Hazy Dayz continues to build community tradition in Esterhazy
June 8, 2026, 9:08 am
Joey Light
What began as a simple slo-pitch tournament has grown into one of Esterhazy’s biggest summer weekends, bringing together families, businesses, volunteers, and visitors for a celebration of community spirit.
Hazy Days 2026 will take place June 19-21 and will feature a full weekend of activities for all ages, organized entirely by volunteers.
“Hazy Days is a little different each year,” explained Organizer Hayley Nixon, who helps co-ordinate the event alongside Jade and Jen. “Something our committee has always said about Hazy Days is that there’s something for everybody.”
This year’s festivities begin Friday, June 19 with the second annual Hazy Dayz Tailgate Party, held across from the Esterhazy Warriors Alumni Football Game. The evening will include a live band, beer gardens and games. While former Warrior football players reunite for some friendly competition on the field.
Saturday’s lineup includes the Hazy Dayz Kid Zone and the fourth annual Hazy Days Slo-Pitch Tournament at the ball diamonds. The Kid Zone will feature bouncy houses, interactive games, face painting and treats for children throughout the day.
Other events taking place around the community on Saturday include the Esterhazy Ford Car Show, the Little Miners Pancake Breakfast, the Hazy Trail Race featuring five and 10-kilometre runs through the valley trails, a youth soccer tournament, specials at the Esterhazy Golf Course and Name That Tune/Karaoke at Esterhazy Chicken Chef. Beer gardens and concessions will also be open at the ball park throughout the afternoon.
The weekend wraps up Sunday with a group hike and yoga event honouring the Summer Solstice, as well as an afternoon matinee at the Maple Leaf Theatre.
While the organizing committee consists of only three people, Nixon said the success of Hazy Dayz depends heaviliy on community support.
“Hazy Dayz is organized and run entirely by volunteers,” she said. “Each of us dedicate a ton of time and energy toward this weekend event.”
The committee works closely with numerous community groups and organizations including the Kasposvar Historical Group, Lions Club, Senior Flyers, local daycares, the local hospital and the credit union. Many groups volunteer during the weekend while also using the event as an opportunity to raise funds for their own organizations.
“We encourage other groups, organizations and businesses to use our event as an opportunity,” Nixon explained, “An opportunity to fundraise, gain public attention, or plan their own events.”
Although Hazy Dayz has become a newer tradition in its current form, the event itself has deep roots in the community. Previously known as Sport & Pork Days and later Hazy Dayz, the event was a longtime staple in Esterhazy before the former committee disbanded after 2017.
The celebration returned in 2022 after Nixon initially planned to host only a slo-pitch tournament during the traditional Hazy Dayz weekend.
“My only intention was to host an annual slo-pitch tournament in Esterhazy,” she said. “The best slo-pitch tournaments, in my opinion have beer gardens and bouncy houses. Those were my priorities.”
After receiving permission from the former committee to revive the Hazy Dayz name, the first event exceeded expectations and inspired organizers to continue expanding it.
“The gratitude and support I experienced had easily convinced me to continue to expand Hazy Dayz into what it is now,” she said.
“Hazy Dayz was something I grew up knowing, and still holds so many nostolgic memories for me,” she said. “Now I have kids, and I continue to reside in Esterhazy. “Wouldn’t it be cool if my kids and the other kids in the community were to grow up and speak fondly of the Hazy Dayz weekend in Esterhazy?””
Organizers estimate the weekend typically brings between 100 and 200 out-of-town visitors into the community each year, while also giving local residents something to look forward to at the beginning of summer.
“At the end of the day, I believe it gives us as a community something to look forward to!” Nixon said.
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