Strathmore to celebrate third annual Alberta Day

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For the third year running since its proclamation, Strathmore is set to celebrate local and national heritage through Alberta Day, scheduled for the end of August. 

Though the actual occasion takes place Sept. 1, in line with the 1905 Alberta Act coming into effect, the Town of Strathmore set the festivities for Aug. 28 in order to line up with the local farmers’ market. 

“The purpose of the event is really just to celebrate our community, our province, (and) the day that Alberta became a part of Confederation,” said Johnathan Strathdee, manager of communications, marketing, and legislative services for the Town of Strathmore. “This is something that the town proclaimed and started up a handful of years ago. We have seen (growing) interest in it; it is becoming more of a regular event in our community.”

He added Alberta Day stands as a big closing out event of the summer for the town prior to local youth returning to school. 

Strathmore as a municipality was eligible for and was successful in receiving a $5,000 grant from the province in order to support hosting festivities. According to the town, access to the grant allowed them to engage with local entertainers to supplement the event. 

The grant provided by the province was noted to cover more than half of the total costs to the town for putting on the local festivities.

“This year, we have a pretty great stage lineup; we have some Indigenous dancers and entertainers coming, we have some local performers who will be singing, and then there are some events for the kids, so we will have bouncy castles, and the kids’ train driving around (Kinsmen) Park,” said Strathdee.

“We try to make sure that there is entertainment for all ages, and then obviously, we try to align with our farmers’ market as well on that Friday so there will be opportunities for people to get their vegetables from the market.”

Strathdee described the occasion as being an opportunity for Strathmore to come together, similar to Canada Day, to not only celebrate local heritage, but also what makes up the local community.

Mirroring the national holiday, several organizations will also be set up with booths and tables around the park to engage with residents about projects, programming, and local resources. 

“This is a celebration of Alberta becoming a province in our country. That is the purpose of the event, and all residents are welcome to attend,” added Strathdee. “Our community has shown, I think, over the summer that they just like to get together and celebrate as a community … we are excited to have an event for all community members.”

Festivities will be taking place centered around Kinsmen Park between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. that day.