A Canada Day parade amazed Wetaskiwin residents
The Canada Day celebration in Wetaskiwin kicked off with a massive parade on Monday, July 1.
The parade launched at around 11 a.m. at the city’s Main Street, at 50th Avenue between 47 St and 55A St.
Hundreds of residents lined up on the sides of Main Street, watching and greeting performers at the event.
Brian, a resident of Wetaskiwin stated that on Monday’s event, there were more people compared to previous years.
He continued, “The parade was wonderful. They’ve always been wonderful. (great) turnouts; beautiful weather.”
The event was sponsored by the City of Wetaskiwin and a number of groups in the community, with individuals walking along the street, cheering, greeting, performing, and distributing candies to younger participants.
Another Wetaskiwin resident, Macki explained what being a Canadian means to her.
“It means that we are free to be ourselves, and to celebrate what we celebrate without any fear,” she stated.
Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam also attended the event, spraying water using a water-spraying gun toy.
Some city councilors have also taken part in the event.
A Wetaskiwin resident stated that the overall economic situation of the county needs changes.
“We definitely need some changes in this country. I mean there are thousands of ways we can do that. But everyone got to pull together as a Canadian and figure stuff out,” he insisted.
Meanwhile, non-profit Wetaskiwin, Family, and Community Support Services has also organized a family-friendly Canada Day carnival at its location.
Children could have tattoos, play axe throwing, cornhole, basketball, or practice fishing in an inflated kiddy tub at the event.
Emily Thompson, the charity's Managing Director, said that their event is one of Canada Day's main attractions in the city.
“We added a lot more outdoor games this year. We also added more staff for older kids as well, cause sometimes they get missed,” she detailed.
The charity organizes such events annually to commemorate the Canada Day.
This year’s carnival started at noon until 3:30 p.m. at 40 Ave.
Qiam Noori, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ponoka News
