After a successful inaugural event in 2019, the Pirate and Princess Gala will return Feb. 9 for a second year of family-friendly entertainment.
“It’s going to be a really fun time,” said Mike Loughman, gala creator and head organizer. “I loved looking around and seeing all the smiles on the kids faces last year. It really touched my heart.”
The event, which will take place at the Town and Country Centre between 1 and 4 p.m., will resemble the first gala, while building on its success. Loughman said several popular princesses will be available throughout the afternoon for photos, and the gala will also feature a number of family activities, games, a magic show, dances, a skit and lots of food and treats. Adults and children alike are encouraged to come in costume to increase the whimsical atmosphere.
“Come as a pirate or princess,” Loughman said. “Girls can come as pirates, boys can come as princesses. We don’t care; do what you want.”
Tickets are $20 per person, Loughman said, but any adult who purchases a ticket can bring two children under the age of three free of charge. Between attendees and volunteers, the event has capacity for around 300 people.
“Last year, we were three away from selling out,” Loughman said. “We had 250 people show up last year, so we’re hopefully going to sell out again this year.”
While other organizers were shocked at the success of the inaugural gala, Loughman said he had high expectations and was pleased when they were met. He anticipates this year's event will be as successful as the first. Loughman added, depending on how this year’s gala goes, organizers may look at a bigger location for future iterations.
“It give kids a safe and fun environment to play, meet other kids and just have a really great time – especially in February, when there’s not a lot going on, it’s kind of cold,” he said. “Also, I believe in leading by example.”
Loughman said he hopes gala participants will see the good the event does for the community and be inspired as it highlights the importance of giving back.
“This gets them involved,” he said. “Whether they’re pitching in or not, spending their allowance to come, at least it shows them it brings the community together. We’re all helping raise money for these not-for-profit organizations.”
Loughman believes the message of giving back is getting through to children, pointing to the 20 or so youth who are signed up to volunteer at this year’s event.
The first gala supported two charities – Volunteer Airdrie and Soap for Hope – and raised just more than $1,700 for each. Purchasing a ticket to this year’s event will once again help support the organizations, while Loughman’s own recently formed non-profit, Sober Friends Society, has also been added as a beneficiary.
Proceeds will be split evenly between the three organizations and Loughman said sponsor donations have covered all organizational expenses, meaning all proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the charities.
Visit eventbrite.com and search “Pirate and Princess Gala” to purchase tickets.
