The Town of Taber’s Cornfest celebration kicked off Thursday with a little celebration of its 2026 puck luck. The town will receive $250,000 on Thursday night as its prize for being named Kraft Hockeyville champions last April. Last December, a fuel leak from a Zamboni caused an explosion at the ice rink. Since then, the attached community centre and large ice area have reopened. The quarter of a million bucks will go a long way to helping rebuild the hockey rink, local officials say. Taber Mayor Andrew Prokop said he is “thrilled” to welcome the Hockeyville funds. “Hockey has been huge in this area, so it’s huge to have this arena up and running and ready to go again,” he said. “Whether it’s public skating, figure skating, hockey (or) lacrosse during the off-season, it’s a huge part of our community.” Four-time Stanley Cup champion and former Edmonton Oilers captain and head coach Craig MacTavish made an appearance at the festivities, where he signed photos for fans. He told CTV News Taber is a “great hockey town” and he was glad to see the support to rebuild the rink. “No one comes together like small communities in times of semi-crisis like that, so it’s really good that the community rallies around it and is supported by Kraft Hometown,” MacTavish said. Following a parade, the grounds opened Thursday, including the Westcoast Amusements midway. Other events throughout the weekend include entertainment, a corn-eating contest and more. Organizers say if it wasn’t for the community’s support, Cornfest wouldn’t be what it is today. The festival runs through Saturday. — with files from Karsen Marczuk
