

 

Winning Kraft Hockeyville would mean $250,000 for repairs and the chance to host an NHL preseason game.

 

Neighbouring communities, including Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen, have lent vocal support.

 

The nomination window is open until March 1, 2026—every story, photo, and memory could bring Taber closer to revitalizing its cherished gathering place.


Read More...

The Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) will celebrate the grand reopening of its renovated Westco Woodshop on Thursday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. at 500 – 11 Street South.

 

This refreshed space marks a major community investment in creative learning and active aging for local seniors.

 

Executive Director Kaitlynn Weaver praised the dedicated volunteers who helped transform the woodshop, building new benches and shelves while ensuring the space is safer and brighter.

 

Much of the updated equipment, including a new table saw, was generously funded by the estate of longtime volunteer John Unrau.

 

The woodshop, a cherished fixture since the 1990s, now offers a clean, organized setting for seniors to learn new skills and connect socially.

 

Visitors can join the ribbon-cutting and enjoy guided tours, highlighting LSCO’s commitment to inventive, community-driven programs for seniors in Lethbridge.


Read More...

Local Event Spotlight 


Nikka Yuko Winter Light Festival
📅 Date: Through Feb 28, 2026
🕒 Time: Thu–Sun 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Location: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
🎟️ Admission: Varies
📄 Details: Enjoy dazzling night-time light displays and winter garden magic throughout the season. More Info
 
 
👶 Play Zone Family Drop-In
📅 Date: Jan 19 & Jan 20, 2026
📍 Location: City Community Spaces
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Free drop‑in playgroups for caregivers & children. More Info
 
😂 Golden Girls – The Laughs Continue
📅 Date: Jan 22–23, 2026
🕒 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Yates Memorial Centre/Sterndale Bennett Theatre
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Comedy stage show inspired by the classic TV series. More Info
 
🎬 Kamui no Uta – Film Screening
📅 Date: Jan 23, 2026
🕒 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Special film night at the garden venue. More Info
 
🏒 Lethbridge Hurricanes vs. Regina Pats
📅 Date: Jan 23, 2026
📍 Location: VisitLethbridge.com Arena
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: WHL hockey matchup action. More Info
 
🎭 Winter Blues Emo Cabaret
📅 Date: Jan 24, 2026
🕒 Time: 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
📍 Location: Theoretically Brewing Co.
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Cabaret‑style evening with music & entertainment vibes. More Info
 
🍴 Alberta Food & Beverage Expo
📅 Date: Jan 24, 2026
🕒 Time: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
📍 Location: Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Showcase of local food & drink offerings. More Info
 
🛍️ Free Your Soul Market
📅 Date: Jan 24, 2026
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 Location: Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre
🎟️ Admission: Free entry
📄 Details: Artisan market with local vendors & makers. More Info
 
🚐 Prairie Sky RV Winter Expo & Festival
📅 Date: Jan 28–Feb 1, 2026
🕒 Time: Daily 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Outdoor lifestyle RV expo & winter festival. More Info
 
💃 Beginner Belly Dance Classes
📅 Date: Jan 26–Mar 9, 2026
🕒 Time: Mondays 5:45 PM–6:45 PM
📍 Location: SAEA Multicultural Centre
🎟️ Admission: Drop‑in/$5 intro
📄 Details: Weekly dance intro series for all skill levels. More Info
 
🏒 Lethbridge Hurricanes vs. Saskatoon Blades
📅 Date: Jan 28, 2026
📍 Location: VisitLethbridge.com Arena
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: More WHL hockey excitement! More Info
 
🎙️ Snowed In Comedy Tour
📅 Date: Jan 30, 2026
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Location: Yates Memorial Centre/Sterndale Bennett Theatre
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Stand‑up comedy night with visiting comedians. More Info
 
🎭 Paul Kuster (Show)
📅 Date: Jan 30–31, 2026
🕒 Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Good Times Comedy Club
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Live performance comedy weekend. More Info
 
🎼 Lethbridge Symphony – A Night on Swan Lake
📅 Date: May 4, 2026
📍 Location: TBA
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Symphony performance featuring selections from Swan Lake. More Info
 
🌟 Michael Jackson HIStory Tribute Show
📅 Date: May 18, 2026
🕒 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Yates Memorial Centre/Sterndale Bennett Theatre
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: High‑energy tribute to Michael Jackson. More Info

Tip of The Week

Rotate your ceiling fan clockwise on its lowest setting to help distribute warm air throughout the room, saving on heating costs during the winter months.

Looking for a bold new flavour destination in Lethbridge?

 

Alberta Wing Shack is the go‑to spot that’s turning heads and winning over taste buds with one irresistible offering after another. Nestled right on 6 St S, this vibrant restaurant brings the ultimate wing experience to the city’s dining scene with an astounding variety of sauces, rubs, and custom creations you won’t find anywhere else.

 

At Alberta Wing Shack, wings are the star of the show — crispy, juicy, and smothered in everything from classic Buffalo and tangy BBQ to bold spicy Thai or sweet honey garlic. But don’t stop there — they also serve up hearty fried chicken, loaded wraps, burgers, and combo meals that satisfy every craving.

 

Perfect for casual lunches, game nights, or a satisfying dinner with friends, this new Lethbridge favourite combines flavour variety, fresh ingredients, and welcoming service in a laid‑back setting.

 

Whether you’re grabbing takeout or dining in, expect bold taste, generous portions, and a menu that keeps you coming back to explore every mouth‑watering option.

Homeowner's Hack

"The Mid-January Moisture Check That Protects Your Home’s Value"

 

By mid-January, most Lethbridge homeowners are focused on staying warm and getting through winter. But this is the exact time when hidden moisture quietly causes the kind of damage that lowers your home’s value long before you ever see it.

 

Here’s a simple 10-minute check that protects your biggest investment — no tools, no ladders, no repairs required.

 

Pick one cold evening and walk your home with a dry paper towel.

 

1. Check inside windows and patio doors.
Gently wipe the bottom corners and frames. If the towel comes away damp, you’re dealing with condensation that can lead to mold and wood rot over time.

 

2. Touch exterior-facing walls.
If any spots feel noticeably colder or slightly damp, warm air may be leaking into the wall cavity and freezing — a slow, invisible cause of insulation damage.

 

3. Look under sinks and in utility rooms.
You’re not hunting for leaks — you’re watching for moisture smells or cool, clammy surfaces that signal early pipe condensation.

 

Catching moisture in January prevents springtime mold, warped finishes, and costly repairs. It’s quiet protection that keeps your home healthy — and your resale value intact.

Local Weather

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