MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Hat is playing host to Rogers Hometown Hockey in less than three weeks.
There’s already a banner hanging on the clock tower at City Hall advertising the event.
More banners, flags and flyers are expected to go up downtown in the next couple of weeks.
The event on March 4 and 5 will showcase stories of local hockey alumni and up-and-coming talent.
Hockey lovers can also expect some special appearances by former NHL stars.
Rogers will be broadcasting live from downtown Medicine Hat on March 5, featuring Ron MacLean and Tara Slone.
There will also be an outdoor viewing party for the game that night between the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks. The event will also include entertainment, food, hot drinks and is free to the public.
The City of Medicine Hat will be spending $20,000 on the event, and was included in the 2017 Parks and Recreation budget.
Scott Richter with the city says the money will help turn the weekend into a full winter festival with a big kickoff party downtown on March 3.
“We have some pre-events leading up to [Hometown Hockey],” he said. “
“We’re going to close down Second Street and have kind of a kick-off party.
“Buildings will be open, restaurants, food trucks, vendors and probably some fireworks at the end just to kick everything off.”
