As summer draws to a close and families gear up to send their children back to school, an event is being held to commemorate Alberta's attainment of provincial status in 1905. Alberta Day is set to captivate both residents and visitors this Saturday, Sept. 2 with festivities scheduled to take place from 1 to 10 p.m. at Nose Creek Regional Park.
This year’s celebration will kick off with a captivating culture and heritage celebration, aiming to transport attendees through the province's rich history. The proceedings will commence with a resonant indigenous prayer, paying homage to the land's original custodians.
Adding a delightful touch to the festivities, a ceremonial birthday cake will be sliced and shared among the first 118 attendees, symbolizing the years that have passed since Alberta's establishment. Guests will also be able to explore the Nose Creek Valley Museum, gaining insight into the province's roots.
Later in the afternoon, an old-fashioned picnic will be held with various activities and games available at the park for everyone to enjoy at their leisure. Additionally, families and friends can gather around a warm fire pit and share hot dogs as they spend quality time together in a welcoming community.
Kristen Shima, who is a community developer from the City of Airdrie, also encourages attendees to bring some of their own food.
“[The event] will also include about 16 games that kids can be a part of, from tug of war, horseshoe, bingo, so we will have a lot available on site for that day,” she said.
Shima emphasized that this celebration marks the second of its kind, with organizers aiming to capture the essence of community to create an enchanting experience for everyone.
As the sun sets, the festivities will transition into a movie night, a treat suitable for all age groups.
“We will have a double movie feature," she said. "For the first one, it’s going to be Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and the second movie will be The Princess Bride. People can bring blankets, chairs, and snacks to munch on."
The organizers have thoughtfully planned an environmentally conscious event, urging attendees to carpool, scoot or bike to the festivities. For those who choose to drive, parking arrangements are being made to ensure convenience for all. Regular transit services will also be available during the time of the event.
The Alberta Day celebration promises to be a vibrant and engaging event, marking the province’s extraordinary journey. Attendees will have the chance to immerse and learn about the province's heritage, enjoy games and a charming picnic, and conclude the day with a double movie feature under the stars.
For those seeking more information about this event, they can visit www.airdrie.ca.
