Rogers Hometown Hockey has taken over downtown Lacombe, and business owners in the core are getting ready for the influx of an expected ten thousand people this weekend.

Owner of Sweet Capones Joel Moran says they are getting some of their hockey memorabilia out of storage for the occasion.

“We're getting our jersey up, lots of memorabilia coming in. We've got a few fun things we are bringing in, we got a big, 6 foot stand-up of Ron and Don signed by them. The weather is supposed to be a little cold but it looks good here we have the stage out front so we can have a nice little coffee or latte and listen to the music.”

He says that most of his memorabilia is donated from friends and family, and they are looking at getting some local jerseys to display as well, like from the Generals or the Lacombe Rockets.

The main stage is located on the east side of 50th avenue facing west, making Sweet Capones a prime spot to catch all the action.

Co-owner of Elite Bridal Tracy Pluister says they will have a different look in their shop this weekend.

“All our staff is wearing jerseys that day, which is kind of odd for us at a bridal shop to have staff come in wearing hockey jersey’s on Saturday, usually we are dressed up. I think everyone is bringing family down for the weekend as well.”

Elite Bridal, along with a number of other downtown businesses, will also be open on Sunday this weekend.

The two-day hockey festival begins on Saturday at noon at the Flat Iron building and will conclude late Sunday afternoon following the outdoor viewing party starting at 10:30am of the Senators and Canadiens game.